JDM Mini Canvas II

[Merlin]

I am creating this post as a start for the update to a new-to-me mini. I still have BondoRocket sitting and waiting for more time or motivation.

I picked this mini up a month or so ago on a whim. I really wanted to get a smaller car as I drive my truck all over the place at around 20Kmiles/year. Not entirely sure it was a great idea, but when have I ever had a logical one.



This is a 1992 1.0L Auto. I saw it on BAT and bought it because it appeared to be rust-free, working sunroof and an AC that blows cold. It turns out that none of those things were true.

Additionally, Data on these cars is hard to find. Google says that only 400 of these canvas cars were created and its likely that 200 of them exist. I spend more time researching. ChatGTP, TheMiniForums and somerford minis has been limiting in help.

Car showed up looking good but worn. A few things of note were that the sunroof would not close all the way. The engine was packed full of emissions stuff. Seat foam was worn in critical spots. Lots of japaneese aftermarket stuff wildly wired. The first drive involved the car overheating two miles from home.

After digging into the car, I found that all of the vacuum lines were toast, carb was worn, radiator shroud and fan were shot and the front right wheel was making contact with the fender. I noticed on the short drive that the car had "terrible torque steer" which is probably more a worn suspension issue.

The interesting thing to learn is that these cars were sent over to Japan from England and then modified. The car is full of imperial hardware, and then when you come across a Japanese market addon, its metric. Electrical is a mix between nissan and lucas. No exact wiring diagrams exists, and the components that were added are tied in with those insulated wire splices.



So what to do....

I really want a daily driver. I find myself driving often as a single rider. I need a car that is fun and quirky, yet I need to trust it.

The list of goals for this are below.

Fix the sunroof, or replace with something else
Refresh the seats and seat cushions
Suspension refreshed and corrected
Emissions removed (within reason)
AC system rethink and revamp
Engine clean and reinstall
Apple Car Play
Remote locks
New wiring harness
Convert to LHD

I am sure that more will come.