Then I broke down (74 mini mild refurb)

Started by 94touring, May 26, 2015, 11:33:03 PM

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94touring

It was as sketchy as it gets driving it backwards down that trailer.  It was barely narrow enough for the mini. One mistake and....

cstudep

I can imagine, those trucks aren't exactly made to fit a classic mini's stance.

Jims5543

I wish I had more time, I just do not, the delivery of this mini was a clusterfuck and has put me on the back foot this week. Especially after being out of town all weekend.

I got a call from Dan on Monday, it seems the trucking company lost my phone number and called Dan in hopes of getting it. Dan calls me and informs me they are about an hour away from me. I am a solid 40 minutes from my house working at a customers house.  This ruined my Monday as I had to pull off this job, race to my house, and get my wife to drive me to meet the truck. I met him about 5 miles from my house in a Lowes parking lot so it would be easier / safer for him to unload.

By the time I raced home, had the wife drop me off, get the Mini to the house, it just did not make sense to try to pick up where I left off. That meant rescheduling my jobs to today. Which filled my day up today. Which meant I got back from the field late, which meant I got home late tonight and means I have to work all night to try to get caught up.

The Mini was moved to a different full truck, I appeared to be the first stop. I mailed Dan a tracking device called a Tile, its a droid version of a Air Tag.   It was neat to watch the Mini's progress as is moved across country. After leaving Tulsa, it spent a night in Little rock, then a night in Memphis, then the weekend in Orlando.

I saw it was moving Monday, knowing what the driver told Dan that I was his last stop, and that I was never contacted I expected I would not see it until today (Tuesday) and not Monday as they had projected.  I was wrong and it made for an insane day.

I have not driven a classic in years, while familar with it, it took a bot to get my muscle memory back and to be honest, its not back yet, I am not comfortable in the car yet. I plan on fixing that, I have plans to drive it a bunch later this week. Sadly I have to go back out to town this weekend for a large commercial job I bid on and won. I will be home Saturday, my plan is to take a nice ride Saturday night and Sunday morning and try to get a good feel for this car, in about a month will be autocrossing it.

Some pics.

Picked up from the hauler.



Wife snapped this on our way home.  I kept missing my 2-3 shift it took a bit to get the hang of the shifter on this car.



Dumped in driveway, then raced back to work.



Monday evening my younger son and I went to my storage unit and did some quick rearranging and tucked it in there. We were getting some crap from hurricane Oscar that was hitting Cuba Monday, I really wanted the Mini inside. Mission accomplished.



Short driving impression, it is nothing like the Pickup, the suspension is very tight, really responsive and the engine is really responsive. My only classic Mini driving experience prior to this car was the pickup with a hurt engine. While I got that engine running pretty good, you could tell it was on its last legs.

This engine is really peppy and just wants to go go go!!  I really have not pushed it handling wise, the little bit I did, I could tell it handles amazing.  Really looking forward to later this week so I can get to know it better. I need to really get to know it well before the AX next month.

I also have to get used to being gawked at a lot.
Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming "Wow! What a Ride! -Hunter S. Thompson

94touring

It's funny you keep missing 3rd  :steeringwheel:   The remote shift in the inno going 2nd to 3rd I find semi difficult. If I don't shift with concentration I overshoot to the right and end up in the passenger seat and unable to find 3rd.  I miss the rod change shifting.

MiniDave

Jim was your Pup Right Hand drive too? Maybe it's just getting used to using your left instead of your right to shift?
Complete failure at retirement - but getting better!

1972 Mini Racing Green
1972 Mini ST hotrod
2017 Audi Allroad - Glacier White - His
2018 Audi Allroad - Floret Silver - Hers

MPlayle

The Pup was RHD when it briefly passed through my hands years ago.

Jims5543

Yup all the Mini's I have had were all RHD. No big deal, I call it practice for my next trip to Ireland and possibly England.


She got her first bath, which was half ass because I was running out of time, I washed and cleaned out my work truck first so its nice for my 100 mile road trip to my commercial job.



I sometimes name my cars if it fits, my M5 does not have a name nor does the Bini. The FJ was named Betty by the previous owner, my E30 was named Panty Dropper by the 2 previous owners who both knocked their wives up 2X while owning it and forcing its sale. I broke that trend (Vasectomies work!)  I am calling this Mini "Old Blue" its a movie reference. Which is what my 95 Toyota Pickup was named. My 2005 Taco is named Goldie. 



I could see something was in the ashtray, I reached it to pull it out, I now know what Dans ear wax feels like.



