How easily did you learn to fix your Mini?

[freakvinnie]

Hello,
This is my first post here! I'm fascinated with Mini's, and found the mini forum recently! Its an excellent forum full of great resources and ideas so fair play to you.. I haven't bought a mini yet! I'm doing my research, the only thing thats stopping me really is that I don't have a garage at present, and that won't change for a short while... I have bought the "Hays Mini Restoration Manual" though!

Anyway I'm big into DIY -I always prefer to fix things myself, set things up my way, and to be self sustainable etc.. So that I know what sort of order something is in etc... Oddly enough/ eccentrically enough I also enjoy knowing that an object is mechanically in good shape too..
While I am a hands on fella unfortunately I don't have much experience fixing cars aside from the basics -haven't had the opportunity and unfortunately none of my mates are into mechanics.. But I'm feckin determined to learn! Inevitably what I always do is take an object to pieces and put it back together again, and then I know exactly how it works!.. Eventually I always end up doing that!


So my question is looking back on your learning curve fixing Mini's, and considering my situation, how easy do you think it'd be for a someone to take to the mechanical side of it!? I appreciate that it takes time to learn -years...

What would you have done differently? or whats the best advice you'd give to someone starting out!?

I was thinking I could buy one in fairly ok running shape and bit by bit get into the mechanical side... Anyway I'd appreciate any advice and especially opinion on your own experience!

Thanks for any replies in advance, Vinnie

[DAVEY_C]

an impressive 1st post
you would be suprised how quick you'd pick it up, mini's are 1 of the most basic cars going yet it all works together so well... with the resources out there for mini's and the amount of people willing to help you certainly could pick up a mini and learn from it. the haynes manual is a good start and there are also tons of other literature out there to assist but i'm sure as you progress you will pick up the relevant material.
me myself i grew up with mini's, father and granny had them, any my father was big into mechanic's so since i was young i had a spanner in my hand (mind you my son is no better ). at the moment i have no garage either but don't let that deter you because although it would be helpfull its not essential, you'd just have to work between showers

sounds like you have the right attitude already and the drive to want to keep a mini alive and thats the important part because so many people end up with unfinished projects... you will find out anything you need to know on forums as long as ye ask

[keith]

as Davey mentioned above, the right attitude is most important: some things you will pick up really fast, others will take longer to get to grips with and a few you may never master.
generally the pre-fuel injection minis are easier to get started with, and there's *lots* of experience in the club.

welcome, btw.

[vincieshile]

Hello Vinnie, I'm called Vincie. Seven years ago I was like you - wanted to restore a mini but knew nothing much about mechanics. I was a primary teacher who terrorised little children. However determination got me going and stubborness got me through. Have a look at Maggie's Mighty Mini in the project section of this Forum or just go to this site

http://www.irishminis.ie/forum/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=6722

as has already been said, there is a lot of expertise on this Forum and wonderful people willing to help.
There is also a British Forum http://www.theminiforum.co.uk
I would recommend the following project as a source -

http://www.theminiforum.co.uk/forums/in ... 702&st=600

If and when you begin, be sure and let us know and take heaps of photos from day 1.

Good Luck.

[Scoobasteve7]

Welcome to the site Vinnie.

I too am one of thos people that breaks things into pieces to see how it works and tries to put them back together afterwards some working some not..

I'm still working on rebuilding my first mini and had no mechanical/technical/electrical knowledge starting off.

My advice if you do decide to do something like this. Label everything and box everything and store it somewhere dry. Theres nothing worse than looking for little pieces that have gone missing (like my brass union for the brake lines...thanks to the guys here I figured where it was)

Take photo's of everything too as however sure you were that that bolt definitely went there...it didnt.

Also, you will need determination. There are times when you'll feel like just giving up but stick with it and you'll get there..same as myself hopefully.

The only other thing I'd say is to get stuck in and if you do have any problems just ask. The people here so far have helped me with any problem that I've come against so it's good to know your in helpful company.

Above all else enjoy it.

[Dylan8660]

If only there was more people with your outlook. I have always had the notion that if you know how something works then you can use it better. My one piece of advise is if your ever in any doubt, dont.

[woody]

Welcome Vinnie.
The Haynes Restoration book is good but is a bit general ,to get into the nitty gritty of the Mini you will also need the Haynes workshop manual which will give you step by step instructions on everything. If you want to see how it all works your best buying a complete car and striping it rather than an unfinished project but this will generally mean it will involve some welding. As well as joining the forum its good idea to join the club also and get along to one of the meetings and talk to members first hand, you may pick up a cheap car or parts.

[StanO'Toole]

Welcome to the forum Vinnie...

Personnally the reasons why I got into to Minis is because of the basic nature of them and the history behind them but everyone one has there reasons behind there love... I came here knowing very little and just by flicking thru all the threads (current and present) you can read into other peoples difficulties and how they are resolved you learn a hell of a lot.. Most are followed by pictures which also helps out with the learning...

I'm only around the corner from you in Shankill....

Let the learning begin

[freakvinnie]

Thanks a mil for all those replies! Some great advice! I'm convinced now and am considering buying before i even have a garage!

Your dead right davy_c they're popular but have great style and class too! I thought the Restoration Manual was a good place to start...

Keith -thanks for the advice on avoiding the fuel injection for getting started at the mechanics, thinkin of a 1000cc...


Thats v impressive vincieshile especially to consider you got more into mechanics only seven years ago! and Scoobasteve7 too.. Great to know that other folk started off in a bit of a similar position with regard to experience...

Dylan8660 - I know what you mean I've learn't that one the hard way too but you can never say that enough!

Will buy the workshop manual as soon as I've read this one woody... And cheers StanO'Toole I'll checkout those old threads, someone has a really nice brown mini with a roof rack around our neck o' the woods am sure you've seen it too!...

[DAVEY_C]

nothing wrong with the restoration manual, we probably all have 1 , they just have a small section on everything instead of aimed at 1 topic be it engine or bodywork... for that reason its limited and basic. i find it gives a good look into what is required to keep mini's motoring because most panels will possibly need replacing and the basic mechanics in it helps to give you an understanding of how it works.

[DaveC]

... someone has a really nice brown mini with a roof rack around our neck o' the woods am sure you've seen it too!...

Welcome Vinnie, plenty of advice there to get you started. It's also handy to get someone to show you how to do a few jobs on a Mini as well.

I often see that brown mini with the roof rack around Killiney and Dun Laoghaire.
Keep an eye out for my Dad or me in my 1980 blue Mini 1000

[CLUBMANGT]

Welcome along Vinnie , I built my car without any cover so dont be put off all the help and advice you might need is on here, So jump in and get one while you still can . I will pm you my number for a chat

[scottser32]

welcome vinnie, i dunno if this was mentioned already but the carb versions are easyer to work on then the spi's so try get a nice carbed mini. also a word of warning, always have a bita spare cash, in my experience wen i tryed doing work on my mini any time i touched somethin id find a new problem and would end up having to run to my mechanic friend :p, even tho i thought my mini was in good condition it had alot of secretes so be really carefull buying one and take someone with ya that knows there stuff about minis im sure one of the very knowledgeable lads here will ablige its a great place to ask questions so good luck.