Hi everyone!
At the behest of LilDrunkenSmurf, guess I'm joining the party over here. 17.gif
When one door closes, another one opens.
Time to get a new adventure going!
(http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n205/dj_flipster/1_zpsa4knexny.jpg)
1995 Rover Mini Cooper in 83,000ish original kms. FUEL INJECTION, BABY! JDM.
(http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n205/dj_flipster/2_zps2sqzgl2d.jpg)
Already had my first adventure in the rain couple of weeks ago lol.
Driving out of downtown in the rain and it was sputtering. Thought it was wheel spin, but it died.
I definitely wouldn't have made it up the hill, so I used the offramp to bumpstart back into life and prayed to make it to a gas station.
Made it to the Shell through luck and timing and looked around:
(http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n205/dj_flipster/5_zpssugvdu3f.jpg)
Kinda need that...
Also, LABELS WERE IN JAPANESE. That was fun lol. Just followed the wiring and see where it led.
(http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n205/dj_flipster/3_zpszd0vhzgn.jpg)
Saved my ass as always, Leatherman.
Also, distributor was soaking wet. Who puts it in the front of the grille?! Love the quirkiness.
(http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n205/dj_flipster/6_zps14cub8rz.jpg)
(http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n205/dj_flipster/4_zpsotfbxqac.jpg)
Dried it up using paper towels, rigged a Shell-branded shield for now so I can get to work. NAILED IT.
(http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n205/dj_flipster/13606626_10154276421239820_6045607582175545464_n_zpsyt2drywj.jpg)
Some other issues:
- AC clutch won't engage
- There's a short on the headlight, keeping it on during drives
- Suspension is bouncy, like I have stiff coilovers
- Also eats up a lot of 20W50. Losing half quart a week or so. Head valve is probably leaking like a sieve
Already looking for interior upgrades. :D
Took a day off today to do some easy touch ups and learn more about the car.
I checked the dipstick and it was really dry, so I stuck a quart of 10w20 and all is well. Might do a flush tomorrow or this weekend because the weight is too light and it needs 20w50.
(http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n205/dj_flipster/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsk7qcp2ws.jpeg)
Next, cleaned up the wiring in the trunk with some zip ties,
(http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n205/dj_flipster/7A8D6849-6669-43AE-9907-CEEC1F1C40AB_zpsjbivgiux.jpg)
(http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n205/dj_flipster/2BDB0ADD-C0C6-4868-81AC-03B323A8809F_zpsh7qbaaxp.jpg)
I then bought a buddy's woodshop project from junior high and mounted his unused knob onto mine! It was flimsy at first, but once I knew the thread pitch I superglued a coupling and all is well! I think it suits the car. Just need the wheel to be wooden as well.
Thanks, Jason!
(http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n205/dj_flipster/784EBF1A-0B88-44F4-84D6-483749479E04_zpsgprzasct.jpg)
(http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n205/dj_flipster/372B2CDF-6527-4410-9A44-A8AF4D31BA23_zps7rijhfow.jpg)
(http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n205/dj_flipster/EEC18A35-F47E-4958-B8FB-D64227745B58_zpsypie9itj.jpg)
(http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n205/dj_flipster/8E4AA2F5-750F-4F4B-82A1-070DEF545AB9_zpszaqdqolg.jpg)
Last week was maintenance weekend! As I build my parts order coming from the U.K., it's time to do some basic fun stuff.
10W40 was too light and I noticed that it's eating up half a quart every week (not sure if it's a leak or just the heat/gears disintegrating the oil), but changing it up to the recommended 20W50 weight.
Oil filter is accessible through the removable grille.
Apparently, the last time this got an oil change was ~3-4 weeks ago.
(http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n205/dj_flipster/10FFD191-3A8E-458F-8F72-80B176487F55_zpskijcf85h.jpg)
Pretty jet black for a month old oil, so either the 10W40 can't handle the heat and just breaking down faster than normal or not month-old oil.
(http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n205/dj_flipster/4C1624BF-8081-4B5D-9D7C-8AC9E8C83050_zpsqllmp1jm.jpg)
(http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n205/dj_flipster/90D7BACA-6BFE-4FDD-B82D-6A52AD67998F_zpsjeeezu2a.jpg)
Meanwhile, rusty screws were easy using the trust WD
(http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n205/dj_flipster/DD990171-F79E-4340-96BC-EDC4EF7A1863_zpsgh78qzsw.jpg)
Turn signals were giving me grief during this downpour. I wonder why.
(http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n205/dj_flipster/79919149-1A83-4146-9469-4B6C33226F34_zpso1tnrbjx.jpg)
[bimg]http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n205/dj_flipster/8F650318-4B84-46B8-B06D-065CA5F07DDA_zpswb4xji4k.jpg[/bimg]
So much rust and water exposure!
DIY distributor shield: done.
(http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n205/dj_flipster/4397D642-4F41-48C1-ABC4-9B8CEAD8504E_zpsdm9fpuc0.jpg)
(http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n205/dj_flipster/C6A1C288-83B1-44C0-A1F4-C4F44DBF4468_zpsqeplov7w.jpg)
Just used thin rubber/foam composite. Will monitor if it's causing overheating.
Welcome to the forum! If this happens again my brother who lives in England said a rubber glove with the ends of the fingers cut out is a good stop gap! ;D
The factory put a shield on later cars that hooked onto the valve cover and laid over the front of the engine so as to not block airflow to the rad, but it's cool enough up there in the Great White North that it may not be an issue for you.....
