Post by grumpytyke on Oct 19, 2014 17:37:09 GMT
Hi all. Mini - that's her name - is back on the road after 3 years on SORN braving the elements while a 1972 Bay camper - Lofty (converted to LPG for economy; great!) was my daily ride - long story. A 'Citron' 1975 auto 1000, two previous owners including a lady who told me she had never done a journey of more than 20 miles (which probably b'd the auto box, though the maintenance documentation was immaculate!). Acquired in early 2005, Mini got a 'new' engine from a later Sprite, 1275, later in 2005 when the auto packed up and wheels changed to 12in and disc brakes put on the front at the same time. The only other 'major' was a rear sub-frame in 2007. After a camping trip to Romania in her in 2006 I wanted some reclining seats - 3,000 miles including Romania's mountain 'roads' without a problem except trying to sleep in her - so put in a rather nice blue and plaid set from a Sidewalk. The original 'navy' seats are safely stored away should I wish to put them back. After 3 years SORN, new brake cylinders and shoes, and little patching on sills, sorted her out though something very simple, a degraded boot on a front suspension cone/ball, was a pig. I also fitted a 'new' boot lid from a Mayfair as it was simpler than repairing the corroded bottom of the original. She's had one coat of paint (mixed to match by Shipley Paint) rollered on to protect till the Spring when I aim to do an old-fashioned multi coat and rubbing back job (I've nowhere under cover). At the moment she's got grey handles fitted as a result of a break in some time ago but I'll put the original chrome ones back when I do the paint job; I live in a 'safer' area now. I originally bought the auto for my wife who was used to driving on the wrong side of the road and couldn't imagine changing gear with her left, but I really think this AP job is great. It almost drives itself but you can drive it like a manual when you want a bit of fun. Searching for help on oil, I was delighted to find this forum and it's already been really helpful. Thanks for all the advice and comments I've found useful so far and look forward to visiting the forum frequently in the future. PS. Saw for some reason I'd put 'rear' when I meant 'front' about fitting the new gaiter, or dust seal - amended 23 Oct.
nice little story you have there and I look forward to reading more from you.