Getting more use out of my classic mini

[garellikatia]

Hey guys, 

I had plans of supercharging my mini this year  but after realising how little miles per gallon I would get I decided against it.

I've been driving it more and more, and it was my daily drive for years , before I had to drive 200+ miles to work every weekend. 

Since then it's had a lot of body work and I built an engine for it. 

As the weathers getting nicer I've been looking for a nice 90s retro car to daily as my 2004 yaris gets a bit mundane. 

After a lot of searching  I suddenly realised that maybe I should just drive the mini more often. Admittedly it won't be as reliable as the fuel injected yaris, but surely It won't be too far off. I meticulously maintain it, and as the saying goes "better the devil you know that the devil you dont"

To that end, I've decided from this week, I'm going to drive the mini to work and back a couple of times. More so when the weather Is nice. I have a 120 mile round trip to work, which won't be easy, but I've figured life is just too short for worrying. It's mainly A roads, and will happily pull along just under 60MPH.

It will mean with my 3.76FD that I'll be sitting at 3800-4k rpm though.

I'm going to start a little record of the travels and see how she holds up. The first trip last week was the a local car show. There were some absolute gems there and took some very amateur pics of a couple of cars I loved. 

 

[garellikatia]

The mini Is definitely a ten footer , but I prefer it this way, I'm never scared of bashing it in a car park or chipping paint dropping a spanner etc...

[stuboy]

any pics of your mini

[stuboy]

4 minutes ago, garellikatia said:

The mini Is definitely a ten footer , but I prefer it this way, I'm never scared of bashing it in a car park or chipping paint dropping a spanner etc...

very very nice

[Mr Livered]

Why shouldn't you?! Rust protection and crack on!

[garellikatia]

Thanks guys, absolutely I still have a bit of clear dintrol actually, come to think of it. Perhaps I should give her a coat this week 

[FakeConcern]

Millions of people including me and Mrs Concern used their Mini as a daily when they weren't quite so old, so why not?

Also as requested above, more pics please.

[Mally]

Is it parked safely? I'd be feared of having it nicked.

I mean you can put a switch  on the fuel pump, but they trailer them or 'recover' them.

[garellikatia]

Yea absolutely,  to be honest as my first car I remember driving across to  Sheffield in it. I didn't have a sat nav or anything, so I remember writing down directions. I then got lost and resorted to having to buy an AA map to find my way. This was mind 2000s. Mad how much things have changed and how reliant we are on tech now. 

[warch]

@garellikatia There is nothing inherently wrong with using an old car as a daily (although it gets tiresome having to explain to people why you don't drive a modern car). 

My Astra's been fantastic since I bought it, barely done anything to it and my Landy is fantastic when it isn't falling in half. 

Theft is an issue, especially due to stupid classic car values, but pulling an LT lead or a simple cut somewhere should be a deterrent. I spray engine oil on mine to keep the rust at bay. 

I did own two old Minii both were absolute shite but cost me peanuts. I did fit an MG Metro engine for more power* (same engine in both as I wrote the first one off but kept the motor). 

[garellikatia]

49 minutes ago, warch said:

@garellikatia There is nothing inherently wrong with using an old car as a daily (although it gets tiresome having to explain to people why you don't drive a modern car). 

My Astra's been fantastic since I bought it, barely done anything to it and my Landy is fantastic when it isn't falling in half. 

Theft is an issue, especially due to stupid classic car values, but pulling an LT lead or a simple cut somewhere should be a deterrent. I spray engine oil on mine to keep the rust at bay. 

I did own two old Minii both were absolute shite but cost me peanuts. I did fit an MG Metro engine for more power* (same engine in both as I wrote the first one off but kept the motor). 

Happy days, yes it's amazing how much prices have shot up isn't it. Cars which were once 10 a penny are now demanding huge sums for even basket cases. Luckily the work car park is very secure as its on an airport so you have to go through two security gates to get to it.  What year is your Astra? 

[garellikatia]

I went for a nice leisure ride to the gym this morning. I also decided to sort the wiring on the head unit as I figured having some music might make a change from the straight cut whining of the crownwheel. 

The speakers are old and my grandma bought me them for Christmas about 20 years ago so I'm reluctant to get rid. 

The head unit is a mega cheap ebay jobby  which when it reaches a certain volume distorts that bad the music is unrecognisable.  But under a certain volume its pretty clear. 

I might upgrade the head unit in time but will do for now. 

