WTD: Classic mini registered in California

Started by knowell, May 13, 2019, 04:54:29 PM

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knowell

Hi im looking for a classic mini already registered in California. Looking for a project car with a straight body as rust free as possible. I'm located in Southern California near Los Angeles.

MPlayle

See my reply to your post on the other "cars for sale" thread.


knowell

my budget would be 5-7k for a project car. I am mechanically inclined and have restored engines in the past. I have zero experience in body work and which is the most intimidating part of the mini (rusty nation). That is why as much as possible I would like to find one with a straight body and as rust free as possible.

thank you for the link to the miniguy and will be scouting that for a project car that pops up. Hes local so that is a big plus

MiniDave

On this forum, Bruce is the king of Craigslist!  77.gif
Complete failure at retirement

1989 Cooper Racing Green
2009 Clubman S
2014 Audi Allroad


MiniDave

#5
I think he'd be better served buying a complete running driving car for $10K, you pay $6K for that by the time you paint it, fix the rust, rebuild the motor and suspension and put a new interior in it you'll have $20K in it, and that's if you do your own work.

Buying a running driving nicely done car doesn't mean you won't have projects!   ;D ;D ;D ;D

I've seen a couple of nice cars on Facebook Market place lately
Complete failure at retirement

1989 Cooper Racing Green
2009 Clubman S
2014 Audi Allroad

knowell

Im starting to think the same thing. Going to inquire about this one



https://www.miniguy.com/vehicles/brgwhite1275lhd/


just hoping underneath the paint and floorboards is not a rust bucket

MiniDave

If he (and the car) are local to you, you can go check it out, drive it, look for rust etc....but be aware all his cars are on consignment, he doesn't own them.
Complete failure at retirement

1989 Cooper Racing Green
2009 Clubman S
2014 Audi Allroad

Willie_B

Quote from: knowell on May 14, 2019, 02:24:03 PM
Im starting to think the same thing. Going to inquire about this one



https://www.miniguy.com/vehicles/brgwhite1275lhd/


just hoping underneath the paint and floorboards is not a rust bucket

The pics with his finger pointing with the front tire in it, that is cracking bondo on the "A" panel. Not an uncommon rust spot but if that was covered what else is???

BruceK

#9
I'll take a look.  But first here are some other Minis for sale.

Let's start with some comic relief:
Quote
https://seattle.craigslist.org/see/cto/d/roscoe-1977-austin-mini-cooper/6881513411.html

1977 Austin Mini Cooper - $45,000 (red lodge,montana)
Classic 1977 Austin Mini Cooper-Rally package. Completely rebuilt.-including a professionally built racing engine by a shop that builds engines for several SCCA National champions.. New sub frames-adjustable suspension-rally lights front and rear--roll bar-too many parts and updates to list.-Name and invoices of rebuild upon request to serious buyer. Converted to left -hand drive-very liitle left to make this car track ready-but has never been raced. Over $70,000.00 invested-will sacrifice -make offer


And here's a Moke and and robot elephant mating.  https://seattle.craigslist.org/see/cto/d/port-orchard-austin-mini-moke/6881050224.html

A 1966 Mini (cough, cough) for $6K.  https://newyork.craigslist.org/mnh/cto/d/new-york-city-66-austin-mini/6886653465.html

A Mini said to be a 1976 but isn't  for $20K  https://newyork.craigslist.org/que/cto/d/south-ozone-park-1976-austin-mini/6882251999.html

A VTEC Mini with a nose like Adrian Brody for $20K https://worcester.craigslist.org/cto/d/north-grafton-1982-austin-mini-vtec/6888515462.html

A 1986 Mini in San Francisco that the seller believes will be titled soon in California.   https://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/cto/d/san-francisco-austin-mini-classic-1986/6873646997.html

A "1963" Mini already registered in California for $14K:  https://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/cto/d/san-jose-1963-austin-mini-cooper-2d/6871225519.html

A Mk. I Cooper S n Los Angeles with a massive price tag of $55K  https://losangeles.craigslist.org/wst/ctd/d/santa-monica-1967-austin-mini-cooper/6880661722.html

