1972 Morris Mini 1000
We are fortunate enough to be heading to the United Kingdom for a short visit of a few years so what better opportunity to drive and own a classic Mini! I was hoping to spend a bit of money to find a nice, unmolested, original creampuff to bring back to the states.
Our original intent was to beef up the horsepower (to keep up with traffic-some came with 34 HP!), add some Minilite wheels, and call it good.
Well we found it! EBAY of all places...but purchased after the auction was complete.
1972 Mini 1000, single lady owner with 13,282 miles on it! Located in London all its life, the drive to Cambridge (home) was the furthest and fastest it had been-60 MPH!
It has the common 998 CC engine that pumps out 38 HP (engine!) Very original, even the tires were original-bias plies!
Our original intent was to beef up the horsepower (to keep up with traffic-some came with 34 HP!), add some Minilite wheels, and call it good.
Well we found it! EBAY of all places...but purchased after the auction was complete.
1972 Mini 1000, single lady owner with 13,282 miles on it! Located in London all its life, the drive to Cambridge (home) was the furthest and fastest it had been-60 MPH!
It has the common 998 CC engine that pumps out 38 HP (engine!) Very original, even the tires were original-bias plies!
The first high performance parts! With the soon to arrive Minilites wheels, new 'disc brake' offset drums were purchased (note 1 inch spacer) to mate up with the 7.5 inch Cooper 'S' front disc brakes-located once the USD vs GBP exchange rate becomes more favorable. The brake upgrade is more of a safety issue as the original drums are...well drum brakes!
Thanks to Minilite Wheels, my 4.5 wide, 10 inch diameter Minilites came balanced with Yokohoma A008 165/70's. Basically a soft compound autocross tire...should last a few miles on this 1400 pound run about.
These are the exact size of the famed Mini Cooper S models that ran the Monte Carlo Rally back in the day. I should be able to avoid adding flares...we will see at the next MoT inspection (Ministry of Transportation).
These are the exact size of the famed Mini Cooper S models that ran the Monte Carlo Rally back in the day. I should be able to avoid adding flares...we will see at the next MoT inspection (Ministry of Transportation).
A decent shot with the new wheels/tires. Car drives significantly better and appears to stick in the corners like glue! The previous tires were original bias plies (or cross plies as they call them here in UK) which were dry rotted not to mention BIAS PLIES! It now operates nearly like a modern automobile. Next task is to lower the vehicle a bit-mite too much room in those wheel wells.
To alleviate the large gab between the new Minilite wheel/tire combo and the fender lip...a set of Hi-Lo's were purchased along with 4 new KYB AGX 8 position shock absorbers. The Hi-Lo's allow a ride height adjustment via the large nut...high or low as you want-hence the name.
The dampers are very inexpensive, but have proven to be a very good combination for the mini as shock dyno tests show better curves than even Koni's.
One thing for sure, the original shock absorbers (34 years young) had squeaking issues were were solved at the very least!
The dampers are very inexpensive, but have proven to be a very good combination for the mini as shock dyno tests show better curves than even Koni's.
One thing for sure, the original shock absorbers (34 years young) had squeaking issues were were solved at the very least!
Finally, a set of new Cooper S disc brakes has been sourced along with all the bits and pieces (uprights, bearings, drive flanges, CV joints, nuts, bolts, etc).
These are original 7.5 inch rotor parts from the Cooper S model Mini...one might wonder why go this route. Basically, they were a great improvement back in the day and few brakes systems operate better than the original design. Along those lines parts will continue to be available and they are...new!
Weight for either rotor or caliper (two piston opposed) is 4 pounds each. :)
6 Months Later: Finally find the time to install the newly purchased kit. Took a few new tools (34 MM socket for the spindle nut and one big honkin socket for the ball joints) and some head scratching to see how all this English stuff goes together, but togther it is. Still 'bedding' the standard issue pads in, but arrow straight stopping is now the rule rather the exception. I note a fair amount of pedal pressure now, but figure that might subside after a few miles pass. The biggest improvement is a much higher pedal-either the front drums were really out to lunch for adjustment or the discs are just that much of an improvement (probably a combination of both).
Next project...big bore engine...mmmm. :)
These are original 7.5 inch rotor parts from the Cooper S model Mini...one might wonder why go this route. Basically, they were a great improvement back in the day and few brakes systems operate better than the original design. Along those lines parts will continue to be available and they are...new!
Weight for either rotor or caliper (two piston opposed) is 4 pounds each. :)
6 Months Later: Finally find the time to install the newly purchased kit. Took a few new tools (34 MM socket for the spindle nut and one big honkin socket for the ball joints) and some head scratching to see how all this English stuff goes together, but togther it is. Still 'bedding' the standard issue pads in, but arrow straight stopping is now the rule rather the exception. I note a fair amount of pedal pressure now, but figure that might subside after a few miles pass. The biggest improvement is a much higher pedal-either the front drums were really out to lunch for adjustment or the discs are just that much of an improvement (probably a combination of both).
Next project...big bore engine...mmmm. :)
Comments: tmcarthurs@hotmail.com