This is more of a discussion of "how do I start" rather than figuring out what's wrong.

I've stored my '77 clubman project for a few years now - I've come into a bit of time and was thinking I'd love to spend a bit of time (and money) to get the car back on the road. I'm just not sure how to start!

I bought it as a project to learn about working on cars and I got to a point where I realised I was beyond my capabilities and stopped. I got it down to pulling the engine out and replacing rings, bearings and the clutch and putting the engine in. I couldn't get it running smoothly - more of me not knowing what to do rather than the engine being 'broken' (all the internals seemed ok).

I'm going to need a bit of help getting it working - conventional thinking is that I find a local mini specialist and tell them to "get it working"... is that the right attitude? Or do I find a local guru/car club and see if anyone can spend some time to look at what's wrong?

I figure I need help with engine, brakes and steering/suspension, and the rest (like bodywork and interior) I can figure out - want to make sure I don't blow something up, and if something does go wrong, I can get out of trouble

Based in SE Melbourne, how would I find the 'right people'?

Curious to hear some opinions!

In the spirit of refurbishing a Mini, there is nothing that cannot be done by a reasonably competent tinkerer other than machining or other large jobs ne3ding specialist equipment.
I assume you have a shed to work in, big enough to get around the Mini easily.
What condition iss the body in, is there any rust as this will be the first step. Have a good look at the projects in the members gallery here on the forum and of course yourube seems to be the goto these days.
When you have had a more in depth look feel free to ask more specific questions as they arise.

_________________
Cheers Dave.

Go and See Dave at Link Automotive

Get it safe and reliable, then you can put your touch on it from there whilst enjoying it.

_________________
Pete...
____________________
1968 Deluxe 1275
1969 Deluxe 'Scruby' 998 Looking for a roof skin...

The Victorian Mini Club Inc has restoration garage days where other knowledgeable members are present to assist. The venue is out west so you would need to trailer your car if its not drivable. Advantage is its free.

The next one is Saturday 9th November.

https://www.mini.org.au/restoration-garage

_________________
ex-NSW Police 1970 MK II Cooper S
VMCI #43

Plus you get all the other benefits of the Vic Mini Club.

_________________
Cheers Dave.

I'm pretty sure the there is some superficial rust under the carpet otherwise it doesn't appear to be too bad. But great starting prompt for me



Ooh I think this could be a good start - I might ring in and see directionally what timing and pricing might look like



This is very cool! I might check it out without a car and just chat to people to get started



Before COVID, I happened to stumble upon two mini meets (I don't think both were run by VMC). Is there much of a Mini meet culture nowadays?