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Do you use your Mini in the winter?
Posted: Mon Oct 06, 2014 10:01 pm
by PLUG1971
Hi I am thinking of buying this Mini.
http://cars.donedeal.ie/vintagecars-for ... 3i/7636538
I viewed the car and its a little gem.
Its a collegues fathers car that has been restored over the last five years at great expense and care!
My question/problem is I would need to use the Mini for a few days every month between now and the spring.
Is there any steps I can take to keep it reliable during the cold and wet?
It is undersealed!
Would I ruin the car if I left it out in the elements for the odd few days my daily slogger is neaded by the other half?
Any advice greatly appreciated
Re: Do you use your Mini in the winter?
Posted: Mon Oct 06, 2014 10:20 pm
by Mark B
I use mine as my every day car and it has spent most of its life outside .
Mark
Re: Do you use your Mini in the winter?
Posted: Mon Oct 06, 2014 10:21 pm
by PLUG1971
Mark B wrote:I use mine as my every day car and it has spent most of its life outside .
Mark
Thanks Mark
Re: Do you use your Mini in the winter?
Posted: Mon Oct 06, 2014 11:35 pm
by Dylan8660
Mark B wrote:I use mine as my every day car and it has spent most of its life outside .
Mark
Ditto, clean and wax regularly.
Re: Do you use your Mini in the winter?
Posted: Tue Oct 07, 2014 1:09 am
by spud1979
Same as. I used my every day to commute 120 kms round trip and it's outside all year round.
Re: Do you use your Mini in the winter?
Posted: Tue Oct 07, 2014 1:53 am
by CB_Phil
I use mine all year (when Im home) Garaged when not in use would help, my poor mini doesnt have that luxury
Someone else will have to answer, but Id be concerned about bucket seats in a daily runner (but Ive only had quick spins in cars w/buckets)
Re: Do you use your Mini in the winter?
Posted: Tue Oct 07, 2014 10:21 am
by woody
Mechanically the MPi mini will have no problem with winter conditions.
The question is how good is the rust prevention and sprayjob. Rover were not great at keeping rust at bay and unfortunitly most (not all) resprays are worse . Using the car ocasionaly in winter will be good for it but the best thing you can do is garage it when not in use.
Re: Do you use your Mini in the winter?
Posted: Tue Oct 07, 2014 5:09 pm
by Billy
I agree with Woody. Unlike every other car available in the 90s, Minis were never galvanised so it WILL rust. I grew up when brand new Toyotas, Fiats, Citroens etc would start rusting before they left the forecourt. They don't now!
Re: Do you use your Mini in the winter?
Posted: Tue Oct 07, 2014 8:14 pm
by PLUG1971
Thanks for all the comments and advice guys!
Its had new sills and a boot floor.
A repair to the bulkhead (small plate).
Floor pan is undersealed.
The car was stripped down to bare metal and resprayed by Sheridan Gilmartin in Ballina.
Sheridan is beyond good and has carried out many nut and bolt restorations on some serious cars.
The engine has been rebuilt standard spec.
Brakes,suspention,exhaust,wheels,interior,bright work,fuse box and numerous other under bonnet parts all replaced.
Im going to spend longer viewing it, but fingers crossed it will be a purchase.
