Hi,

I'm a new mini owner.

I have never really tinkered with cars much at all .. I've always relied on mechanics even though I have owned a 58 Hillman Minx and a 69 Austin Healey Sprite.

I'm keen to learn more and get a bit more hands on with my mini .. but I don't really know anyone who can help get me started or be a bit of a mentor.

Can you? I'd be just as happy to help work on your car with you so as I could learn. I am in West Footscray in Melbourne.

Cheers,

Mog

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'64 Mini Cooper 997

We have a good group down here in Geelong. Sometimes have 'garage days'. We try to do everything ourselves, and if one of us doesn't know how to do something, someone else in the group does.

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Sounds great ... I actually bought my car from down that way - Clifton Springs.

How can I get involved with the group down there?

P.S. for now I think I might put the wheel back on and get someone who knows what they are doing to replace the wheel bearings! (if that's actually what needs to be done!)

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'64 Mini Cooper 997

It's all very informal down here.

We get together for a social dinner once a month. Third Thursday of each month. Keep an eye on the planned events forum.

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Thanks ...I'll keep an eye out.

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'64 Mini Cooper 997

Welcome and hope to see you at some mini events. Not trying to recruit you but I joined the Vic mini club and found it to be great. They have been running a series of workshop days so we can all learn more. I guess like any club the more you go the more you get out of it but give that some thought. The BMC Experience magazine big day out is also great to meet some more mini people. There are few other mini people in your area too.

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Flute - 68 MK I Cooper S
Member: VMCI #2474
Member: International Mini Model Collectors Club

Hi mogadon,
Hope you find the help you need. Also don't forget the how to forums on this site are very good too.

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1968 Morris Mini Deluxe - members gallery
1970 Morris Cooper S - members gallery
Mini's I grew up with
Slot car couch

the Victorian Mini Club are very good - they often have group days on the weekend where they meet up at a friendly workshop and the more knowledgeable members help with whatever you need help with, give tips on servicing etc. etc.

definitely worth being a member of a mini club, even if you're not super active or into the club scene

www.vmci.org.au

thanks simon .. i am a vmci member - i think they call those days 'easy peasy greasy' days .. there was one some time over christmas but I haven't seen one since.

also thanks for the tip on the how-to's rusty .. i actually read the workshop manual, watched a couple of youtube videos, read some how-to's but still wasnt confident enough to start pulling it apart without a little mentoring.

cheers

mog

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'64 Mini Cooper 997

It's a good idea to get some experienced guys around to help you learn the basics. I find that a lot of stuff done on Mini's just needs a 'special tool' or a bit of mini knowledge, because they are pretty simple cars basically.
But that also reminds me of the day about 15 years ago when I was driving my mini and saw another mini parked on the other side of a roundabout. I pulled over and it was my mini mechanic. He jumped in and asked for a lift down the road to find the rear left wheel which had come off and rolled passed him. It is great to have someone else check over your work sometimes to be on the safe side.

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1975 1310cc Street Mini Custom
1974 Leyland Mini daily driver
2008 Cooper S R55 Clubman

Hey Mog,

I'm very, very close to you - Kingsville. I'd be happy to help you find your feet if you like. Send me a PM, I'd be happy to swing by of an evening for a chat

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Simon

The adventures of an owner builder in the Tallarook Ranges

I didn't want to name you but well done! PS: I hope you are going well.

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Flute - 68 MK I Cooper S
Member: VMCI #2474
Member: International Mini Model Collectors Club

Wow thanks Simon. I will PM you.

Cheers

Mog

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'64 Mini Cooper 997

All is good, very very busy with the building works and life in general

Mogadon - PM replied

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Simon

The adventures of an owner builder in the Tallarook Ranges