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@Stak666 2" lift on all terrains looks pretty cool!
But what I love most is backdrop - What part of the region are you in.?
I'm definitely feeling the SW vibe again.
So i went on vacation last week with the Family and the R53 got to sit at home for a week. Went out this morning and she fired right up like i had been driving her for days, so missed her. Got to put a resonator on her though, apparently Florida doesnt like loud exhaust and im not in the mood to get pulled over for it.
This afternoon while sifting through some old photos reminiscing about my previous career - I came across a picture, circa 2003, of project I was contracted to model for a amusement ride company.
Coincidentally this job coincided just a few weeks after I received my pre-facelift 04 R53 which enabled me to reference in aid to sculpting their model.
The details of the work to be done was held confidential. No information was provided to me other than the model was to be used for scan data for an up coming theme park attraction in Ohio (?).
I never gave it much thought after I submitted the model...Until today....I had to google it.
While I can't say that my (borderline/less than accurate) rendition of a Mini Cooper sculpture was actually used to manipulate this into a ride-car, (I'm not sure why they couldn't just scan a real Mini?),
It does bring a smile to my face to remember days gone by when the excitement of the Gen 1 Mini made it's first appearance.
Last edited by Here2Go; Sep 27, 2024 at 07:56 AM.
Reason: "ride-car" Not "car ride"
Yes - (from what I've read): The original concept for the 'Mini Cooper coaster ride' originally debut as the "Italian Job Stunt Track" (circa 2005) as pictured in my previous post.
It only makes sense (to me), now, since I had done a lot of work with Paramount Parks and Six Flags (early on), during those past years... It might be possible that my maquette may have actually been used/scanned (?).
Anyway --
Apparently, in 2007, the original coaster ride was 'de-branded' as the "Italian Job" and renamed as the "Backlot Stunt Coaster"...
But look what they've now done to the original ride-car's aesthetics....
Kings Island - Canada
Kings Island - Ohio
All for the sake of avoiding/expired IP royalties or the branding having less popularity over last 20 years (i.e: the movie).
Undoubtedly stripped of its markings but still remains iconically MINI.
Regardless - Enjoy the ride. Continue to enjoy the pleasure of driving your 1st Gen R50/R53 MINI
EDIT:
BTW - After watching a POV video of the "Los Angeles stunt track" ride; I can only remark as how it pales in comparison the the thrill of driving my R53 in the mountainous area where I now live
The coaster still looks fun enough to ride though.
Let me first preface by stating that this should not be construed as an advertisement or endorsement.
I will probably get the eyeroll for this one.
I've long believe in fixing a problem rather than prolong the inevitable with a quick bubble gum and a band-aid.repair.
Chasing oil leaks in a MINI (or German cars for that matter), on the otherhand, can be an endless, sometimes demoralizing and costly task.
A few weeks ago I'd finally gotten around to replacing the oil pan gasket on my Mini that has been leaking badly for years. About 3oz + a day. After replacing the oil pan gasket; I was disappointed to still find a 2" diam oil spot in the drive way each time I parked the car.
It turns out the timing chain cover gasket is also in need of attention. (The timing chain was replaced a few years prior @ 58k mi). Although, I often have avoided/refuse to use oil additives such as "stop-leak" - This time I was swayed into try using the AT-205 stop leak additive (for the time being), recommended to me by a mechanic/friend....
Before September 4, 2024 - I added 6oz AT-205 @104,587 miles.
After October 3, 2024 - @104,893 miles (just under 1/2 qt of oil leaked in 1 month)
Whilst I won't ignore the fact that timing chain or gasket leak still needs to be addressed...
I am ultimately surprised as a result in just 300 miles.
Today I can rest easy for now.
...That is - until I'll have to dig deep into my wallet and have my Mini up on jack stands once again.
Last edited by Here2Go; Oct 22, 2024 at 02:12 PM.
Reason: Correction = "AT-205" NOT 'ATF'
Hmm... well, if you don't have time to get underneath I guess we can give this a pass. I fortunately have a completely dry engine. It's gone through all the typical leaks over the years, but since I started working it myself I take that little extra time and attention to make sure things are cleaned and seated properly, and I use a thin film of RTV on those gaskets that are a bear to replace (like on the crank position sensor). I honestly think the bad reputation foreign cars get is from mechanics who don't know how to work on them doing sloppy repairs! I can't tell you how many missing or broken clips, nuts, bolts and other issues I found with my car once I started learning about it and doing progressively more and more of the work on it myself. For example, for years I didn't know our cars were supposed to have a splash guard behind the font bumper (to protect the AC compressor, etc.) because years ago a mechanic took mine off and never replaced it!