I really ought to Tidy the interior, It cobbled together from when I did hill climbs. And the stereo removed was a good idea when I had racing harnesses fitted because I couldn't reach the stereo. It also used to have big spots on the front hence all the extra switches. 

[warch]

35 minutes ago, garellikatia said:

Happy days, yes it's amazing how much prices have shot up isn't it. Cars which were once 10 a penny are now demanding huge sums for even basket cases. Luckily the work car park is very secure as its on an airport so you have to go through two security gates to get to it.  What year is your Astra? 

1985. 

I've just remembered that my Mini had the ultimate theft deterrent apart from looking like it would dissolve in a heavy shower. For some reason the bigger engine I fitted used to rob the spark when cranking it from cold. Rather than buy a better battery (I was a student at the time) I used a second battery (pinched out of my dads garage) which I wired up directly to the coil to get it to start. 

Yours looks an absolute beauty. Is it a Mk 2?

[Heavyspanners]

I've used three different Minis as daily drivers in my time, and I may well do so again because I've still got one of them (but there's rust....)  They're totally capable as everyday cars, although some versions are more capable than others. My Mini history goes like this...

1982 Mini van, bought when they were still cheap (£200!)  Basically a Mk 1 Mini, because the vans never got the updates of the saloons. Almost no weight over the rear wheels, so it would do a stoppie at every traffic light. 998cc engine, tall final drive, so acceleration wasn't great but I had 90mph (or more - the speedo only went up to 90, and the needle was on the stop) out of it on the M1 on one occasion. It was unintentional - I was trying to overtake a Transit which decided to speed up as I came alongside. That kind of thing did happen occasionally. Other drivers would see a Mini as a challenge, as if they couldn't allow that silly little car to beat them. There was traffic behind so I couldn't drop back, the only way out was forward, so I had to speed up, too. I glanced at the speedo and got quite a shock. Sold to a member of the London & Surrey Mini club, and never seen again.

1984 Mini Mayfair. Bought off a chap at work, originally his grandmother's car. It really was a little old lady's car, only ever used for popping to the shops. Unfortunately she lived in a seaside town and the Mini spent its life being doused with salty spray on a regular basis. One of the last 10" wheel minis, in Opaline green, exactly the same as Twin Cam's Mini. Also 998cc, but a very short final drive so top speed was only about 75mph, by which time the engine was screaming for mercy. Very nice interior (in trendy beige). Galloping rust killed it in the end. I still have bits of it in my attic.

1976 Mini Clubman Estate (this is the one I've still got). 1098cc, and a very nice hi-speed cruiser. The engine isn't quite so revvy, but it's got a surprisingly composed big-car feel. Still quite primitive inside - it's a Mk 1 Clubman, which is a Mk 2 Mini, if that makes sense. Minis were still cheap 'n' basic cars at the time. I've driven the length of the country in this car and I'd still be doing it now if the rust hadn't got a bit grim. Currently in the resto queue.

I'd say the final drive is the thing to think about. The short ratio cars are a real pain for anything other than around-town driving.


 

[barefoot]

My daily is a 1987 Scirocco.

[colino]

It really depends on you. I tried dailying one a long time ago, but no matter what changes to the seat brackets and belts, I quickly found it a pain in the neck. 

[sierraman]

I suppose the good thing about a mini is you can readily obtain all the parts quite quickly. If you were dailying something like a 1980 Mitisubishi Sapporo and the light cluster broke you’d be off the road months. I don’t see the harm in using it once in a while the weathers good if your route is such that it’ll be a pleasure. Not sure I’d want to be pounding the motorway in it in February though, if nothing else because of the fucking idiots we have on the road. 

[warch]

17 hours ago, Heavyspanners said:

I'd say the final drive is the thing to think about. The short ratio cars are a real pain for anything other than around-town driving.

My Metro engined one had a lower ratio diff so was stupidly low geared so I swapped it for the one out of a Mini 1000

[garellikatia]

20 hours ago, warch said:

1985. 

I've just remembered that my Mini had the ultimate theft deterrent apart from looking like it would dissolve in a heavy shower. For some reason the bigger engine I fitted used to rob the spark when cranking it from cold. Rather than buy a better battery (I was a student at the time) I used a second battery (pinched out of my dads garage) which I wired up directly to the coil to get it to start. 

Yours looks an absolute beauty. Is it a Mk 2?

Hahaha that's awesome!! I suppose there's also the Mr Bean method of padlock and key haha. Great looking back at those days isn't it.

