Introducing myself, from Miami FL

[miniclh]

Warm hello to all,
I've had my 1980ish automatic, 998, right-hand drive for many years. I've enjoyed it and it has been relatively trouble-free. A few years back I parked it in a friends garage and as life got super busy, I let is sit for years. Recently I decided to take for a drive (after filling with oil) and it drove fine. Now I decided to do some body work in preparation for a full paint job. I started thinking of going with manual engine/trans or Honda swap. But after reading about the history of the AP transmission, I realized that I want to keep the automatic.
I just don't know where to start. That's how I found the AMR. I'm all in to get this mini back on the round with its amazing automatic. Some questions:

1. How do I know which transmission I have (to be able to get parts)? I don't know about compatibility of parts.
2. What are common leaks? While I was driving I did not have any significant leaks. When I left it packed (2+ years), it dumped a whole lot of oil. Dried or damaged seals?
3. How difficult is it to get parts (in the US)?

Looking forward to getting this mini back to its glory days!

Carlos
Miami, FL

[jockduck]

Hi and welcome, I'm afraid I only know a bit about pre 70s mini automatics, and I know there were modifications and improvements over the years,
Dumping all of the oil sounds quite a feat, mine drips a bit from sources unknown, it would be an engine out job to tackle them so as long as they don't get any worse I will live with the situation. Parts ? I live in Australia and on visits to the UK I would visit JPAT in Bristol, prices were good but they did not have much of the earlier stuff but did clutches, bands and seals, It would be an idea to visit the Austin America site you could find out the situation in the U.S. interestingly at the moment there is an America guy selling auto parts on Ebay
Jock

[notamini]

Try contacting Seven Enterprises
or Mini Mania
or Mini City
JPAT is excelent for automatics.
You can also contact Martin on this site.MRA-minis

[miniclh]

Thanks for the replies, will try recommended sites.

The more I read on the automatic,  the more motivated I am to get it back on the road.