(http://ipocars.com/imgs/a/d/g/t/i/mini__cooper_spi_10__1996_5_lgw.jpg)
Be sure to run oil with Zinc in it or ZDDP, otherwise you will destroy the camshaft and lifters. I also use 20W50....changing oil every 3K is a good idea on these cars...unlike modern cars that easily go 7-10K on a change.
Common oil leak points on that car are where the shift rod goes into the transmission (cheap and easy repair with a seal kit) and the valve cover gasket - also cheap and easy. On the VC gasket, I glue it to the cover, then use a thin layer of grease on the engine side so it's easy to remove the cover to adjust the valves.
Thanks, MiniDave!
I found this PDF that I uploaded in my site regarding the ZDDP levels in the 20W50 Castrol GTX.
Before this, I owned a 1973 Land Rover and used Rotella T6 5W40. Seemed to have liked that blend.
https://doncommando.files.wordpress.com/2016/07/response_to_zddp_article_from_castrol.pdf
Welcome to the forum. I am on Beyond.ca as well. If you want the coils let me know.
Quote from: flipstah on July 21, 2016, 09:14:46 AM
Thanks, MiniDave!
I found this PDF that I uploaded in my site regarding the ZDDP levels in the 20W50 Castrol GTX.
Before this, I owned a 1973 Land Rover and used Rotella T6 5W40. Seemed to have liked that blend.
https://doncommando.files.wordpress.com/2016/07/response_to_zddp_article_from_castrol.pdf
Good to know that we have another choice of oil for our old classics...I had heard that Rotella was another good choice, along with a Valvoline (ZR?) I use Brad Penn as it's readily available here in KC and reasonably priced. I have never heard of a "cam break in paste" with high levels of Moly......that the article mentions, going to have to look into this.
LDS and I drove around and he definitely recommend I check my rubber cones for replacement.
I was able to find the 'original' owner that brought it from Japan and he said he hasn't touched the suspension for it might be due for a change.
Not sure what else to change while I'm in there, but let's have a peek and build that Minispares list. 62.gif
Quote from: AcesLow on July 21, 2016, 09:46:30 AM
Welcome to the forum. I am on Beyond.ca as well. If you want the coils let me know.
Depending on what I need, I might take you up on that offer.
(http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n205/dj_flipster/13709942_10154295758944820_73146080426541893_n_zpsjlcajo9a.jpg)
(http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n205/dj_flipster/13775468_10154295773949820_531398341198332992_n_zps9el4bd1m.jpg)
(http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n205/dj_flipster/13680901_10154295758924820_1116380815422091340_n_zpsmczk6yhh.jpg)
Meanwhile, at Cars and Coffee:
(http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n205/dj_flipster/13731459_10154301337384820_590081050598543752_n_zps1xdksels.jpg)
(https://c7.staticflickr.com/9/8741/28152923750_c4561e99e9_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/JTM6p5)A Child Was Born (https://flic.kr/p/JTM6p5) by Tang3nt (https://www.flickr.com/photos/tang3nt/), on Flickr
(https://c3.staticflickr.com/9/8159/28152924690_331c85cf3e_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/JTM6Fh)Minilites (https://flic.kr/p/JTM6Fh) by Tang3nt (https://www.flickr.com/photos/tang3nt/), on Flickr
I love the Japanese market Mini parked next to Godzilla! ;D
(http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n205/dj_flipster/13731459_10154301337384820_590081050598543752_n_zps1xdksels.jpg)
VIN checkup says that my engine is the 1300cc SPi high compression Mini Cooper. YEAAAA
(http://eccentricorion.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/1316595744_clarkson-power-54ad3f5cc7d25.jpg)
EDIT: How can I change the rear interior trim? I have cards that match the front door trim, which was changed by the previous owner.
It's been a 'creature comfort' update this week.
Needed beverage holders to quench down the summer heat, so I made one from adjustable zip ties and a wire basket from the dollar store:
(http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n205/dj_flipster/0217F9E4-3550-472B-80B2-7C2DC9A928D3_zpsmgwezlwg.jpg)
Next was fixing the tail light. Gasket was placed back incorrectly and busted the bulb by flooding it,
(http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n205/dj_flipster/B86DBBC1-BC6E-40AF-85A6-79199350432C_zps7zyu97gk.jpg)
(http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n205/dj_flipster/9F03B51B-86DD-4EC5-B972-82BFB0DC4D76_zps4lf2exu1.jpg)
I was able to fix it for now, but will look for LEDs.
Meanwhile, I had some spare time before the gym, so I hung around Value Village. Found a binocular case for $3 and an old suitcase. Turned it into a new parcel shelf and tool bag:
(http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n205/dj_flipster/A2D2E978-3978-4F90-91D7-C1337318DD73_zpskyupsxgd.jpg)
(http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n205/dj_flipster/A4FE3307-4B0F-4FF6-B3BC-12B33449E3AB_zpssixzviwz.jpg)
(http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n205/dj_flipster/5D248B08-4C63-4FBB-B191-8CACF0AFC2D1_zps8nsvasmk.jpg)
(http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n205/dj_flipster/3160ECDE-4DAB-4C90-B6F8-196C8A66BB85_zpsso3wmf4c.jpg)
I'm jealous of the binocular case
Come to Value Village with me and explore.
