It's funny seems most real "old timers" come closer to 20 years not 10. and it seems many are still with us just
not wasting a lot of time here. This place has been and I suspect will continue to be a resource for many. I'm
pleased and surprised at the respect this thread has received from the general visitors. Thank everyone who has
visited and read, and or left a reply. Steve (CTR)

I don't know how long I have been on this forum - I'm guessing since 1999 or so, so about 20 years.  I've been a Mini Mania customer since I got my first Mini in 1984.  I miss those monthly folded booklets that Don used to send out back when he was in San Jose and Milpitas.  I also miss those annual swapmeets at the Milpitas store.  

Steve, great post. And an even better idea with the once a month Monday lunch. I'd like to hob nob with other local owners, keep in mind, your my top Mini guy no matter who else comes along. Not sure how long I've been here at MM, I started out with an 05 MINI S but had to get my hands on a Classic as soon as I saw one for the first time (2005) at Checkered Flag. I've had my one and only Mini Mayfair since 2007? You have helped me on several occasions to keep the little guy I call "Bertie" running smoothly. I sincerely hope that you live to a 150, as I'll always get back to you first and foremost for any help.

Anytime Steve. We are about to move into a townhome but other than that I would love to get together with other local owners. 

Lurking from Japan

All well at this end...  Dry is bad but windy makes it worse.  Extreme conditions forecast for tomorrow so we're standing up the Fire Shed.... just in case.

Was cleaning up the bottom shed on the weekend..look what I found  (Would post a bigger picture ..if I could work out how ....)

HHHmmm thought that might happen
Cheers, Ian

Hey Ian,

Hope all is well. Heard you guys are going through a dry spell in NSW. Keep well and let me know a good time to call.

Mike

Things change and evolve, the advent of Facebook and the irritation of the troll has led to many old hands wandering away or being driven off to get their fix elsewhere, and a few have passed away as we all get older.

It's soul-warming to see so many familiar names pop up in this thread.

Ive been on here for a bunch of years .. I dont post much but check in regularly. Started out with two shells in about 2005 and from that I turned them into 1 solid runner. Would love to get into another build with all the knowledge gained but no room at the moment. 

Hey Mike !!!  great to hear your still in the game.... sorry we missed you in April.  Good to hear the S has survived... 

Cheers, Ian

Started posting here when it was first launched in the days before registration was required. Owned many Minis over the years. Family’s current fleet include 1967 Cooper S which I’ve owned since 1981, Bitsa Mini which was built in 2001 with Heritage shell, and Catalina Moke. Don’t get around here much anymore.

Sorry Dan,

I haven't 'lurked' or participated on any forum for a very long time; I only dropped by to check a few part numbers before I get the mini ready for the cold weather.  Figured I'd service the front brakes, grease the suspension, install the rear winter brakes, a thermostat swap and exchange the summer wheels/tires for the winter steels/snow-ice tires.  I wanted to change the oil too, but that'll have to wait for a day when I take it out of the garage for more than simply reversing it back into the garage.

The only thing I got done on the mini this past year was install the road-legal FIA harnesses (Schroth Profi II-FE asm) in tandem with the standard 3-point seatbelts which have been sitting in their boxes since 2017 - just in case I happen upon a hill climb or feel like a track day ...  As typical, t'was a pain in the arse, but they're in now and both options are available.  Suspenders and a belt, literally... 

In anticipation that I possibly won't be around for the holidays, hope you (and the other forum members) have a pleasant holiday season - 

Cheers -

John: good to know you are at least lurking! Cheers!

I think I bought it in 1999, so around 20 years with the same car, though after new parts are installed it's never really 'the same car'. 

I haven't had much time for it lately - 

Been here for 16+ years!
Had three minis during that time .
My mk3 neon green joltfreak saloon, my mk3 v8 rad mini and my current mk1 Aussie Honda powered van.
There may be another mini project not far on the horizon tho. 

Mark , we need to meet in person with you now living so close. Howard and I have talked briefly about a swap meet this fall.
It would be great to get a little activity in the area. Ron another local mini owner and I are trying to arrange a once a month
lunch gathering on a monday. Steve (CTR)

Great topic Steve. I have learned a lot about our fellow board members reading thru this. Been on the board since July of 02. Bought my first Mini on October 15, 1981. Still celebrate that day every year and drive a Mini. I’ve owned about 18. Got four now. Hotel Calif taught me everything I know about these cars. I will always be grateful to him and the Knoxville gang for doing organized drives which led to the formation of the English Auto Society now in its 35th year. I am lucky to have a wife who loves these cars and now I am the teacher and she is turning wrenches. 

Been posting here for just over 22 years !!

Good God that sounds terrible...

Met up with and shared stories, beers, and laughter with so many of you over those years, despite being the other side of the pond.  Often all three at the same time while wielding a spanner.

Many lifelong friends made though this place.

Sure some place I have a bunch of both. I have several Mini City Yellow cats. I was helping with shipments when Seven was Competition Engineering. Beat that. Steve (CTR)

I ùsed to get that and the one from 7ent. Still gave a few around in the garage for reference. 
Bruce