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 Posted: Mar 22, 2019 04:38AM
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Hey Ian, I might have been born at night, but it wasn't last night! I don't know your history, but I got my first Mini in 1976. Since then I have owned at least 60 of them. Heck, I personally imported 45 of them. Anyway, in addition to "Why would anyone do that", there are so many "upgrades" done to this car that I'd be willing to bet it's a re-VIN. Bottom line, If it looks like a duck, smells like a duck, and quacks like a duck, then you best believe THIS IS A DUCK!

"Retired:  No Job, No Money, Wife and I!  Will travel anywhere for Minis"

[email protected]

 Posted: Mar 21, 2019 02:10PM
 Edited:  Mar 21, 2019 02:13PM
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Like superflyoldguy and Mr. Moffett said, join MOASF, the local Mini club. We have a great time kicking tires and drivin' around. Many of us have years of Mini knowledge and are very willing to tell people everything we know. $25 per year for membership and you get a free MOASF leather key fob and your choice of any of the 2XL club t-shirts I have left. Our next club run is April 20th from Woodside, CA to Halfmoon Bay, CA. Co-pilots are encouraged if you want to get a feeling on how fun driving in the Santa Cruz Mountains really is.

'72 Morris Mini - 1310cc, K1100 head conversion

 

 

 

 Posted: Mar 21, 2019 01:38AM
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I can only say that 15+ years of reading hundreds of Mini enthusiast magazines and thousands of threads on numerous Mini forums, I've never read or seen anybody retrofit an SPi engine into an older chassis. Nor anybody even interested and asking about it. I've read about 1 person for sure retrofitting an MPi engine, but not much more than that.

Far more people are interested in removing the SPi injection system. It's exceedingly unlikely to me that anyone genuinely chose to install a SPi powertrain and all the control hardware/headaches into an older model, IMHO. 


DLY
 Posted: Mar 20, 2019 06:40PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Dr Mini
https://www.minimania.com/cars4Sale/15474/1970_Austin_Cooper_Sedan Here's a great example of what you really don't need to buy! This car is listed as a 1970 Mini that has been fitted with the mechanicals from a SPi Fuel Injected car. Please note, this car is probably registered in Indiana where the seller lives, but it is NOT a 1970 Mini. It is obviously a Re-VIN. If you were to purchase such a car as this and try to register it in good ol' California, you might be in for a great loss. The fuel injection might raise questions, and then a little further digging would reveal that it has had the VIN changed. CRUSH CITY! Yes, that lovely car could easily be confiscated and crushed. Even if you were to get it titled, at some point down the road someone might come knocking on your door, or have it impounded at a car show. Very risky! So, please do your homework and try to get someone who knows Minis to check out any potential purchase. Just a good idea!
Pretty big call...."but it is NOT a 1970 Mini. .."  You must know more than is published here...

I have a 65 Traveller with the mechanical and interior bit both aftermarket and from cars ranging over 10 years from 63 to mid 90s fitted... Does this make it a re-vin?  I've also seen a 70s Mini built with a replacement BMIHT shell and a collection of parts acquired over a number of years... Is this a re-vin??

This car shows evidence of some pretty major surgery.....   I can't read the chassis plate but the slam panel (complete with body number) looks a lot like the one pictured in Parnell' book.  

Do all 90s Minis have the cut out slam panel to clear the alternator/air con?? This might be a bit of a giveaway...

Hopefully you have more evidence..

Cheers, Ian

 Posted: Mar 20, 2019 04:53PM
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dido. what Dr Mini just said.and...tvander.  No re vin for Cali. and never ever buy an Auto..  just asking for trouble for both..  later bc

 Posted: Mar 20, 2019 03:27PM
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https://www.minimania.com/cars4Sale/15474/1970_Austin_Cooper_Sedan

Here's a great example of what you really don't need to buy! This car is listed as a 1970 Mini that has been fitted with the mechanicals from a SPi Fuel Injected car. Please note, this car is probably registered in Indiana where the seller lives, but it is NOT a 1970 Mini. It is obviously a Re-VIN. If you were to purchase such a car as this and try to register it in good ol' California, you might be in for a great loss. The fuel injection might raise questions, and then a little further digging would reveal that it has had the VIN changed. CRUSH CITY! Yes, that lovely car could easily be confiscated and crushed. Even if you were to get it titled, at some point down the road someone might come knocking on your door, or have it impounded at a car show. Very risky! So, please do your homework and try to get someone who knows Minis to check out any potential purchase. Just a good idea!

"Retired:  No Job, No Money, Wife and I!  Will travel anywhere for Minis"

[email protected]

 Posted: Mar 20, 2019 07:01AM
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I would just add: Don't buy an automatic.