Where did you come from? A certain forum that allows the acts of one to affect the happiness of all?
Quote from: LilDrunkenSmurf on July 26, 2016, 01:33:25 PM
I'm jealous of the binocular case
I like that too,welcom to the forum.
Jeff
Quote from: DS1980 on July 26, 2016, 03:02:50 PM
Where did you come from? A certain forum that allows the acts of one to affect the happiness of all?
I don't know where you're referring to, but I brought him over from a local Canadian car forum (non-mini specific).
Julia Nunes, eh? You've got interesting tastes and a thrifty sense about yourself. We should be friends.
Quote from: LilDrunkenSmurf on July 27, 2016, 04:58:34 AM
Quote from: DS1980 on July 26, 2016, 03:02:50 PM
Where did you come from? A certain forum that allows the acts of one to affect the happiness of all?
I don't know where you're referring to, but I brought him over from a local Canadian car forum (non-mini specific).
I came from the land of Beavertails.
Quote from: jeff10049 on July 26, 2016, 11:09:11 PM
Quote from: LilDrunkenSmurf on July 26, 2016, 01:33:25 PM
I'm jealous of the binocular case
I like that too,welcom to the forum.
Jeff
Thanks!
Quote from: MtyMous on July 27, 2016, 06:33:47 PM
Julia Nunes, eh? You've got interesting tastes and a thrifty sense about yourself. We should be friends.
I'm pretty weird. I just bought a Volvo turbo wagon to turn into a daily driver, including ski trips.
<br />(http://thumb.ibb.co/munqrF/Capture.png) (http://ibb.co/munqrF)<br />
AWWW YIS
Ordered a few pieces? 77.gif
Quote from: MiniDave on August 02, 2016, 02:18:34 PM
Ordered a few pieces? 77.gif
I accidentally added the wooden steering wheel, but I regret nothing.
Here are sample of overnight parts from London AKA wait for the tea to steep for 2 business days.
I installed it underground because it's hailing lately.
(http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n205/dj_flipster/13923365_10154369919624820_8997662610743120825_o_zpsvkiu63nc.jpg)
(http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n205/dj_flipster/13996217_10154369919904820_1749642979703582402_o_zpsuqagfvsb.jpg)
TFTI
Quote from: LilDrunkenSmurf on August 12, 2016, 05:37:14 AM
TFTI
Coffee next week?
(http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n205/dj_flipster/13920497_10154371652999820_3319865148345502010_o_zpswoogl58l.jpg)
Is the thing on the windshield a phone mount, and the green cord a power cord?
Car looks terrific - is the interior black or dark blue? Sometime the photo affects the look of the color.....
Quote from: MiniDave on August 12, 2016, 08:59:38 AM
Is the thing on the windshield a phone mount, and the green cord a power cord?
Car looks terrific - is the interior black or dark blue? Sometime the photo affects the look of the color.....
Windshield phone mount with green AUX jack. I don't have Bluetooth on my car deck and the USB doesn't work for Windows Phone. My iPhone may or may not have went kaput on a Pokemon Go-related incident...
Dark blue interior. I like it :)
So I bought alloy clutch and brake pedals from Minispares. Are the just glued on? It's flat...
The one's on Buzz were screwed on, two phillips head or allen screws right thru the holes in the pedals and into the metal
Some of the pedal cover kits have a small 'backing' plate with threaded holes for attaching as MiniDave describes.
Any pictures of these brackets/mounts? The box just had flat pedals...
http://www.minispares.com/product/Classic/A200017.aspx
Just need to see what a mounting screw is. Otherwise, I'll just use a regular screw haha.
Yep, same ones I had....just two allen screws thru two of those holes, just drill two holes thru the metal pads on the pedals.
Hey there!! I am loving this thread, love your car and style. too bad you are so far away as I am in Florida.
Enjoy the hell out of that car.
If you can get it, try swapping a quart of oil for some Lucas Oil stabilizer. I was using it in my old engine (and will on my new engine as well as I use it on my Bini and all my cars) and it will help with consumption, wear, and breakdown of the oil.
I highly suggest it. I am sure it is in all your local Autoparts stores.
Motor on!!
Quote from: Jims5543 on August 28, 2016, 06:05:10 PM
Hey there!! I am loving this thread, love your car and style. too bad you are so far away as I am in Florida.
Enjoy the hell out of that car.
If you can get it, try swapping a quart of oil for some Lucas Oil stabilizer. I was using it in my old engine (and will on my new engine as well as I use it on my Bini and all my cars) and it will help with consumption, wear, and breakdown of the oil.
I highly suggest it. I am sure it is in all your local Autoparts stores.
Motor on!!
It's pretty awesome. Thanks! I'll check out the oil stabilizer and see, but the 20W50 is doing wonders. It's just sweating oil from the valve cover so meh.
I was having the same problem with a leaky valve cover, I switched to a silicon gasket and no more leaks.
I have to credit MtyMous for the protip.
Quote from: MtyMous on December 29, 2014, 11:35:40 PM
They do make a silicon valve cover gasket. I have 2 in my garage safely set aside.
http://www.the-vintage-racer.com/index.php/manufacturer/12-gasket-innovations?page=2 (http://www.the-vintage-racer.com/index.php/manufacturer/12-gasket-innovations?page=2)
Here is is being fitted on my cover.
