Guidance on buying a Mini (classic)
Orig. Posting Date | User Name | Edit Date |
Mar 22, 2019 04:38AM | Dr Mini | |
Mar 21, 2019 02:10PM | Craig | Edited: Mar 21, 2019 02:13PM |
Mar 21, 2019 01:38AM | bluedragon | |
Mar 20, 2019 06:40PM | 1963SV2 | |
Mar 20, 2019 04:53PM | thewerewolf | |
Mar 20, 2019 03:27PM | Dr Mini | |
Mar 20, 2019 07:01AM | tvander | |
Mar 18, 2019 02:57PM | scottwkurth | |
Mar 16, 2019 08:00AM | Dan Moffet | |
Mar 15, 2019 07:35PM | thewerewolf | |
Mar 15, 2019 05:56PM | fMix | |
Mar 15, 2019 03:42PM | thewerewolf | |
Mar 15, 2019 03:27PM | ssuperflyoldguy | |
Mar 15, 2019 01:03PM | Rawles | |
Mar 15, 2019 12:51PM | Dan Moffet | |
Mar 15, 2019 12:41PM | Rawles | Edited: Mar 15, 2019 12:54PM |
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"Retired: No Job, No Money, Wife and I! Will travel anywhere for Minis"
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'72 Morris Mini - 1310cc, K1100 head conversion
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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.
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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
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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"
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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
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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
Be advised that Mini ownership is a disease.... with very little chance of a cure.
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"Hang on a minute lads....I've got a great idea."
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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!
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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
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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.
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"Hang on a minute lads....I've got a great idea."
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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