 Posted: Mar 18, 2019 02:57PM
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I'll echo what others have said—MOASF is a great group. It took me about 6 months or so after getting my car to discover MOASF, but I wish I had found the group sooner. People are incredibly generous with their knowledge, advice, and even hands-on assistance in many cases. I've learned so much from the time that I've spent in the club. The $25 annual membership is ridiculously cheap for the fun and help that you can get out of membership. We have several events coming up in the next few months (check the events page on the site linked above). They're a great opportunity to meet some folks and talk cars. If you're interested, email me at {my username} @ hotmail. I'm happy to chat more.

As others have also suggested, I would strongly recommend looking for cars that already have a California title. Beware the re-vins, but between this group and MOASF members you should have no problem spotting them / vetting potential buys. Folks in the club also often seem to know when there are local-ish cars coming up for sale. You haven't said what your budget is, but I believe there is someone in the club who may be thinking about parting with his Cooper S. It won't go cheap, however...

-------------------------------------------------------------
Scott | 1963 Austin Cooper | 2003 MINI Cooper S | 2018 MINI Cooper 4-door
 Posted: Mar 16, 2019 08:00AM
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CA
Quote:
Originally Posted by ssuperflyoldguy
Join MOASF //www.moasf.com/#/home


Tons of folks in MOASF who are helpful - Fill out your profile so people can email you directly - I'm close to Oakland, good luck - a legit registerable Mini is Cali is getting harder to get 
Excellent advice to join MOASF. You'll get to meet and know owners of real Minis, learn about the challenges of being an owner, learn about the care and maintenance of one of these babies and likely get to ride in and possibly test-drive a Mini before you get too seriously involved. They are cute and lovable, but can be hard to live with. They are definitely not like any other car on the road to ride in or drive. The folks at MOASF can also guide you in selection of a suitable Mini and maybe even point you toward one or two.

Be advised that Mini ownership is a disease.... with very little chance of a cure.

.

"Hang on a minute lads....I've got a great idea."

 Posted: Mar 15, 2019 07:35PM
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fmix..  yea.. he got to pass SMOG.. but cost him MORE than he paid for the mini..( about $7k)   just plain STUPIC in my book..  later vc

 Posted: Mar 15, 2019 05:56PM
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Basically what people are going to say is that due to California's emissions law anything after 1975 or 76 or somewhere around there must meet the emissions requirements for that year.  A 1990 Mini must meet or exceed the emissions requirements as in place for 1990.  Minis don't meet those codes so people will VIN swap them to make them older.  Illegal and can get your car crushed.  If you like the style of the newer Minis, like the 13 inch wheels with sportspack arches and the different grill, then of course you can buy an older Mini and update while still remaining compliant.

However!!  There is a member on here that took the time and effort to get a newer Mini smogged and legal for California.  I don't remember the year but it was around 1992 or so I believe.  So the hope is out there.

Otherwise check for rust and oil drips.  Browse the forums for common issues and you'll get lots of info to use for your purchase.


Good luck!

 Posted: Mar 15, 2019 03:42PM
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Rawles..  couple things.. try to find something local.. do NOT buy sight unseen.. and do NOT buy from broker. later bc

 Posted: Mar 15, 2019 03:27PM
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Join MOASF //www.moasf.com/#/home


Tons of folks in MOASF who are helpful - Fill out your profile so people can email you directly - I'm close to Oakland, good luck - a legit registerable Mini is Cali is getting harder to get 

 Posted: Mar 15, 2019 01:03PM
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Thanks for that Dan.

 Posted: Mar 15, 2019 12:51PM
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CA
Welcome.

Since you are in California, the very first thing you need to study up on is the limitations California places on registering classic Minis. Others will fill you in on some of the pitfalls and help guide you in the right direction. For example the car you posed the link on may not be legitimate in California. To begin with, concentrate on cars for sale in and registered in California. The prices will likely be higher than from other places because of those limitations make the market tighter. 

.

"Hang on a minute lads....I've got a great idea."

 Posted: Mar 15, 2019 12:41PM
 Edited:  Mar 15, 2019 12:54PM
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Thank you in advance.  I have been interested in having an old Mini for years.  I live in Oakland Ca and have a bunch of questions.
I am looking for guidance hopefully from experienced locals.  Here is a simple list of priorities.
1. Straight frame with little to no rust issues.
2. Solid mechanically( little time to spend messing with the car right now, but I am tired of waiting until I would have time)
3.  No preferences regarding engine size.
4. Do not care if it no longer looks or is a stock mini as long as it is not creating headaches down the road.


Please let me know if you are able to point me toward a club or a few owners that could help point me toward the right mini.  Left to my own I would likely buy something like this mini in Wisconsin.  https://www.minimania.com/cars4Sale/15138/1978_Rover_Mini_Mini_Sedan
or either of these
https://www.minimania.com/cars4Sale/15454/1973_Austin_Mini_Sedan
https://www.minimania.com/cars4Sale/15022/1990_Rover_Mini_1000_Sedan or this 

Thank you,

Drew Rawles