A nice looking Mini in Ohio for $15K  https://akroncanton.craigslist.org/cto/d/lakemore-1970-austin-mini/6885351562.html

A 1973 Mini Clubman in Florida for $10K which should be very easy to register in California https://tampa.craigslist.org/pnl/cto/d/saint-petersburg-1973-austin-mini-cooper/6882200745.html

A 1964 Mk. I Mini said to be a Cooper S (?) in Florida for $10K https://miami.craigslist.org/mdc/cto/d/miami-austin-mini-cooper/6880457738.html

A 1986 Mini for $12K   https://miami.craigslist.org/pbc/cto/d/delray-beach-1986-austin-mini/6876820817.html

A 1991 Mini with a 1275 for $16K  https://miami.craigslist.org/mdc/cto/d/hialeah-austin-morris-mini-cooper/6877741874.html

Another Clubman in Florida for $11K.  As a 1974 it should be easy to register in CA.  https://miami.craigslist.org/mdc/cto/d/miami-1974-austin-mini-clubman-special/6879694158.html

An advertisment for Minis for sale in Arizona.  They claim all years and prices starting at $8K.  https://phoenix.craigslist.org/nph/cto/d/tempe-classic-minis-austin-cooper-rover/6885049239.html

A 1970 Mini in Georgia which should be easy to register in CA.  https://macon.craigslist.org/cto/d/1970-austin-mini-998-cc/6873250634.html

A 1972 Mini in Denver for $8K.  Rust free as in no extra charge for the rust.  https://denver.craigslist.org/cto/d/denver-72-austin-mini/6875369145.html

A 1986 Mini for sale in Austin:  https://austin.craigslist.org/cto/d/leander-1986-austin-mayfair-edition/6887638489.html

A 1991 Mini Neon in New Mexico for $11K  https://austin.craigslist.org/cto/d/mesquite-1991-austin-rover-mini-neon/6877788310.html

A Mk. I Mini said to be a genuine Cooper for $15K - should be easy to register in CA   https://nh.craigslist.org/cto/d/oxford-restored-1967-morris-mini-cooper/6869859318.html

A 1973 Mini for $12K https://miami.craigslist.org/mdc/ctd/d/miami-morris-mini-cooper-completely/6876391040.html

And a 1974 Mini https://miami.craigslist.org/mdc/ctd/d/miami-morris-mini-cooper-excellent/6872897793.html

A 1974 Clubman wagon in Illinois for $12K.   https://carbondale.craigslist.org/cto/d/albion-1975-morris-mini-cooper-clubman/6873962918.html



So, a few Minis in California or with an early enough model year to be able to registered there.










1988 Austin Mini
2002 MINI Cooper S
1992 Toyota LiteAce (JDM)
1997 Jeep Wrangler Sahara

MiniDave

See, when it comes to sleuthing out Minis on Craigslist, Bruce has no peer!

Don't forget MiniMania  https://www.minimania.com/Cars4Sale_List.cfm?adtype=Mini
Complete failure at retirement

1989 Cooper Racing Green
2009 Clubman S
2014 Audi Allroad

knowell

You weren't kidding about him being the king of craigslist. thanks Bruce!

BruceK

No problem.   Good luck with your search
1988 Austin Mini
2002 MINI Cooper S
1992 Toyota LiteAce (JDM)
1997 Jeep Wrangler Sahara

BruceK

1988 Austin Mini
2002 MINI Cooper S
1992 Toyota LiteAce (JDM)
1997 Jeep Wrangler Sahara

MiniDave

#14
Wow, you'd have the only one of THOSE on your block, that's for sure!  :-\

But, $13,700 for an 850, even if it is from Spain? Dunno, seems a bit rich to me.....
Complete failure at retirement

1989 Cooper Racing Green
2009 Clubman S
2014 Audi Allroad

knowell

Nice find!! agreed though 13k for an 850. it does look like its great shape though.

knowell

I didnt want to start a new thread for this question. Mods feel free to move if there a more appropriate section.