Ah thank you it's really a 10 footer as I need to respray it. But it's solid , and I can't be bothered with the prep , such as sanding. It's actually a Mk3 but I added older grill, lights, front panel etc.. to make it look more vintage haha.

[garellikatia]

19 hours ago, Heavyspanners said:

I've used three different Minis as daily drivers in my time, and I may well do so again because I've still got one of them (but there's rust....)  They're totally capable as everyday cars, although some versions are more capable than others. My Mini history goes like this...

1982 Mini van, bought when they were still cheap (£200!)  Basically a Mk 1 Mini, because the vans never got the updates of the saloons. Almost no weight over the rear wheels, so it would do a stoppie at every traffic light. 998cc engine, tall final drive, so acceleration wasn't great but I had 90mph (or more - the speedo only went up to 90, and the needle was on the stop) out of it on the M1 on one occasion. It was unintentional - I was trying to overtake a Transit which decided to speed up as I came alongside. That kind of thing did happen occasionally. Other drivers would see a Mini as a challenge, as if they couldn't allow that silly little car to beat them. There was traffic behind so I couldn't drop back, the only way out was forward, so I had to speed up, too. I glanced at the speedo and got quite a shock. Sold to a member of the London & Surrey Mini club, and never seen again.

1984 Mini Mayfair. Bought off a chap at work, originally his grandmother's car. It really was a little old lady's car, only ever used for popping to the shops. Unfortunately she lived in a seaside town and the Mini spent its life being doused with salty spray on a regular basis. One of the last 10" wheel minis, in Opaline green, exactly the same as Twin Cam's Mini. Also 998cc, but a very short final drive so top speed was only about 75mph, by which time the engine was screaming for mercy. Very nice interior (in trendy beige). Galloping rust killed it in the end. I still have bits of it in my attic.

1976 Mini Clubman Estate (this is the one I've still got). 1098cc, and a very nice hi-speed cruiser. The engine isn't quite so revvy, but it's got a surprisingly composed big-car feel. Still quite primitive inside - it's a Mk 1 Clubman, which is a Mk 2 Mini, if that makes sense. Minis were still cheap 'n' basic cars at the time. I've driven the length of the country in this car and I'd still be doing it now if the rust hadn't got a bit grim. Currently in the resto queue.

I'd say the final drive is the thing to think about. The short ratio cars are a real pain for anything other than around-town driving.


 

Ah wow, a nice varied selection over the years then. I never ever considered the weight in the back of the vans haha I bet that was fun haha. 

Absolutely,  it's funny you mention the final drive actually, I swapped my 3.1 out for a 3.76 beefy straight cut one, thinking it would be better for hill climbing. 

I drove it to Huddersfield from Hull down the M1 I think it is. It held up remarkably well, although having just gone for a spin up the country lanes I was QUICKLY reminded how 4000rpm at 60ish MPH, won't be very fun for very long haha. 

In hindsight a 3.4 was probably a better choice, but it does pull very nice off the Line which Is ideal for roundabouts etc...

Do you think you will attend any mini events this year at all? 

[grogee]

My daily* is a 1988 MG Maestro. 

*I've driven it to work once this year. 

 

Trying to work out if 32mpg E5 is cheaper than 40mpg DERV... 

[N Dentressangle]

I have two dailies, depending on what's needed.

The 1982 Porsche 924 does for going into CAZ zones, motorways and anything where you want a fun drive and there are no more than 2 of you.

The 1998 Discovery 1 300TDI does practical stuff, bad weather, towing, heavy loads and people.

I'm building up a 1984 Mini to go alongside the Porsche as a bit of tax-free fun. It will have a 1275 with a 3.1 diff and 10" alloys, so will hopefully cruise OK whilst still being able to accelerate. Mrs D's Mini 25 had a 3.76 gearbox out of a Metro van in it, and was stupidly low geared. Since I changed it back to the original 2.95 it's much more driveable and still nippy enough.

Old cars are fine to use daily, and do much better for it. As @warch says, it's the explaining to other people that can get a bit tedious.

[TrabbieRonnie]

Great read, and well done... lovely car.

I'm very lucky to both live and work in the country (I hardly go to town now...), with a 15-20 minute commute along deserted twisty roads.  It means I can burble along in the Rover, without the hassle of other people around. 

I'm not sure I'd use it everyday through busy traffic, but maybe I would... there isn't much better than a nice old car waiting to take you home after a long shift!

[garellikatia]

2 hours ago, N Dentressangle said:

I have two dailies, depending on what's needed.