All is good in the garage today, I did replace a Passenger Side Window Channel Assembly the Cable Stop jumped out of the keeper on the rear side of the old one, the crimped Cable Stop was a bit undersized, and it just kept popping out when the window topped out. So, I replaced it ... $91.00 total for the assembly and about 2 hours to remove the old swap over the motor and reinstall. So #24 is happy again.
Seat delete on the Dakar Mini is done. Use 1/2 birch ply as the base. On the top side I cut down an anti fatigue mat to fit the ply. I wanted is have a barrier between the the wood and the upholstery vinyl covering so if my pup was taking a ride with me, she would be a bit more comfortable. It also adds sound insulation too.
Thanks. but -
Life is too short.
It's always been about the people who you spend 10hrs a day with.
I've never quit a job because I didn't like the work.
I feel as if I've just been paroled
Not today but last week, I held my promise - Me and Monkey:
I set a course in my Mini from Northern GA, Southbound to Florida to pay homage in respect for my little co-pilot (Skye), of 12 years, who had sadly passed away back in April of this year.
"Monkey" (Skye's favorite toy since she was a pup), now sits in her place as we made the 540 mile journey to spread her ashes over her favorite playground where she was once free to romp and explore -
I spread her ashes throughout a 15+ acre dedicated dog park situated on a lake surrounded by woods and natural walking trails.
"Monkey" can never take the place of my little co-pilot. But he now resides seated as my passenger. Sewn within him a small vial of Skye's ashes.
After spending a couple of ceremonial hours walking the trails reminiscing about the fun we once had; It was time to head back to Ga.
2,000 Light years from "home":
The next morning I found myself packing up the Mini without much cause. As much as I enjoyed my short time spent in Northern Ga - I couldn't help but feel; "Maybe this country life just ain't for me".
' Packed up and weighted down with 180lbs of tools, spare 'prone to fail' emergency parts, and a small suitcase; I was back on the road. Chasing the horizon. Headed west...
Sunrise over Buc-ee's...(somewhere in middle East Texas)
Rest stops by day or night
I'm a little OCD. I made it a practice stopping every 300mi to wash the Mini, scrub dirt off the wheels and of course - will not tolerate dirty floor mats.
Ominous clouds looming above the mesa.
I was amazed and somewhat disappointed that having traveled across 3 state lines; I still had yet to come across or see one single Mini in 800+ miles.
Although, nearly every time I made a pit stop someone usually approached me and asked me about my Mini...as if they've never seen one before but olny heard about them in fairy tales.
I was taken by their genuine interest in the car. It seems to me many folks are partial to driving big-a$$ truck these days(?)...
As I continued to rip down the desolate back roads through the middle of the Texas "wasteland", dodging, potholes, roadkill, tumbleweeds and the occasional coyote, I had seen nothing but pickup trucks and 18 wheeler's for the last 12 hours. Then - almost out of nowhere I spot a familiar sight down the road distinctly in the form of a Mini.
Like your typical out-of-towner (or your typical Mini enthusiast) - Obviously, I just had to stop...
Crazy to see a R55 way out here...There doesn't even seem to be a town for 80 miles in either direction!
Remnants of the once thriving lost to time...
So many little old towns along the way - boarded up and abandoned. The near epitome of a ghost town...
Having to keep both hands on the wheel; I couldn't take as many scenic shots as I would've liked. However the above pics are just a small example of the many little towns like this that have fallen into decay.
Mere relics of decades gone by.
Good grief!
From my starting point/1,080 mile roundtrip from Northern GA to Central FL then another 1,600 miles heading out West (2,680 miles at this point), This was a sight I've dreaded since I was a kid!. Having to walk to school in the freezing snow ...
It's been 45years since I've seen even this slight amount of frozen fluffiness - ugh!
Finally clear as I enter "The Land of Enchantment"....
"Did I do any gambling?" - you might ask? - Not a chance! - I just gambled 2wo hours of my life driving through that dreaded snow storm.
So, so far - I'm happy to say that everything was ok last week and ..today
Great post. So sorry for your loss. Pets are part of the family and it's always hard to say goodbye.
Thanks for the condolences guys @ATK666 . I agree - Our furry loved ones are indeed special family members. They deserve nothing less than the utmost love, care and respect from us.
I feel that Skye made this journey with me in spirit.
Originally Posted by MCS4FUN
Nice memorial to Skye and chronology of your trip as of yesterday. Where are you now and what destination/route planned?