I wanted to ask any mini owners in Southern California for any recommendations for body shops here that are familiar with Mini?Also, In anticipation to getting some rust patch work/panel replacement done on future project car Id like to get an idea of what the fees are here locally? Ive been looking at some of the resto projects in this forum but have not come across anyone in the SOCAL area ( if there is anyone that has a thread please mention them so i can reach out to them for local shops) I wish 94touring was local lol


94touring

Boot2bonnet, heritage garage, and 7ent perhaps. 

MiniDave

#18
He's in Sandy Eggo, the closest is Heritage, but it's in LA. the others are in northern Ca....14-15 hours away. It's like they're in another country or something!   ;D

The difficulty is finding someone who knows the peculiarities of Mini rust spots, like Dan does. You wouldn't think it would be that hard, but they can rust in some strange and difficult ways to fix! Dan knows all their secrets....

Frankly, your best bet if you're going to own a classic anything is either to learn how to fix it yourself, or buy one that's already done by someone that knows what the heck they're doing - but of course, you'll pay for that. However, I think it's actually cheaper to buy one that's been done than to even DIY. Look at Stan's car - brand new from stem to stern, and sold for $19K - there's one that all you'd have to do is drive it and have fun with it. and you can't do one like that for $19K - 
Complete failure at retirement

1989 Cooper Racing Green
2009 Clubman S
2014 Audi Allroad

gr8kornholio

Armycook is located down in San Diego, he got his MK1 fixed at Romancewithrust I believe.  He has a thread on here for his car.
I am the GR8KORNHOLIO! Are you threatening me?

Saussie Aussie 1965 Australian MK1 Mini.
"Beavis" - 07 MY/MY MCS, B/MY Konig Daylites, JCW sideskirts, TSW springs, TSW lower rear control arms -- Exploring the country with new friends since 11/09.

MiniDave

RWR  is in Orange, only about an hour or so north of Sandy Eggo......
Complete failure at retirement

1989 Cooper Racing Green
2009 Clubman S
2014 Audi Allroad

knowell

Im actually in Orange County/Los Angeles. Heritage Garage im fully aware of I know they top notch work but I'm feeling that would take my budget way out of range. I'll take a look at RWR. San diego is doable as well. Thank all for the info!!!

knowell

Quote from: MiniDave on May 20, 2019, 09:57:53 AM
He's in Sandy Eggo, the closest is Heritage, but it's in LA. the others are in northern Ca....14-15 hours away. It's like they're in another country or something!   ;D

The difficulty is finding someone who knows the peculiarities of Mini rust spots, like Dan does. You wouldn't think it would be that hard, but they can rust in some strange and difficult ways to fix! Dan knows all their secrets....

Frankly, your best bet if you're going to own a classic anything is either to learn how to fix it yourself, or buy one that's already done by someone that knows what the heck they're doing - but of course, you'll pay for that. However, I think it's actually cheaper to buy one that's been done than to even DIY. Look at Stan's car - brand new from stem to stern, and sold for $19K - there's one that all you'd have to do is drive it and have fun with it. and you can't do one like that for $19K -


I went through Stans build thread and I know you and 94touring did a great job and fair prices. Its definitely making me consider going that route. It would take the fun away from the project car and personalizing of it though. Hoping to find a happy medium. thanks for all your input.

94touring

Have you seen our innocenti that will be for sale? A bit pricier than Stans car though.

MiniDave

#24
I think Dan is booked up till next summer or more, I only do engines/transmissions from here on out - no more restorations for me....except my own of course.  77.gif

Stan enlisted my help because his project stalled due to too many things happening at once in his life, Dan had already completed all the body and suspension - I did the wiring, engine install, dash, linkage, instruments, steering, brakes etc - basically I got it to run and drive. Dan came back and did the headliner and front and rear glass install, then Stan took over and finished the interior and doors. It was a true community project time it was done!

Having a proper place to store all the parts and work on the car is at least as important as having the skillz to do the work.

I am not trying to discourage you from a project by any means....just helps to know what you're getting into. Whatever you decide there are bound to be folks on here who can help and advise.....shoot, one of our members even remade a gear for a transmission for me! (Jeff10049)
Complete failure at retirement

1989 Cooper Racing Green
2009 Clubman S
2014 Audi Allroad