The 1982 Porsche 924 does for going into CAZ zones, motorways and anything where you want a fun drive and there are no more than 2 of you.

The 1998 Discovery 1 300TDI does practical stuff, bad weather, towing, heavy loads and people.

I'm building up a 1984 Mini to go alongside the Porsche as a bit of tax-free fun. It will have a 1275 with a 3.1 diff and 10" alloys, so will hopefully cruise OK whilst still being able to accelerate. Mrs D's Mini 25 had a 3.76 gearbox out of a Metro van in it, and was stupidly low geared. Since I changed it back to the original 2.95 it's much more driveable and still nippy enough.

Old cars are fine to use daily, and do much better for it. As @warch says, it's the explaining to other people that can get a bit tedious.

Ahhh nice, I've always fancied a 924. Think they're lovely looking cars. How reliable do you find it? Is it thirsty? 

Yea, I think I'd change back the FD back to a 3.1 if there weren't such a ball ache to get at. 

[garellikatia]

1 hour ago, TrabbieRonnie said:

Great read, and well done... lovely car.

I'm very lucky to both live and work in the country (I hardly go to town now...), with a 15-20 minute commute along deserted twisty roads.  It means I can burble along in the Rover, without the hassle of other people around. 

I'm not sure I'd use it everyday through busy traffic, but maybe I would... there isn't much better than a nice old car waiting to take you home after a long shift!

That's awesome, what a gorgeous car. I love the colour and the unique doors. I'm not surprised you look forward to driving it. 

[N Dentressangle]

21 minutes ago, garellikatia said:

Ahhh nice, I've always fancied a 924. Think they're lovely looking cars. How reliable do you find it? Is it thirsty? 

Yea, I think I'd change back the FD back to a 3.1 if there weren't such a ball ache to get at. 

The 924 is modern enough to have fuel injection (of a sort 😉) and electronic ignition, so it's about as reliable as any Mk1 or Mk2 Golf / Scirocco to be honest. Ageing hoses and manky wiring / fuses / relays are likely to be the major problems, so it's easiest just to replace anything dubious.

It does 25-30 mpg, which is OK with me but obvs much less than a modern. But then I drive relatively little and a 320 mile tank of premium costs about £60, which seems OK.

Mini engine removal is only an hour or two - piece of piss compared with moderns 🤣

[Heavyspanners]

21 hours ago, garellikatia said:

 

Do you think you will attend any mini events this year at all? 

Nope, because the only way I could get my Mini there would be on a trailer!

It's not quite in roadworthy condition at the moment...



 

[Heavyspanners]

17 hours ago, TrabbieRonnie said:

I'm very lucky to both live and work in the country (I hardly go to town now...), with a 15-20 minute commute along deserted twisty roads.  It means I can burble along in the Rover, without the hassle of other people around. 

I'm not sure I'd use it everyday through busy traffic, but maybe I would... there isn't much better than a nice old car waiting to take you home after a long shift!

That's a great colour scheme on the Rover.

Back in the 1970s my dad bought a 1956 Rover P4 to use as our family car. I was only a small child at the time, and I remember being slightly scared of this big, black limo which suddenly appeared on our drive. It seems like a rather odd decision now - a nice, sensible Ford Cortina would probably have been a more obvious choice. But it was a great car for very little money, a bit like buying a cheap Rover 75 now. That Rover did everything, from shopping trips to family holidays, for nearly 15 years and it never missed a beat. It was fantastically thirsty, but aside from that it was a perfectly practical car for everyday use.

In 1987 it failed its MOT on rust, and my dad gave it to me. Thanks, dad....I think.

I feel a bit guilty that it's been on the restoration waiting list ever since. But its time will come.

I'm not sure I could daily it, though, simply because the fuel consumption is off the charts. It would be a ludicrously expensive car for normal use now. My dad calculated it averaged 16 mpg.



 

[Surface Rust]

My abiding memory of daily driving my mini (quite) a few years ago is of idiots pulling out in front of me from junctions and roundabouts. I think a lot of people struggle with the following concept:

In the end I fitted some air horns, it was at least gratifying to scare the crap out of them in return.

[Marina door handles]

I used to daily a mini 1000 but that was back between 1995 and 1997, times have changed. Minis were way more of a common site, other cars were on average lower to the ground, generally less huge and the headlights not so bright and there were definitely less killer pot holes about. 

It would be interesting to get back in a mini but I do wonder how I would feel in amongst modern traffic? 

 

Extra lights and air horns were always an essential!