Recent posts

#41

Maintenance and Modifications / Re: Wheel bearings?

Last post by MPlayle - October 10, 2026, 03:13:46 PM

Made a start on the new hubs: I installed the new "shimless" ball joints on the hubs and greased them in preparation for that effort.

I also reviewed my service records and I have NOT had the current hubs apart, so I don't know how old they are.  I did install a set of the "shimless" ball joints in May/June 2023, but that is the only thing I have done to the front hubs.

#42

The Lounge / Re: What did you do in your sh...

Last post by MPlayle - October 10, 2026, 03:08:50 PM

Worked a little on both cars:
1) Flipped the tow ball on the hitch of the Subaru from a 1.75" rise to a 2" drop for better use when flat towing the Mini.
2) Mounted the new "shimless" ball joints on the new hubs for the Mini as a start of that process.

#43

Cars for sale/wanted / ‘68 Mk2 Austin Cooper on BaT

Last post by Scargo - October 10, 2026, 12:50:12 PM

I just listed this. Auction closes on Oct 15.

Edited by moderator to add link:
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1968-austin-mini-cooper/

#44

Maintenance and Modifications / Re: ARP rocker studs lengths

Last post by ADRay - October 09, 2026, 06:11:57 PM

Thanks

#45

The Lounge / Re: Evolve or die

Last post by Dan Moffet - October 09, 2026, 02:24:19 PM

I'm reading the stories about survey discrepancies and have my own small version.
Around 1997 we bought a 1950's suburban bungalow on a cul-de-sac. Instead of being a usual pie-shaped lot, ours has 5 sides and is the second largest in the development. For the sale, our lawyer came up with the original 1950's subdivision plan.

Being an AutoCaddie for architects and engineers since DOS days, I decided to draft our property from the survey. All boundaries worked except the northerly side, where it wouldn't close by about 2 feet or more. To figure out my "mistake" I proceeded to plot out the surrounding properties, which confirmed work except for the problem side. Not a problem really because neither me or my next door neighbour were planning to do anything.

A while later, one of my "behind" neighbours (we have 2 rear lot lines) put up a tall fence (more than the bylaw allowed). He offered to let me pay have.... I declined! He also raised the grading along the fence by over 2 feet to level out his yard. I did report this to the city for the record, though not to start a fight. After he was done, I found a "1 inch square iron bar" he and his buddies cast aside when they dug their first post hole - they assumed the hydro pole was on the line (it isn't).

After a few years, I had the opportunity to convert and extend the carport into a proper garage, making a proper home for my Mini. That's when I needed a current survey, which settled the side line discrepancy. The surveyors also drove a survey nail into his fencepost concrete.

All that really mattered is that I got my garage!

Of course the City now has this all on-line in their property database.

#46

Maintenance and Modifications / Re: Electric a/c for Minis

Last post by MiniDave - October 09, 2026, 09:03:43 AM

I figure with such a small area to cool it should be adequate, plus too and also, I'm not out driving on 95* days if I can help it!

To me, it will help just being able to close the windows for less travel noise.

#47

Maintenance and Modifications / Re: Electric a/c for Minis

Last post by MPlayle - October 09, 2026, 07:54:47 AM

One thing I have been finding in my research: the cooling capacity of the 12 volt electric compressors is better than it used to be, but not yet comparable to belt driven compressors.

As long as you are realistic about your expectations, they are still a viable option for our Minis, just don't expect to get 40* output.  You are most likely going to get 60*-70* output, which for me is vastly better than 90*+ ambient in a Van with sliding windows and wispy little USB dash fans for when stopped.

If I can get the alternator output requirement solved, I will likely go forward with the effort.

#48

Maintenance and Modifications / Re: ARP rocker studs lengths

Last post by cstudep - October 09, 2026, 07:41:35 AM

Long studs go in the outer pedestals shorter ones go in the inner pedestals.

#49

Maintenance and Modifications / ARP rocker studs lengths

Last post by ADRay - October 09, 2026, 05:46:03 AM

I spent almost 5 minutes on Google (I know) to find out which rocker studs go in what pedestals on the rocker arm.

Is it the long or the short ones that the valve cover screws to? Thanks

#50

The Lounge / Re: Evolve or die

Last post by Jims5543 - October 09, 2026, 05:20:08 AM

My outgoing voicemail for my business makes it VERY VERY obvious we prefer to work via email.

You are given the email address numerous times during the outgoing message.

It is extremely annoying when someone calls and leaves a message to call back because THEY NEED YOU TO EMAIL A FILE.