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y219/Jims5543/20150111_155131_zpsmfxwjokp.jpg)
Re: the Lucas, yes a 20W50 is wonderful swap a quart of that for some Lucas and you will be amazed. Its good stuff, I have been using it for many years.
I am a Mazda Rotary guy and turbo rotaries tend to push gasoline into the engine oil. I have tried to run 3K miles on an oil change (Castrol GTX 20W50) and it reeked of gasoline when I was draining it. I then decided to start using Lucas to help keep the engine from wearing prematurely.
I just changed the oil on my 2005 Mini and used the synthetic version in it, and always used it in my RX7's and my E30 BMW. Great stuff.
I was having really low oil pressure problems with my Mini, I started using it and saw my oil pressure rise from it alone and I positive it kept my engine from going south on me. It had horrible oil pressure yet I drove it for 2 years before swapping out the engine.
cheers!
Did the annual maintenance for the summer and running great at 87k kms!
Had to drive around the city for 20W50 but we coo.
Rotated the tyres and checked the brakes, because there's a loud squeak on the front right.
Pads are still okay for one season, so could be the hub? It's effing loud metal on metal squeak.
I've been comparing the Mini with random cars in the city so hope you like these photos! There's also a random beep that comes in and out while on highway driving (100kph or more). Rumor is that it's either engine ping or catalytic converter on the fritz. I put regular gas on it and just burning it off and going back to Shell 91.
About the squeak. Does it do it all the time? Just while turning, over bumps or? Or is more of a squeal?
Could be the disc brake shield if you still have one installed. Small rocks get in there and rub against the disc when turning. Or the nylon cup for the knuckle joint could be worn away so you metal on metal when driving.
That car looks familiar! ;D
Quote from: Willie_B on May 31, 2017, 10:06:40 AM
About the squeak. Does it do it all the time? Just while turning, over bumps or? Or is more of a squeal?
Could be the disc brake shield if you still have one installed. Small rocks get in there and rub against the disc when turning. Or the nylon cup for the knuckle joint could be worn away so you metal on metal when driving.
It squeaks when I brake, or when I do right turns. It's a metal on metal squeak when turning and braking. Hmmm... Knuckle joint. Is that like a ball joint?
Quote from: MiniDave on May 31, 2017, 11:15:52 AM
That car looks familiar! ;D
13s and big flares! Is that a Sportspack setup?
The knuckle joint is where the trumpet or hi/lo (whatever is holding up the rubber cone in the suspension) attaches to the upper suspension arm.
(http://www.minispares.com/image.axd?type=product&picture=600/GSV1118.jpg)
Couldn't find a good picture of the suspension diagram, but here is a decent one on car. The knuckle joint is the rubber part sticking up out of the arm with the adjustable metal nuts on it. Kind of hiding behind the bumpstop. Pay no attention to arrows, borrowed this of interweb.
(http://www.myminiproject.co.uk/images/mini107.jpg)
Braking or right turns would lead me to go with the earlier guess at the disk brake shield.
Status update on the random beep/ping noise when accelerating. It might have been compression issue, because it's less common now when I put Shell 91 again...
62.gif Either that, or my cat is pooched. 11.gif
Is your car a Japanese spec one? They had a cat-over-temp sensor that would trigger a warning buzzer/beeper. It would be in the exhaust very near the cat. It can be bypassed by clipping the lead and joining the two ends.
If your's is fuel injected, the O2 sensor will be in the down-pipe before it curves under the car - well ahead of the cat.
Quote from: MPlayle on May 31, 2017, 02:42:00 PM
Is your car a Japanese spec one? They had a cat-over-temp sensor that would trigger a warning buzzer/beeper. It would be in the exhaust very near the cat. It can be bypassed by clipping the lead and joining the two ends.
If your's is fuel injected, the O2 sensor will be in the down-pipe before it curves under the car - well ahead of the cat.
Yes, it's a Japanese spec Mini and fuel injected. So could be a sensor issue or a cat issue. Great...
Check the exhaust system carefully. You may have two sensors in the system. The O2 (Lambda) sensor is the one needed for the fuel injection system and is well before the cat. The cat-over-temp sensor is very near the cat and was specific to some of the Japanese spec Minis. It does not go into the ECU of the fuel injection system.
Depending on requirements were you live, you may be able to remove the cat altogether and also the cat-over-temp sensor. If you don't want to trace the wiring back to remove the buzzer/beeper, you can clip the sensor wires and join the two ends to defeat the buzzer/beeper.
Does the A series engine have a PCV?
Yes & No. Some of the earlier ones had a "Gulp" valve between the breather(s) and manifold or carb. Others went from the breather(s) direct to the carb or air filter box.
The fuel injected ones went direct to a manifold port - no PCV in between.
The fuel injected Minis did have a charcoal canister for fuel vapor recovery from the tank with a special valve to draw back into the manifold.
It was all a strange setup to remove when I converted one Mini from FI to carb.
Quote from: MPlayle on June 01, 2017, 06:59:08 AM
Yes & No. Some of the earlier ones had a "Gulp" valve between the breather(s) and manifold or carb. Others went from the breather(s) direct to the carb or air filter box.
The fuel injected ones went direct to a manifold port - no PCV in between.
The fuel injected Minis did have a charcoal canister for fuel vapor recovery from the tank with a special valve to draw back into the manifold.
