Is it wrong to Convert Rare LE,s to Auto?

[Admin/Founder 2]

Whilst reading another Thread it appeared Only the Mini 30 was available with Automatic Transmission

So if theres a specific Mini you love that was never ever available with Auto Trans is it really that wrong to convert it to Auto?

I can only drive Autos so is it fair that there are many Limited Editions and Mini Derivatives i can never drive

I always had a soft spot for both the Mini Ritz and the 1100 Special but neither could be specified with Auto

Thing is in my mind cars are supposed to be used,supposed to be driven so isn't it better one is saved and converted to Auto and used everyday by somebody who loves it

At this years London to Brighton We Come back to Boris to find an Automatic 1275 Van parked next to him

We left before the owner returned but we would of loved to talk to him

I'm Sure Brett will agree as he has an Auto Moke which were never available standard as an Auto though if it suits the owner Convert

I mean the Sky's the Limit How about a 1275GT lets face it you can get a 1275 Auto drivetrain so why not

And that 1100 special well they did make ADO 16 austin/morris 1100 autos so search hard enough and you could convert like for like 1100 manual for 1100 Auto

Whats Everybody's thoughts on this?

Huggz
Jodie

[bnicho]

Yep, I say convert if you want.

I know a guy who converted a Mk1 Cooper S to Auto using a Morris 1300 drivetrain!! He converted it back before he sold it.

It is very easy to reverse an Auto conversion if a future owner does not like it. Besides, most of the limited editions WERE available in Auto for the Japanese market.


Also consider it means a rare Mini lives on that otherwise may have been scrapped due to manual engine/gearbox failure.

[bnicho]

On the subject of Japanese Minis:

Go here:

au.babelfish.yahoo.com/translate_url?doit=done&tt=url&intl=1&fr=bf-res&trurl=http%3A%2F%2Flist1.auctions.yahoo.co.jp%2Fjp%2F2084016641-category-leaf.html&lp=ja_en&btnTrUrl=Translate

View pages 1,2 and 3 and note how many classic Minis are for auction, and how many are Autos (AT). I reckon the ratio is two or three autos to every manual (MT). 8)

[Admin/Founder 2]

Nov 28, 2009 11:12:33 GMT bnicho said:

Also consider it means a rare Mini lives on that otherwise may have been scrapped due to manual engine/gearbox failure.

Yup couldnt agree more

Those Manual Gearboxes are soo unreliable
Convert Everything to Automatic thats what i say

;D ;D ;D

[Holly]

i think that if you own a car you should do whatever you like to it, after all its your property, so why worry what others will think or say.

I think it would be fun to see a few people start converting manuals to autos

[gretzky38]

Nov 28, 2009 16:18:05 GMT Holly said:

I think it would be fun to see a few people start converting manuals to autos

Well, it would certainly reverse a trend!!

It would also be easier to convert manual to auto, as you actually remove stuff like clutch pedal, master cylinder etc. The only thing you need to watch is that if you are going to retain the original subframe, some modification would be needed for engine mounts as the whole unit is larger than manual engine & box

[(minisniper)]

Nov 28, 2009 16:18:05 GMT Holly said:

i think that if you own a car you should do whatever you like to it, after all its your property, so why worry what others will think or say.

I think it would be fun to see a few people start converting manuals to autos

I have to agree with Holly. If it's your car you can do what you want to it. I wouldn't worry about what other people have to say and if they don't like it then it's tough.