Clutch slips in 3rd gear going up any reasonable incline.
Front wheel bearings have made noise since purchase - still to be fixed!
New noise at front, sounds like brakes worn, only when wheel is turned. Not clicking, so I don't think it's the universal joints.
Door hinges have dropped slightly.
Rust can be a problem, this one has some in the A panel (behind front wheels) but the rest is reasonable, apart from some older previous repairs which are coming "unstuck".
I've always wanted a Mini - small, cute, top fun to drive! When the wife said I should get a small second car, I didn't hesitate. The kids love it too!
Although quite punchy with no passengers, it knows when someone else climbs aboard, especially when faced with a hill. Have given though to "improving" the power, but it would cost me more to run.
It actually has more legroom than the Datsun 1500 flat tray I had previously - although not quite as versatile. We got a trailer for the family wagon instead!
Low slung standard web seats are quite comfortable, the only negative though minor, is getting out of the thing because it is so low (and I have long legs).
I have since spent $1200 on mechanics - new clutch, brakes, slave cylinders, wheel bearings, tires, service etc. and it runs like a dream! The brakes failed on me twice after that - rebuild master cylinder twice. They are spongier than before, but haven't failed again. I run it on ultra unleaded with valve lube - goes better than lead replacement fuel. I also discovered under the seat there are 3 adjustable wing nut settings and I now have an extra inch of legroom!! Took out the carpet & door panels to reduce weight (no rust there!!) Took it on a Tas Mini Fest (125 Minis!!) Awesome fun, and now it seems to go even better!! Visit http://icc.homedns.org/edge/edge.htm.
I am restoring my 1977 Leyland mini s and have rust in the common places (behind the front left wheel to right to the back left wheel) and bits around the car, also minor dimples around the car just from everyday use. I am getting all the rust cut out and replaced and then a full respray. while in the precess of doing that I would like to make the engine a bit more powerful, but don't know what to do... can anyone give me ideas of what to do to give it that little more power??
I am also restoring a '77 Clubsman and am learning heaps in the process as a friend of mine is helping out. I am just about to respray the shell after getting all the small patches of rust cut out and repaired. The only suggestion I can give in motor building is to wait until you have enough money to build the entire motor all in the one go. Although before undertaking a buildup you could probably go for a lightened flywheel, rods, performance cam. If you're looking at getting the motor bored out you'll be needing a lot of money to get everything from the crank replaced with one which can handle the increased amount of power. You should remember that if you're considering building up the motor, you're obviously looking for more power. So before you increase the power, you must look at stopping power. Get yourself a nice set of disc breaks for the front two because I think (not quite sure) that the S's had drum brakes all round?? So just think, what good is a lot of power if you end up ramming it at the back of some car because your brakes were dodgy.
It's good to see people still investing their time and money to keep the spirit of the original mini up and alive.
My family have restored about 11 Minis, three of which I owned. My last Mini was a Clubman Estate. It started with the 1100 big bore motor (the 11H), which I later changed for the 1275 from an Austin Apache - Same A series motor as the Mini 1275. I now have 2 Austin 1800's because I couldn't find a Mini. They are essentially just BIG minis, using the B series motor. Same layout, trans in sump, east/west engine and so on. Have a look at http://austin1800.homestead.com/index.html.
Mini's are the best!
I have a 1977 leyland mini s and was wondering what price I would get for it if I sold it?
It has no rust and has a full body respray with all seats and interior done in black vinyl. its got a roadworthy and its insured, 35,719 kilometers 998cc engine in very good condition starts first time, new car battery, brand new 12x5 inch minilite wheels. it has a bassy sound system in it that is just under 2 grands worth that can be sold with the car or without.
These are the main things that I have done and i'd love it if anyone could give me a rough price of what they would pay for it? thanks.
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