I have absolutely no talent at fixing cars. But I still do it from time to time. Also, driving the car as frequent as we can is also a way of ensuring that the car stays great for longer
A well greased, thumbed, foxed and ripped Haynes car manual (other manuals are available) kept in the car with the basic tools needed for running repairs is all part of the classic Mini experience. I'm told the real enthusiasts also keep a clean copy at home too for light reading.
the log was a makeshift replacement for my jack that doesn't go high enough, wouldn't recommend! thanks guys, appreciate the recognition. almost ready for my MOT!
Nice! We do the same with bits of scrap wood when we need more reach, too. Appreciate your submission, and congrats on getting your mini close :) edit for typo
Hi, I'm brand spanking new to mini ownership. I've just bought a 1986 mini mayfair and love the experience but the 998 engine is a little breathless over the steep hills in my area. Is there anything I could do to the stock engine to give it a little help?
Own a 2005 mini cooper s convertible and just bought a 2024 cooper S hardtop. I kept my 2005 because it has been a loyal little beast, however she needs work. Is in shop now, seems like alternator. I really think keeping the 2005 is worth it as a hobby to try restoring her to better health and condition. Thoughts?
My wife owns her Mini for over 17years. It is, without a doubt, the most reliable car we've owned (ok, to be fair our Toyota hybrid excluded) Cheap parts also help... We are currently doing the first big mechanical upgrade on suspension and brakes. To make sure it's as save as can be for our kids. At least that's a good excuse to mount a fully adjustable suspension system and do a brake upgrade 😆 let the fun begin!
ive had 10 of em, 1st one was my 1st car, a 73 twin carbed 1000cc bought 1994, th one i have now i bought 5 year ago(1st one ive owned since 2002, hasnt been on the road since 2004, its been a journey.... an these vids have definitely helped keep my motovation up to get into it to get it on the road finally
Hi guys ... great video as usual and thanks very much for mention in the video at the end and the great comments. I have got to get a trip back to Vancouver again sometime soon!
@@Stevestonmotorco just thinking - you were wondering what seats I had and if they were maybe new old stock? If you were wondering about the rear seat, it's the original tilting rear bench that I had recovered in the green/grey Cooper trim that I was able to get as a one off special from Newton Commercial.
@@Stevestonmotorco Conversely, I was surprised how little changing the ancient rubber subframe bushes to neoprene stiffened the ride. I'd expected more of a change. But you really do feel every little change on a mini, don't you? I applied your suggested redspot cone and KYB damper mods and it has made a positive difference. Interestingly there is less roll, so now the tyres lose grip earlier in a corner.
As we began moving our old parts to their new home. it was easy to notice how simple the cars are. (..Then again, our Minis are in pieces....may be a little more complicated trying to put these puzzles back together....) th-cam.com/video/rqPS2NB43qo/w-d-xo.html
Domino's the company, Phoenix & Pimlico are the models. Both fibreglass and among the best made kitcars. Even knackered Minis drive fairly well, the basics of the design are just so right & inherently stable. Be wary swapping rubber parts, the quality of a lot of it isn't as good as the original stuff, throw nothing away that's still serviceable. The biggest transformation you'll get is still from swapping out tired rubber suspension cones though.
This is possibly the most important advice you could take and use. Do what’s needed, fix what’s broken and maintain. It will keep a car feeling new and tight. Also it will stop issues adding up to the point the car is not worth fixing. This is the hardest thing to get across to customers in the motor trade that maintenance is key to keeping a car going.
Great video but one thing I’ll argue about is this: while 95% of parts are available, 35% of those parts are cheap and fail far sooner than an OE part...especially the rubber. It’s bad, really bad.
well the problem in europe is we have a lot of them, but if u r no mechanic (work is the most expensive parts). And can just try and fail, or not getting it licensed. they r very strict with their controls. even if vintage cars have it much easier, because i m sure even a perfect mini wouldn't be allowed on the streets, compared 2 the new standards, but old-timers (vintage) r
I miss my mini. Any time there was a problem, it was so easy to fix. The only real issue I had was rust. I didn't catch it in time and by then it was too late. I have a 2005 car now, its the most modern car I've owned... but feels like I need a PhD in astro computer engineering to get it to tell me whats wrong and to fix it!
Hi guys, appreciate your passion and hardwork. The educational approach works really well in promoting the mini. Great job. What will be your opinion on building a car from starting on a donor car or getting a new shell from BMH with higher price tag. Will it be worth it ? Saving time on bodywork and rust. Would you guys know how much will it cost to purchase with tax and shipping to Vancouver. Or is it available in canada to purchase. Curious how much to build one with vtec engine. What would you suggest?
