Where can I get a classic mini?

[Ollie1]

Hi, I want to test my welding on a classic mini and restore it for myself to drive when I am 17. Does anyone know any scrap yards where I can get one or if you know anyone that I could contact? I would like one around Yorkshire. I am after a pre 1980. Austin would be good but its not a must have.

Thanks, Ollie.

 

[rikrobson]

You could try the usual. Ebay - search mini under classic cars, Autotrader and pistonheads websites. then there are the mini forums. Some one will know someone who's in touch with someone who's selling one.

Then you'll need to workout your budget, it'll not be the cheapest way to get your fist car.

Don't forget that the less you pay for the car the more the restoration will cost.

 

[Ollie1]

Hi, I have tried ebay but they are are not really what I am looking for or they are too much for me. I am really wanting a dealer or scrap yard that does classics. Ill try a mini forum!

Thanks, Ollie.

 

[Wozzaaah]

The days of getting a classic mini for scrap money are long gone Ollie, you'll have to pay decent money for one now and, believe me, it'll need an AWFUL lot of work.
The good thing is that just about EVERY part can still be sourced and they still have a good following so you'll never be short of advice.

Got one myself, registered 1974, had it a few years now and made errr....very little progress on it.
Good thing is I won't lose money on it.

 

[John_S.]

Got one myself, registered 1974, had it a few years now and made errr....very little progress on it.
Good thing is I won't lose money on it.

Another good thing is it doesn't have a bloody computer linked to your chequebook

 

[outofthefire]

Unfortunately as has already been mentioned mini's are fetching stupid money, having said that if its the right mini and you restore it right it will be a real investment. My mate has 3 mini's 2 of them Cooper s's one of them has been valued at £25 grand the other £30 grand he's almost fanatical about them being original but I guess that shows in the valuation.

If you do find one that you can afford i'll bet you'll get plenty of welding practice

 

[the snooper]

If you do find one that you can afford i'll bet you'll get plenty of welding practice

thats no joke ive done plenty on mini's in the past door posts, sills,floors all the usual and to start with using an arc

 

[Ollie1]

Yes, My dad had one and he said that there was no floor on the drivers side because it all rusted away and he had to hold his feet up

 

[Wozzaaah]

What you will find is that you'll have to chop out an awful lot of previous repairs too, so be prepared for that.
I guarantee that what might look like an easy restoration won't be, not if it's a keeper anyway.

 

[the snooper]

and thats just the body then there will be rotten door skins, wings, bonnet, boot and possibly the sub frames will need replacing.
glad i dont work on them anymore

 

[brightspark]

and thats just the body then there will be rottern door skins, wings, bonnet, boot and possibly the sub frames will need replacing.
glad i dont work on them anymore

then they will be the paint job. all them small pannels and pillars u cant get in with a da

 

[the snooper]

dont forget the hydro elastic suspention units

they never was a comfortable car to travel in

my advice would be to get something else for your first car and keep an eye out for a mini to restore at your leisure,

if you get the mini to drive when you are 17 you will probably rush the rebuild just so you can get it on the road asap

 

[Ollie1]

Ok, All the new cars are pieces of sh*t. My mum also wants a car that will look 'nice' in the drive.

 

[the snooper]

does that mean you mum does or doesnt want a mini sat there ?

 

[Ollie1]

Well. She says she doesnt want tools all over the drive etc. But I think I have persuaded her . I am just wondering how I could stop it rusting if I kept it on the drive. Do you think blue tarpaulen stuff will work or will I need to buy one of those £150 car covers?

 

[outofthefire]

You are talking about an old british car you'd have more success changing the weather than stopping it rusting but i'd just buy a cheap tarp you'll need your £150 for spares and tools

 

[julieanncharters]

yep loads of joy ,trashed knuckles and crap fitting copy panels are what i remember on the 3 minis i restored.
wish i'd kept the origional copper s though, sold it for £4000 in 1992 would be worth a few bob now.

 

[pedrobedro]

wish i'd kept the original copper s though, sold it for £4000 in 1992 would be worth a few bob now.

Was that an ex-police car? There's a Mini 30 on ebay now, class C write off for £895 which looks like it would not take too much to get it roadworthy and looks tidy enough to stand on the drive. If you put the back end to the road no one will know you've chopped the front off

 

[grandads_shed]

Was that an ex-police car? There's a Mini 30 on ebay now, class C write off for £895 which looks like it would not take too much to get it roadworthy and looks tidy enough to stand on the drive. If you put the back end to the road no one will know you've chopped the front off

got the number ??

 

[slim_boy_fat]

Have a poke about in the "Sheds" section of the PistonHeads classified ads - you might just get lucky.