Hey @MCS4FUN, Well, my initial destination was for Sedona. I'm currently out in ABQ headed for Santa Fe for a short time. I'm unsure if I'll continue on to Sedona due to finances (I'll have to run the numbers again).
Except for the cold temps and snowfall (8" overnight ) - I love it out here.
Preface: In my adolescent years I grew up in the North Eastern region of the country. We moved around frequently across many states and have experienced my fair share of (snowy) winters.
During my young adulthood I finally escaped the wintery North after having (finally)gotten my driver license, building my first car and headed down to the sun-drenched beaches of Florida's Gulf Coast.
I'll never forget one year on Christmas day while cruising along the beach coast road - It was a warm, sunny, dry, blustery 85°; The wind had swept the sugar white sands from the beach over the roadway for miles, which appeared as snowdrifts.
If shown a photo, one would have thought it was a photo of a snow covered hwy - if it weren't for the palm trees lining the roadway. The memory of that Christmas day has stayed with me now for some 30 years.
Having now relocated to the South West, I thought it might be just as memorable if I spent my Christmas day with my Mini, down in the White Sands National Park of New Mexico to take in the beauty of the vastness of pure white dunes that the region is known for.
Today (Christmas day); After making a few preparations (checking oil, coolant, tire pressure...), I headed out in my Mini for the long 220 mi/3hr+ drive Southbound across the mountainous desert to White Sands,
As I neared White Sands - I made a foolish attempt in thinking I could get better view of the vast sugar white sprawl by traveling down the restricted back road into the White Sands' Proving Grounds....Bad idea... White Sands Proving Grounds restricted entrance just ahead...
...I was stopped by armed security. Questioned. Then kindly asked to turn around. But not before the (armed) guards remarked about how cool my little R53 was. (I'm not surprised. Not many Minis' in that neck of the desert).
20-30 miles down the road I finally arrived at the entrance of the White Sands National Park welcome center. Due to my lack of planning - only to discover that the park was closed on Christmas day!
So I continued on 20 miles down the hwy that stretched along the length of the park in an effort to at least try to find a reasonable spot where I could pull over and get a scenic shot with my Mini in the frame.
Upon finding a suitable location off the side of the hwy; ^^^This was a close as I could get^^^
Unfortunately, my phone was dead. As I began loading in a back-up battery, a sheriff's cruiser pulled up behind me. (Nice guy) - He questioned me about why had turned around a few miles back on the hwy - "just before a state check-point".
Unbeknown to me - there was a state check-point (I hadn't noticed) up the hwy when I turned around. I assured him that I had no idea there was a check-point ahead and certainly had no intention of avoiding one.
He also asked about my Georgia license plate and what made me decide to move out to a desert (state). I expressed my desire to drive and enjoy adventurous (unplanned) road trips.
He finally remarked at how "neat of a little car" my Mini was and that "he had never seen one up close before". I couldn't resist (lighthearted) sarcasm by responding " Well that's cool. At least they weren't speeding".
He chuckled - just before wishing me a merry Christmas and a safe journey - sending me on my way.
So unfortunately I didn't quite get the glamour shot I was hoping for; with my Mini forefront of miles of white sandy dunes stretched across the background. So started heading back, 200 mi Northward from where I came....
I decided to stop off for a moment to draft this post, parked in front of a (closed for x-mas) souvenir shop (in the middle of nowhere).
I had left the key in the ignition/second position for about an hour (car not running), in order to keep my laptop's battery charged.
However, this was long enough to drain my Mini's battery. The car wouldn't start. I was lucky to get enough traction (in the dirt), to push start the Mini in just a few feet.
400+ miles round-trip - the Mini ran great (as usual). In addition, manage 270 miles per 3/4 tank running 91 octane cruising @ an average of 75 - 85mph.
roll for this one.
I fortunately have a completely dry engine. It's gone through all the typical leaks over the years, but since I started working it myself I take that little extra time and attention to make sure things are cleaned and seated properly, and I use a thin film of RTV on those gaskets that are a bear to replace (like on the crank position sensor). I honestly think the bad reputation foreign cars get is from mechanics who don't know how to work on them doing sloppy repairs! I can't tell you how many missing or broken clips, nuts, bolts and other issues I found with my car once I started learning about it and doing progressively more and more of the work on it myself. For example, for years I didn't know our cars were supposed to have a splash guard behind the font bumper (to protect the AC compressor, etc.) because years ago a mechanic took mine off and never replaced it! 
) - I love it out here.