I drove her to work today, I have some running around to do and looking forward to driving her around town now.
Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming "Wow! What a Ride! -Hunter S. Thompson

94touring


MiniDave

Complete failure at retirement - but getting better!

1972 Mini Racing Green
1972 Mini ST hotrod
2017 Audi Allroad - Glacier White - His
2018 Audi Allroad - Floret Silver - Hers

Jims5543

Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming "Wow! What a Ride! -Hunter S. Thompson

Jims5543

Anyone have a pic of the battery in place?

I noticed this evening my battery is zip tied in place, exactly what I would do if I was not going to Autocross. I am worried that will not pass tech.

I would like to buy the correct Bracket to secure it. I did a quick search and came up empty.

Anyone actually have a OEM battery bracket in their Mini?

More tomorrow, at 10pm local time I am finally done for the day and exhausted. I have been going since 5am.
Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming "Wow! What a Ride! -Hunter S. Thompson



Jims5543

Battery Retainer!! Thats the name I needed to search. I'll run down to the parking lot in a bit and measure the holes in there and see which fits better.

Thanks!

After your little break down with the Inno and it being a coil pack, that got me to thinking.

With my 1991 BMW, I keep a little took bag with some basic tools in the trunk, I also keep a couple of hoses and belts back there, just in case type of stuff.

I was thinking that would probably be a good idea with the Mini as well, I already ordered a coil, next I'll get a belt.  I am going to put together a small bag to toss in there with some spares and tools.

Lets be realistic the cars are old, you never know what part might decided to take a dump on you at the worst moment.

What would you toss in there?
Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming "Wow! What a Ride! -Hunter S. Thompson

94touring

#689
Look up the part number on the coil I have in there, the ohms are matched to the distributor module. I am almost positive it's a 1.5 ohm coil.  That's also the 60k volt style.  What else...  rotor arm, distributor cap, plug wires, another set of those heat range 7 plugs gapped to about 0.40, though you can probably go wider with the spark it's putting out. Oh!  Order a spare set of the rear disc for the disc brakes and a set of pads from KAD.  I had looked up the pad numbers and ordered a set off Amazon as a spare set.  Have a 1275 head gasket on hand, ideally not the copper style, though if you do it properly shouldn't fail as easily.  A couple big bore exhaust gaskets.  Fan belt.   Most of that stuff should just be on the shelf at home unless you're taking a road trip..

Jims5543

#690
My biggest fear at this moment is that I cannot find this cars handling limits.

I drove it around running errands on Thursday and Friday last week, there were moments when I was somewhat alone on some twisties where I could take them as fast as I dared and I did.. except this car is insane, I realized at one point Friday, I am not anywhere near its limits, I have to reset my reflexes and driving style for this car.

I am afraid when I get to my first AX event, I am not going to be able to really tap this cars potential.

I measured the brackets above the battery, they are 12" apart.  I am thinking that I should go with this bracket.
https://minispares.com/product/Classic/Electrics/Battery/HAM2457FK.aspx?0913&ReturnUrl=/product/Classic/Electrics/Battery/HAM2457.aspx|Back%20to

Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming "Wow! What a Ride! -Hunter S. Thompson

94touring

Going by the description that should work.  The length of the hooking rods I'm not sure.

Jims5543

I pumped my brakes, I am considering fabricating my own. I am thinking a piece of stock aluminum angle and making a bracket the locks the battery over to one side of the box.

Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming "Wow! What a Ride! -Hunter S. Thompson

94touring

Quote from: Jims5543 on October 27, 2024, 02:28:20 PMI pumped my brakes, I am considering fabricating my own. I am thinking a piece of stock aluminum angle and making a bracket the locks the battery over to one side of the box.



I almost suggested that.  It would be quick and easy to do.

Jims5543

It was bring your Mini to work day a few days ago.



I got a call from the detailer I use Wednesday evening, he had a Range Rover cancel because it was still in the shop, so he had availability Thursday to do a paint correction and ceramic coating.  He needs to keep the car for 24 hours.

Man, does the paint ever pop now, the car looks wet despite it being dry.  Ignore the tires, I am wiping that crap off, I hate when they over do it and make them look dripping wet.

It is not my intention to make this a concourse car, I want to AX it and drive the snot out of it. Ceramic coating is like a cheat code, it makes it so much easier to keep the car clean. Now if I hit it with the pressure washer, 90% of the dirt comes off, then hit it with foam that lifts any residual dirt off, another pass with the pressure washer and its clean. Then I just use a leaf blower and the water flies off the car. MRS5543's R53 is so easy to keep clean with the ceramic coating on it.