It was all a strange setup to remove when I converted one Mini from FI to carb.
Thanks! Learning a lot more about this car every day. It's an EFI Mini. Curious why people went from FI to carb? Carbs are so finicky when the mercury drops.
Have yet to have a problem with my SU carb. Even in 30 degree (F) temperatures. No heater was a bigger problem ;D but it's not that cold that often in TX and usually I wouldn't drive it then either.
There are two main reasons folks convert the factory SPI (Single Point Injection) Minis to carb:
1) More high performance tuning options.
2) FI going erratic, needing sensors replaced, and the sensors being NLA (No Longer Available).
In the case of the one I did, it was reason #2.
Folks do reason #1 mostly because the ECUs on the FI Minis had very limited adaptability to performance upgrades. If you wanted to upgrade the cam by more than 1 step, the ECU could not handle it. Porting the head and valve upgrades - forget it. Anything over +.020 overbore - forget it.
Now if you are using one of the specially developed aftermarket FI systems, it is a whole other matter as those were developed specifically to handle performance upgrades. Those kits also fully replace the factory ECU to one that can be tuned. Unfortunately, those systems tend to be a bit costly.
Good to know that the FI components are scarce. 50.gif
I do miss the sound of carbs in the morning.
As long as yours is not giving any problems (dead spots or hesitations), it will be very reliable. I have had a couple of FI Minis before that were wonderfully reliable cars - almost a "jump in and drive" level of reliability.
It was only the last one (the Tahiti Blue known as Flur) that had issues that seemed to be due to NLA sensors starting to go out.
The conversion is documented in a thread on this forum.
Edit: Here is the conversion thread.
http://www.restorationmini.com/forum/index.php?topic=960.0 (http://www.restorationmini.com/forum/index.php?topic=960.0)
Edit #2: Here is a picture of where in the manifold the factory O2 sensor is located (directly underneath the throttle body).
(http://www.restorationmini.com/forum/MGalleryItem.php?id=2168)
That looks like a pain in the butt to get into. It did stop beeping once I put premium gas. 20.gif
Quote from: flipstah on June 01, 2017, 12:45:56 PM
That looks like a pain in the butt to get into.
Other than spark plugs, I'm trying to think of something on a Mini that is
not a pain in the butt to get to.
Quote from: flipstah on June 01, 2017, 12:45:56 PM
It did stop beeping once I put premium gas.
What!? You were being cheap on gas? ;D
Quote from: BruceK on June 01, 2017, 02:58:57 PM
Quote from: flipstah on June 01, 2017, 12:45:56 PM
That looks like a pain in the butt to get into.
Other than spark plugs, I'm trying to think of something on a Mini that is not a pain in the butt to get to.
Quote from: flipstah on June 01, 2017, 12:45:56 PM
It did stop beeping once I put premium gas.
What!? You were being cheap on gas? ;D
Don't banish me into the depths of hell! SUCH BLASPHEMY! :(
Just out and about around the neighborhood.
You're a brave man or you don't care about dents or broken lights to parallel park between 2 behemoth, relatively speaking, vehicles.
I find people in an urban setting like this are a little more careful when it's a classic or something unusual parked near them, but for the average silver Honda? You're on your own.....
Yeah, I find people are more aware that a Mini is within proximity and doesn't want to deal with the crowd that will light their truck on fire.
At least, that's how I dreamt it.
And they want to work behind me lol!
Do the conversion, so you can do mine.
I love the photos in this thread of Ivy out on the wild.
So... My fender flares are falling apart. There are so many variations on MiniSpares! I don't know which ones to choose!
Bruce is changing his out right now (or just did, I don't remember).......Bruce?
I like the big fat ones on my car cause of the wide offset wheels I'm running, with stock 12's like Bruce has I'd probably go with the ones he did.
^ Looking good, Dave! Are those 12's or 13's? Deep dish! 71.gif
13 X 6 with A539 tires.
Quote from: MiniDave on June 07, 2017, 07:58:54 AM
Bruce is changing his out right now (or just did, I don't remember).......Bruce?
I like the big fat ones on my car cause of the wide offset wheels I'm running, with stock 12's like Bruce has I'd probably go with the ones he did.
Yes, looks like you have the Group 2 flares - same as I had on my car until a couple of days ago (Dan's pulled them off and they will be replaced).
While I generally liked how they looked, they had these two problems for me:
1) They cracked all around the screw holes
2) and, worse of all, the outer edge of the flare actually sits and inch or so
lower than the Mini's regular metal body wheelarch opening behind it. With the not-too-big wheels/tires I use (12 X 5.5), that meant I had to raise the car high enough to allow suspension travel without the outer edge of the tire hitting the flares - and aesthetically, I didn't like my car sitting up that high. But of course even with the car lifted up slightly with these flares the tires did hit on big bumps (producing a nice temporary burnt rubber smell) and no doubt that contributed to some of the cracking.
I decided to replace the Group 2 flares and go with the Wood & Pickett style because they sit flush with the Mini's metal wheel arch openings (meaning I can lower the car just a little) and they have a really clean, finished look with no exposed fasteners. These come in different sizes, like the bigger ones on Dave's Mini, or narrower which is what I chose, like these that MiniSpares offers: http://minispares.com/product/Classic/Body/Exterior_Trim/Wheel_Arch_moulding/MS133MS.aspx?030502&ReturnUrl=/search/classic/picket.aspx|Back to search
This is what I am getting rid of.
