Hey Gang! Hope I'm posting in the right forum .......
Based upon the great advice I received here a while back, I am now the proud owner of a "classic" Mini Cooper. Gosh, it's fun to drive!!!
But I'm still learning.
Now THE question; Where do I buy parts such as brake pads, fan belts, oil filter etc. The "general maintenance" type stuff. Any chance the local auto parts store like Napa will have a clue?
I want to replace the front pads and possible the rotors, as well as fan belt and all filters.

Thanks!
-steve

 

Welcome, Wannabee!
yes, a lot of the routine stuff is available still at local autoshops - you just have to ask for MG midget parts ( for ignition stuff and water pumps and various other things ... the interchangeability is fantastic!) ...
But you should also get to know the people at Mini City Ltd. in Webster, NY ( http://www.minicityltd.com ) who have stocked everything since they opened in 1967.
There is also Mini Mania in California who also stock new MINI parts as well as the Classic - and they have more in the way of 'racer' stuff ...

 

thanks for the reply, 8ball! I'll certainly check out minicity.
I was kinda hoping that I could get the "routine" stuff local, but I'm so "dumb" about my "new" old Mini, I don't even know how to ask good questions. I do know it's a 93 Rover 1.3i .... but that's about it!

 

Opps! ... a '93 Rover version won't have many parts in common with any of the older Morris' or MG's ... looks like mail-order will be your best bet; Once you find the part numbers at the online sources, though, you will be able to get the oil filters and belts anywhere ... anything else, and you'll have to wait a week for UPS to deliver it ...

The 1.3 is virtually the same as the old 1275's (the old 1275 'S' and the Austin America 1275 were actually different from each other - but close enough), but you have fuel injection instead of carb's, and the clutch/flywheel assembly is not the same, etc .... many things were 'updated' as they tried to keep it modern enough to still compete in the market ...

 

Try this URL

http://www.spimports.com

That's Self Preservation Imports, well named firm.

 

Don't forget Seven Enterprises Ltd. http://www.w3rite.com/seven/
These are great guys, Jack Holdoway probably knows as much about Minis as anyone. They even have their own in-house machine shop.

 

Also DJ's Minis in Ocala FL (djminis.com) is affiliated with Mini Sport in the UK and can access anything you need. There's also Craig's Auto in Vancouver BC craigsauto.com. You can also check prices directly in the UK as some items are cheaper even with shipping. Try Minisport.com or Minispares.com All ones mentioned thus far are excellent providers with prompt service.

 

WOW! Great info! I really appreciate it!
Sure wish I could get some brake pads local, though, but they're not to be had, not even at a place with the name "British Auto Parts"
Having the rotors turned today and, luckily, my pad do have some life left in them.

-steve

 

There are lots of Mini's spread around the country ..... i'm not sure about Georgia, but a big active group is in Floida ( http://www.mini.org/flame/ ) and checking their membership may help you find a close parts supplier ...