Hi Randolf, thanks for the kind words. It's incredible that new shells are still being produced, and it would make a lot of sense to bring one in for the right build. However, there are legal implications for road use, and swapping VIN tags onto a different shell is not legal. And how far rust repair goes before it turns into reshelling is a complicated grey area. That being said, in Vancouver it's usually cheaper to find a rust free example from Japan. There is also a talented mini-specific bodyman around. I'm sure bringing in just the shell in primer from England would be around 20K landed. For any further questions, please email us!
This video is nearly exactly why I bought a mini. Hadn’t wrench on a car since high school shop class in the early 2000s. Got to rebuild lots of systems and learn a ton.
Yes I saw that movie aswell sir😁 Unfortunately I'm OKINAWA island so it's far from mainland of japan. Someday I want to make plan to travel your country after the covid things. If I make it, let me in your shop😎 I was not good at vehicle things before I got mini（even I couldn't replace oil). I'm 33 now so my goal is to posses my mini untill 80😜 That's why I love your tech tips! So see you in your channel!!
Hi Eric - if you want to jump over to my channel I'd much appreciate it - the guys have added a link. Hopefully I'll get some more modding videos of my Traveller (and other projects) up soon
Yes we are! Most mini owners dont see it breaking as a bad thing, just another chance for improvement!
Totally agree, I learn so much every time there’s a “problem”
Couldn't agree more :)
Agreed!!! However, my wife would disagree ;)
I have absolutely no talent at fixing cars. But I still do it from time to time. Also, driving the car as frequent as we can is also a way of ensuring that the car stays great for longer
A well greased, thumbed, foxed and ripped Haynes car manual (other manuals are available) kept in the car with the basic tools needed for running repairs is all part of the classic Mini experience. I'm told the real enthusiasts also keep a clean copy at home too for light reading.
Yep got 2 copies of my Mini Haynes😀
Pimlico, made of fiberglass,.. there is also the mini cords, made of fiberglass in south america. Very unique and rare. check them out.
the log was a makeshift replacement for my jack that doesn't go high enough, wouldn't recommend! thanks guys, appreciate the recognition. almost ready for my MOT!
Nice! We do the same with bits of scrap wood when we need more reach, too. Appreciate your submission, and congrats on getting your mini close :)
edit for typo
Hi, I'm brand spanking new to mini ownership. I've just bought a 1986 mini mayfair and love the experience but the 998 engine is a little breathless over the steep hills in my area. Is there anything I could do to the stock engine to give it a little help?
Own a 2005 mini cooper s convertible and just bought a 2024 cooper S hardtop.
I kept my 2005 because it has been a loyal little beast, however she needs work. Is in shop now, seems like alternator. I really think keeping the 2005 is worth it as a hobby to try restoring her to better health and condition. Thoughts?
The beauty of older cars is the absence of electronics.
I do not know if you guys changed something with your cameras, but the image from the middle part of the video is absolutly clear. Nice work.
Thanks!
That colour on the blue mini was gorgeous! Dave if you're here, what colour code was that? Ty
My wife owns her Mini for over 17years. It is, without a doubt, the most reliable car we've owned (ok, to be fair our Toyota hybrid excluded) Cheap parts also help...
We are currently doing the first big mechanical upgrade on suspension and brakes. To make sure it's as save as can be for our kids. At least that's a good excuse to mount a fully adjustable suspension system and do a brake upgrade 😆 let the fun begin!
ive had 10 of em, 1st one was my 1st car, a 73 twin carbed 1000cc bought 1994, th one i have now i bought 5 year ago(1st one ive owned since 2002, hasnt been on the road since 2004, its been a journey.... an these vids have definitely helped keep my motovation up to get into it to get it on the road finally
10 minis, wow. It's funny how one turns into many. Thanks for sharing.
You make your own luck. One way of helping that is to have a Mini in your life :)
What was the book called and who was it by.
I love my mini!
Hi guys ... great video as usual and thanks very much for mention in the video at the end and the great comments. I have got to get a trip back to Vancouver again sometime soon!
Our pleasure! Keep on with the good work and thanks for sending us those videos Ian!
@@Stevestonmotorco just thinking - you were wondering what seats I had and if they were maybe new old stock? If you were wondering about the rear seat, it's the original tilting rear bench that I had recovered in the green/grey Cooper trim that I was able to get as a one off special from Newton Commercial.
The most noticeable change to a mini I've ever felt was when I got new sills fitted one year. The car was so much stiffer.
Getting new calls on mine this winter, can’t wait to drive it
@@jonathandavies7462 I should be organised and get some big stuff done.
Enjoy your rejuvenated mini sir.
Interesting! Not the first thing I'd expect to hear, but I know completely how chassis rigidity can change the way a car feels.
@@Stevestonmotorco Conversely, I was surprised how little changing the ancient rubber subframe bushes to neoprene stiffened the ride. I'd expected more of a change.
But you really do feel every little change on a mini, don't you?