Don has the Wilson Pickett's on his Pup too......
Oooo, I like the look of those Wilson Pickett's flares. Course I'm still planning on not running any. At the moment....
I might get the Wood & Pickett style flares! Mine are cracking around the screw holes and slowly falling apart. :-[
Quote from: LilDrunkenSmurf on June 05, 2017, 06:36:20 PM
Do the conversion, so you can do mine.
You do yours first! You're my guinea pig. 19.gif
EDIT: I might be a cheap bloke, and put this in my shopping cart.
I put those mirrors on mine. Love them. Can actually see out of them compared to the bullet style ones that were originally on it.
Quote from: flipstah on June 07, 2017, 01:04:37 PM
Quote from: LilDrunkenSmurf on June 05, 2017, 06:36:20 PM
Do the conversion, so you can do mine.
You do yours first! You're my guinea pig.
Sorry, but I think I was the forum's guinea pig on the FI-to-Carb conversion. I documented it for others to be able to follow. Get to it!
Quote from: bikewiz on June 07, 2017, 04:50:14 PM
Quote from: flipstah on June 07, 2017, 01:04:37 PM
Quote from: LilDrunkenSmurf on June 05, 2017, 06:36:20 PM
Do the conversion, so you can do mine.
You do yours first! You're my guinea pig. 19.gif
EDIT: I might be a cheap bloke, and put this in my shopping cart.
Don't buy that Aston cap I have one I'll sell you for $15 shipped 4.gif
GASP! I might take you up on that offer. Also, someone might be willing to trade me random parts like flares and side mirrors for a spare steering wheel I have lying around. STAY TUNED.
Side note: Facebook has changed how classic car part trading is being executed.
Overnight parts to and from Japan!
I have my old aston cap somewhere. It's a little pitted, but you can have it for free.
I feel bad, because this is now becoming a picture thread rather than a restoration thread.
BUT SHE IS RUNNING WELL. 62.gif 62.gif 62.gif
It's funny, when I'm driving in my Mini I don't feel like I'm in a small car! ;D
Quote from: MiniDave on June 19, 2017, 08:38:18 AM
It's funny, when I'm driving in my Mini I don't feel like I'm in a small car! ;D
Same here! Up to the point when I'm staring at someone's bumper through the windshield. 9.gif
LilDrunkenSmurf and I bought random parts from MiniSpares. Fenders are random, right? 22.gif
Side note: Found this on the internetz.
I may have jinxed myself today. Lost steering due to a loose hub while picking up parts haha. Quick repair at the company parking lot solved it.
First, steering. Now, brakes.
From bite to no bite. I'm pretty sure the master cylinder failed on me this morning FML.
Gate or wall? Gate. Mini is fine though!
I'm now curious if my brakes feel right or not, after talking to you. Mine have always felt "unpowered", like there was no servo/booster.
Quote from: LilDrunkenSmurf on June 21, 2017, 09:35:46 AM
I'm now curious if my brakes feel right or not, after talking to you. Mine have always felt "unpowered", like there was no servo/booster.
If yours require pedal to the metal to stop, you have problems. Otherwise, should be fine.
Quote from: flipstah on June 21, 2017, 08:14:03 AM
First, steering
I was driving Buzz home from a weekend run about 200 miles form home when I noticed something drop by my foot - when I looked down I saw about 5 small nuts - all from my steering wheel where it attaches to the hub - there was one screw left still tight! I eased over to the side of the road but I had no pliers or wrenches with me, so all I could do was put them on finger tight, all the rest of the drive home I was reaching around under the wheel tightening the nuts as they repeatedly loosened. When I got home I Locktited those suckers!
Sounds like my Tuesday, Dave!
So all my brake fluid is gone from the reservoir but no leak. The theory is that the master cylinder seal gave way and the fluids are in the servo.
You're probably right, if so it will put white smoke out the tailpipe. Sounds like time for a new master cylinder.....good luck with the clevis pin! ::) 50.gif
Make sure it's not your rear wheel cylinders leaking, sometimes the fluid gets absorbed by the brake dust and doesn't dribble out, but it usually shows up on the backing plate.
The website lied!
Bought fenders with LilDrunkenSmurf from MiniSpares and got these:
http://minispares.com/product/Classic/Body/Exterior_Trim/Wheel_Arch_moulding/GAW117.aspx?030502&ReturnUrl=/shop/classic/Body/Exterior~Trim/Wheel~Arch~moulding.aspx|Back%20to%20shop
When I went to deliver them, we saw that the holes don't even match rofl.
Meanwhile, Ivy is in the shop here in Calgary to get a new master cylinder and suspension cones.
"Keep it stock" I said.
"It'll be a classic" I said.
http://www.podifold.com/
Finally got Ivy back from the repair shop. New steel brake line and suspension cones were apparently a bitch to get fixed.
The invoice reflected it haha!
After I got it back, I installed the new fenders from MiniSpares. Mint!
Very clean looking!
Changing the front cones is a particular bitch if you don't know to take the upper control arm out first......and those upper arms can likewise be a true biotch!
Car looks great, how does it drive now with the new cones? Did you put "stock" or "standard" (as compared to red or yellow dot ) cones in?
Quote from: MiniDave on July 17, 2017, 03:28:15 PM
Changing the front cones is a particular bitch if you don't know to take the upper control arm out first......and those upper arms can likewise be a true biotch!