He also took it upon himself to buff out the rims. He also detailed the interior, which I had done over the weekend. I guess 2X over is a good thing.



I also discovered Heatshield makes sun shades for classic Mini's so I got one. I think it was around $50 for one.

https://www.heatshieldstore.com/



Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming "Wow! What a Ride! -Hunter S. Thompson

94touring

Looks fantastic.  It was due for a thorough detailing

MiniDave

I'm happy to see it being driven and used again - Dan has so many cars in his "fleet" that it wasn't really being driven much. I'm also glad to see Jim is having fun with a Mini again!   :13:

Looking forward to seeing it run an AX soon.....
Complete failure at retirement - but getting better!

1972 Mini Racing Green
1972 Mini ST hotrod
2017 Audi Allroad - Glacier White - His
2018 Audi Allroad - Floret Silver - Hers

Jims5543

Still debating if I should toss on the racing tires for the AX of just run the street tires, since I am still learning the car, the race tires might be overkill. Although, after almost 2 weeks with the car now, I am starting to understand it, have I found its limits? No, not on the street, I may go find an empty road or parking lot early one morning next weekend, set up some slalom cones and makes some passes with it.


It was a rainy day here Saturday so all outdoor activities were cancelled. It cleared up in the evening long enough for me to wash the M5 in preparation of doing my own paint correction, claybar and DIY Ceramic coating. Which I started last night and is not going well. I hope I am not ruining the M5.  Right now it looks horrible, I am having issues with the ceramic coating buffing back out clear. I'll sort this out int he evenings this week.

Anyway, on Sunday the weather was perfect, I took out the Mini and set out to lock down this battery in a manner that will satisfy even the pickiest tech inspected at the AX event.

I bought a piece of aluminum angle stock and a can of Great Stuff expanding foam. I shoved the battery to one side and into the corner of the box, then stuffed the bags down next to it. I filled the bags with great stuff and I am letting them set up.

I then cut the angle stock to fit across the existing tabs so I could affix it to them. A test drive was successful, no movement from the battery.

Next weekend I need to sort out a couple of camera mounts, I used to have a camera mounted on my helmet, I am going to do that again, ti makes for some great footage.

I also have a Go-Pro, I am going to hard mount that somewhere, just not sure where yet.





Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming "Wow! What a Ride! -Hunter S. Thompson

MiniDave

If you can, I like to see videos with the GoPro mounted somewhere low, like on the front bumper or even on the door so you can see the front tire working and the cones rushing by.....
Complete failure at retirement - but getting better!

1972 Mini Racing Green
1972 Mini ST hotrod
2017 Audi Allroad - Glacier White - His
2018 Audi Allroad - Floret Silver - Hers

Jims5543

#699
I am happy to report that after the great stuff set up, the battery is now locked in place and does not move a millimeter.

I took Blue in to work on Friday, at 1pm we had an appointment at our bank to add our oldest son to out corporate acct. The 3 of use piled into Blue to take to the bank 1/2 mile away.  My wife jumped in the back seat and proclaimed it sucked back there, hard to get into and out of, no ventilation in a FloRida climate. She was not a happy camper.

We had plans to hit up a British / Irish pub (I know that is weird, that is Merica!) for dinner, I wanted to take Blue, the wife said no way I am not going in the back of that car since the spawn was coming and he is 6' tall, she said nope for a 10 mile drive, a wise man once told me, choose your battles.... We took the R53 Mini.

We had plans to go out early to breakfast Sunday morning in Blue, it was just the 2 of us as the youngest spawn does jot wake up on weekend mornings.

So we took Blue to breakfast then we drove over to a park and took a long walk around it.  We had not been to this park in years, we were shocked to see Parrots in the wild all over the park.




Because we are in FloRida and it is still 80 degrees here, you try to find shade, especially in a car with UK windows. LOL



If I want to take Mrs5543 anywhere else in this car I need to sort it out better. As of now? It is my car to AX with and have fun with on weekends. She is not interested in ever getting in it again, I can see where she is coming from, it reeks of exhaust fumes and gasoline.

Dan tuned it pig rich and I am fine with that.

He also informed me the boot is not sealed, I am going to order the gaskets to seal that first and see if that helps.

I would love to find some Australian doors with wind up windows for street use. I would also like to look into butterfly rear windows for street use. I hope I can switch back to plexi windows for AX.

None of this is happening until spring 2025. I will be fine this winter.  Once spring arrives, I will either only use it of AX events or figure out a street window solution.

Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming "Wow! What a Ride! -Hunter S. Thompson