I applied your suggested redspot cone and KYB damper mods and it has made a positive difference. Interestingly there is less roll, so now the tyres lose grip earlier in a corner.
As we began moving our old parts to their new home. it was easy to notice how simple the cars are. (..Then again, our Minis are in pieces....may be a little more complicated trying to put these puzzles back together....)
th-cam.com/video/rqPS2NB43qo/w-d-xo.html
Domino's the company, Phoenix & Pimlico are the models. Both fibreglass and among the best made kitcars.
Even knackered Minis drive fairly well, the basics of the design are just so right & inherently stable.
Be wary swapping rubber parts, the quality of a lot of it isn't as good as the original stuff, throw nothing away that's still serviceable.
The biggest transformation you'll get is still from swapping out tired rubber suspension cones though.
This is possibly the most important advice you could take and use. Do what’s needed, fix what’s broken and maintain. It will keep a car feeling new and tight. Also it will stop issues adding up to the point the car is not worth fixing. This is the hardest thing to get across to customers in the motor trade that maintenance is key to keeping a car going.
Great video but one thing I’ll argue about is this: while 95% of parts are available, 35% of those parts are cheap and fail far sooner than an OE part...especially the rubber. It’s bad, really bad.
There are definitely some parts to avoid and some parts that are significantly better.
👍👍
MOWOG parts are coming to the end!
Would be good to see you guys visit an IMM and do a walk around video of the show/camp. Could be a feature length film 😂
well the problem in europe is we have a lot of them, but if u r no mechanic (work is the most expensive parts). And can just try and fail, or not getting it licensed. they r very strict with their controls. even if vintage cars have it much easier, because i m sure even a perfect mini wouldn't be allowed on the streets, compared 2 the new standards, but old-timers (vintage) r
Can attach the links to the vids featured plz
Linked th-cam.com/channels/JrnGuGP1RK6uqIj_j9ZhUQ.html
yup, watch v tuned take apart a Mclaren , you will be SO grateful for the simple mini
The t-top Mini is a 'Domino Pimlico' the body is all fibreglass.
I miss my mini. Any time there was a problem, it was so easy to fix. The only real issue I had was rust. I didn't catch it in time and by then it was too late. I have a 2005 car now, its the most modern car I've owned... but feels like I need a PhD in astro computer engineering to get it to tell me whats wrong and to fix it!
Haha, yeah new cars are very different. Still just nuts and bolts, but with more complex systems!
Hi guys, appreciate your passion and hardwork. The educational approach works really well in promoting the mini. Great job. What will be your opinion on building a car from starting on a donor car or getting a new shell from BMH with higher price tag. Will it be worth it ? Saving time on bodywork and rust. Would you guys know how much will it cost to purchase with tax and shipping to Vancouver. Or is it available in canada to purchase. Curious how much to build one with vtec engine. What would you suggest?
Hi Randolf, thanks for the kind words. It's incredible that new shells are still being produced, and it would make a lot of sense to bring one in for the right build. However, there are legal implications for road use, and swapping VIN tags onto a different shell is not legal. And how far rust repair goes before it turns into reshelling is a complicated grey area. That being said, in Vancouver it's usually cheaper to find a rust free example from Japan. There is also a talented mini-specific bodyman around. I'm sure bringing in just the shell in primer from England would be around 20K landed. For any further questions, please email us!
Pimlico Domino, or the other way round?
Other way round, I think. Domino Pimlico is a fibreglass bodied convertible T top, right?
Pretty sure you have it the right way round! And yes, fibreglass.
😎
This video is nearly exactly why I bought a mini. Hadn’t wrench on a car since high school shop class in the early 2000s. Got to rebuild lots of systems and learn a ton.
Awesome. They sure have a way of encouraging wrenching.
I bought some parts through minispares from japan. Mini changed my life. Thank you for your awesome videos everytime!
That is awesome! You guys have an incredible mini community. Hopefully one day we can come see Mini Day at Lake Hamanako again.
Yes I saw that movie aswell sir😁 Unfortunately I'm OKINAWA island so it's far from mainland of japan. Someday I want to make plan to travel your country after the covid things. If I make it, let me in your shop😎 I was not good at vehicle things before I got mini（even I couldn't replace oil). I'm 33 now so my goal is to posses my mini untill 80😜 That's why I love your tech tips! So see you in your channel!!
Could you please put in the links to their youtube channels if availible? Would be awesome to see more of these guys🤩
Linked
Hi Eric - if you want to jump over to my channel I'd much appreciate it - the guys have added a link. Hopefully I'll get some more modding videos of my Traveller (and other projects) up soon
Stevestonmotorco when are you plopping the K20A into a mini?
In the works
It will chooch ;)
Pomlico!!
Pimlico
Nice vid guys👍
Thanks 👍