Car looks great, how does it drive now with the new cones? Did you put "stock" or "standard" (as compared to red or yellow dot ) cones in?
Drives better with less sag up front. It doesn't sound like the engine will pop off. It's bouncy. Standard cones from MiniSpares.
Saturday fun jam concluded with installing some bullet mirrors. They were meant for an old Mazda or Toyota, so fabricated an adapter plate to fit.
A full detail and we're off.
I should really get parking lessons. :-[
One of these things is not like the others.
Nice video about your town, and thank you for not using some heavy metal background music!
BTW, is Smurf still driving his? do you guys see each other from time to time?
did you shoot all this on a Sunday? didn't seem like much traffic......
How did you mount the camera/phone in the back window?
That was fun. Great to see you out enjoying your mini.
Quote from: MiniDave on August 08, 2017, 06:16:23 AM
Nice video about your town, and thank you for not using some heavy metal background music!
BTW, is Smurf still driving his? do you guys see each other from time to time?
did you shoot all this on a Sunday? didn't seem like much traffic......
How did you mount the camera/phone in the back window?
Thanks, Dave. Glad you enjoyed it. I was going to do some electronic music, but I think the relaxing piano fits the car. It's not clickbait, but it'll do.
I still see Smurf from time to time; just salvaged his A/C unit because he's cooler than me.
Holiday Monday shoot so it was completely dead and I just used a suction phone holster in the back.
Quote from: Willie_B on August 08, 2017, 06:58:47 AM
That was fun. Great to see you out enjoying your mini.
Thanks!
Too bad your fancy image stabilization doesn't stabilize the image.
We still see eachother. Monday was actually a holiday here, and I drove mine the entire long weekend, all 3 days straight, but there are some issues. Mostly I get a solid clunk when going over bumps. I suspect shotty engine mounts, or something front subframe related. Also anthing over 25% throttle, I get a weird rattle, almost like heatshield or coins or something. I expect it's potentially valve float.
I doubt it's valve float unless you're at redline.....valve float is not a rattly noise you'll hear, the engine will just start missing badly at real high RPMs.
The clunk is more likely to be an engine steady, motor mount or subframe mount that's broken.
If your car has a cat converter, it probably still has the heat shields, those can give an odd rattle at certain RPMs. Easy to fix.....
Smurf, let's swap cars for a day and see what's going on. 20.gif
Quote from: LilDrunkenSmurf on August 09, 2017, 08:34:59 AM
Too bad your fancy image stabilization doesn't stabilize the image.
We still see eachother. Monday was actually a holiday here, and I drove mine the entire long weekend, all 3 days straight, but there are some issues. Mostly I get a solid clunk when going over bumps. I suspect shotty engine mounts, or something front subframe related. Also anthing over 25% throttle, I get a weird rattle, almost like heatshield or coins or something. I expect it's potentially valve float.
Sounds like it could be pinging.
Check the timing.
sorry don't have time to write a description here is a decent write up http://www.misterfixit.com/deton.htm
Quote from: jeff10049 on August 09, 2017, 09:59:14 PM
Quote from: LilDrunkenSmurf on August 09, 2017, 08:34:59 AM
Too bad your fancy image stabilization doesn't stabilize the image.
We still see eachother. Monday was actually a holiday here, and I drove mine the entire long weekend, all 3 days straight, but there are some issues. Mostly I get a solid clunk when going over bumps. I suspect shotty engine mounts, or something front subframe related. Also anthing over 25% throttle, I get a weird rattle, almost like heatshield or coins or something. I expect it's potentially valve float.
Sounds like it could be pinging.
Check the timing.
sorry don't have time to write a description here is a decent write up http://www.misterfixit.com/deton.htm
I thought that might be the issue, but I'm running 91 octane, and can't adjust timing on an SPI.
Wow, I can't believe it's been this long since I did an update.
92k original kms and Ivy is still running strong. I've been toying with the fact of putting a VMax supercharger kit on it but don't know if the gearbox can handle it.
Just finished a car show this weekend and our car club won Best in Class!
6 people in a Mini!
Congrats on the win!
Quote from: MiniDave on May 28, 2018, 12:56:15 PM
6 people in a Mini!
Congrats on the win!
I was surprised how many wanted to sit in it. So I just left it open throughout the event and everyone loved it!
Then someone came by our booth and asked,
"How many people can fit in it?"
"I don't know. Let's find out."
Would've been better if it was me and 5 ladies c'est la vie such is life. 62.gif
My buddy who brought his Mini got attention as well because his is more stripped out and race spec with a three-piece 10x8 wheel.
Sitrep: Smurf is missing, still. :(
Yeah, where is Smurf?
Quote from: MiniDave on May 28, 2018, 01:53:52 PM
Yeah, where is Smurf?
He's too cool for me, with work and stuff. 11.gif
Quote from: MiniDave on May 28, 2018, 01:53:52 PM
Yeah, where is Smurf?
I was approx 1200km away on a work contract. He never even offered to pick my car up and take it to the show for me.
Quote from: LilDrunkenSmurf on June 01, 2018, 09:19:33 AM
Quote from: MiniDave on May 28, 2018, 01:53:52 PM
Yeah, where is Smurf?
I was approx 1200km away on a work contract. He never even offered to pick my car up and take it to the show for me.
I'm only one man!
