1985 Mini city auto what have i got myself into

[gordonendersby]

Hello all,

Further to my post about flushing oils.
Heres the old girl i picked up this morning.

4 previous careful owners and 34800 miles on the clock.


Does it look right?
Now ive got it im finding lots of rust.
Luckily ive been learning to weld. Im a Land Rover owner as well.
During the next few days ill get it of the ground and have a proper look underneath.
Ive found one rusty holed cill that needs sorting.



Ive got one major question, should the sump be sitting quite so low?
The tyres havnt got much air in them but surely this isnt right.
Is it the right motor?



Heres the motor.


There are some markings on the block.


Heres the selector.


The interior isnt too bad. The drivers seat is very worn but the rest doesnt look too bad.




Not sure i like the wheels. I think it needs originals.


Evidence of previous residents.

[kalkat]

Yes, that is the correct engine. The auto box is larger than the manual (and heavier) and somewhat more square at the front.

The low attitude is likely due to collapsed suspension cones or worn trumpet joints.

Rust is an occupational hazard with Mini ownership....fortunately almost always fixable with the 'hot glue gun'



Emma

[gordonendersby]

Hadnt thought about the suspension.
The wheels are high in the arches.
Good point.

Im glad its the right motor. It does look very exposed.

Im sure ill find more nasties after i get it off the ground and get under and around it.

Gordon

[richard1]

Tarija and Santa Cruz, Bolivia

I made a skid plate for mine. There is a nice one available from Mini Sport, but I wasn't sure how it would fit with the automatic, especially since my automatic is in a modified manual subframe.

[limby2000]

Hi, and welcome to the forum. With regards to body rust, rot on mini,s is like icebergs, only 10 percent is on the surface!,lol. I too only started to aeld when i got my mini, i,m pretty good now so that says something for how much rust was on mine. Happy mini motoring.