Quote from: LilDrunkenSmurf on June 01, 2018, 09:19:33 AM
Quote from: MiniDave on May 28, 2018, 01:53:52 PM
Yeah, where is Smurf?
I was approx 1200km away on a work contract. He never even offered to pick my car up and take it to the show for me.
Hey Smurf, glad you're back - no internet where you were?
Smurf, Did you ever figure out the pinging noise? It is hard to change the timing on a spi but you can check it to make sure its right? clocking the dizzy correctly does have some effect so make sure that's right.
Quote from: MiniDave on June 01, 2018, 09:55:42 AM
Quote from: LilDrunkenSmurf on June 01, 2018, 09:19:33 AM
Quote from: MiniDave on May 28, 2018, 01:53:52 PM
Yeah, where is Smurf?
I was approx 1200km away on a work contract. He never even offered to pick my car up and take it to the show for me.
Hey Smurf, glad you're back - no internet where you were?
I had internet, just busy with work. I only tend to check RM while at home.
Quote from: jeff10049 on June 01, 2018, 09:00:48 PM
Smurf, Did you ever figure out the pinging noise? It is hard to change the timing on a spi but you can check it to make sure its right? clocking the dizzy correctly does have some effect so make sure that's right.
Sure didn't! Or the clunk, or the high speed wobble. I should just hurry up and do that honda swap
in 10 years...
So I've been getting exhaust fumes in the cabin so might be time for an exhaust change.
Straight pipe or no? Hmmmmmm
Also time for maintenance so spark plugs, leads, oil change...
Hopefully the list you all have for compatible filters will work.
I use this stuff to seal exhaust up, works very well......
Quote from: flipstah on June 05, 2018, 09:44:44 PM
So I've been getting exhaust fumes in the cabin so might be time for an exhaust change.
Straight pipe or no? Hmmmmmm
Also time for maintenance so spark plugs, leads, oil change...
Hopefully the list you all have for compatible filters will work.
If you're in a bind, I think I might have 2 filters around, you could have one, if you replace it.
Thanks Smurf for the oil filter.
Time to do some maintenance since I only got 247km last tank.
Spark plugs/wires
Oil change
Vacuum line check
Check brakes
Fix handbrake
Check for leaks (oil and exhaust fumes)
Tire rotation
Fix AC
Gonna be busy day tomorrow!
Did the annual maintenance,
Oil/spark plugs change (only 3/4 since the 4th one is a PITA to get into. Getting a tool from Japan to do it)
Tire rotation
Check for leaks and diagnosis
Throttle body cleaning
Engine cleaning
Is it suppose to spew out that much fuel? Its like a hose.
The SPI being a single injector for feeding all 4 cylinders, it would seem like a hose.
How is the spark plug hidden? Is it behind an A.C compressor or something? What sort of special tool do they sell to change it?
got a link or a pic?
On Sunbeam tigers with the Ford V-8, two of the plugs you got to from under the wheel well, the back two you had to remove a large panel under the pedals!
Dave, it looks like pliers. I'll see if I can find a photo.
Yeah, hidden behind the compressor! That sucks about the Sunbeam but a V8 though!
Re: Dave
wow, that's interesting....is it that hard to loosen the compressor and move it out of the way enough to get a normal socket and extension on it?
Obviously no need to do that if you have this tool.....
The compressor and the alternator are stacked on top of one another so moving that + shield was cumbersome. There were AC lines that I'd have to move and I gave up.
Wow, that pic clears it up.....what a PITA for one spark plug. ::)
So Ivy got into a fender bender a couple of weeks ago and this is the first free weekend I've had.
We hit the fender with a hydraulic press, a hammer, 2x4, and lots of coffee. Full day's work!
That sucks. Sorry to hear about the crash.
Thanks but gotta stay positive!
Oh no ! :( < You know , I was getting to the end of my restore and dropped a quarter window on the rear quarter panel and F'd it up bad. Then Dan came to pick up to fix and paint and I tore a hole in the bottom of car trying to get it on trailer. I can laugh now , but I sure had some bad luck all at once. Hope your luck turns around and I am sure this will give you an opportunity to fix or paint any other small issues on the car at the same time and be even happier than before.
Spring time! One of the few days I can drive her before snowfall appears again. Gonna order new brakes and the fronts are discs. Are they all the same? Ordering from Mini Spares.
It probably has 8.4 disc just looking at the car.
If you have 12" wheels with standard 8.4" discs, you can use these....
GBP281MS
and these discs
21A2612MS
If you're going to do the rears and have never done them, better plan for new wheel cylinders too
I like these rear shoes
GBS101MS
And this is the number for the rear wheel cylinders
GWC1102MS
Thanks! Is the MSSK014 applicable as well?
What are the rear cylinders for?
Yes, that kit will work fine.....
The rear cylinders are for the rear brakes, if you haven't looked at them in a long time, one or both of the wheel cylinders will very probably be leaking.
If you're just doing the fronts, never mind.
While I'm building my mini spares basket, I got the exhaust changed to a pipe because of an exhaust leak.
That sounds good!
It's better when I'm not light-headed from the fumes. 4.gif
Saw this on Reddit today. Getting some exhaust work done?
Indeed I was. The fumes were dizzying!
Captain slow ;D ;D ;D ;D
Spring maintenance on deck! Is fuel injector cleaner snake oil?
Brakes are still thick actually.