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Originality or practicality? 68 MKI S
https://www.ausmini.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=93359		 Page 1 of 3
Author:  Flute [ Sat Aug 06, 2016 11:11 am ]
Post subject:  Originality or practicality? 68 MKI S
Before my resto advances too much I need to decide....

1. Put generator back on (it should have one) or keep the alternator that is on it?

2. New wiring loom (original was hacked into over the years) in woven to look nice and old or black electrical tape that I think it would have had?

3. I am keeping hydro but should I add some mods to suspension while car is apart?

I know it is up to me but any thoughts from people who have gone through this would be appreciated. I get so many different views on generator/alternator that I haven't been able to make my mind up. I don't have a stereo or anything extra. I took a correct year stamped generator to the auto electrician for a refurb and he laughed and asked why I would want to put it back on so I took it home and stuck it back in the garage.
The rest of the car will be pretty much standard ie. rims etc. although running a 45 weber (will keep twin SU's) and LCB's (will keep a set of factory extractors)
Hoping some different views might help me decide what to do.
Cheers.
Author:  simon k [ Sat Aug 06, 2016 12:22 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Originality or practicality? 68 MKI S
1. generator... I don't think there's any real reason to need an alternator - generator makes enough to turn your headlights on and charge the battery

2. I thought it should have had a woven one anyway?

3. doesn't matter...
Author:  gtogreen1969 [ Sat Aug 06, 2016 1:08 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Originality or practicality? 68 MKI S
I only do mods that don't stand out and try to keep it original.
Author:  phillb [ Sat Aug 06, 2016 1:44 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Originality or practicality? 68 MKI S
My opinion it is a historic vehicle and to me part of the enjoyment (challenge?) is to experience the car as it was built.

1. Keep the generator. They work perfectly well as far as I have found. Any problems are usually more likely related to the voltage regulator. I drive my car heaps. Been to Melbourne twice, Canberra, numerous rallies. A good quality battery and a quality trickle charger if you won't be driving regularly are good investments too. Find a different auto electrician who understands you are trying to restore an old car, not modernize it.

2. 68 they were wrapping in black tape which is neat (and again original) and easy to unwrap/rewrap if you need to add remove anything.

3. The hydro in standard form gives an excellent ride. A common addition is shocks to stiffen things up to make up for some of the damping lost from the bags with age. Shocks are easy to add and remove later anyway. Currently I have no shocks fitted. Nice comfortable ride. Don't forget about the condition of your seats re padding/rubber bases. 50% of the suspension in a mini is handled by the seats!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Author:  simon k [ Sat Aug 06, 2016 2:14 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Originality or practicality? 68 MKI S
simon k wrote:

3. doesn't matter...


update to this.... by mods I'm sure you mean keeping the hydro but adding dampers and adjustable camber/caster/rear toe
Author:  MINImal effort [ Sat Aug 06, 2016 2:53 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Originality or practicality? 68 MKI S
You can always get one of the alternators that look like a generator. (Dynamator)
Prices look to be coming down...
Author:  Bill B [ Sat Aug 06, 2016 5:31 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Originality or practicality? 68 MKI S
Hello Flute,
I'm having the same thoughts about my '66 S. Basically making changes that can be reversed.
I have decided to fit an internally regulated alternator (16ACR) but acknowledge the generator is plenty. Am keeping all the original regulator wiring intact hidden in the loom and adding wiring for tacho, reversing and driving lights plus the alternator.
Wiring harness in '66 was continuous PVC non-adhesive harness tape (not woven, I am told) so might also be for '68.
Otherwise, totally agree with Phillb and Simon k about loom and hydro suspension with front shocks, plus rear completion bump stops, cut down slightly.
It's all reversible.
Author:  oldblade [ Sat Aug 06, 2016 7:56 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Originality or practicality? 68 MKI S
My thoughts are keep it close to original and if you don't do mods that were done back in the day.

And anything else that makes more livable, cause the more livable it is the more you will drive it

My wife use to have a mini it was her first car and she remembers her small steering wheel, fat wheels and sports seats.

So today i installed a 13" steering wheel bought some fat wheels (just need wheels nuts) and the interior is being next week to the colours she likes.

to tell you the truth I love the mods and it puts a smile on my dial.

So what ever you do make sure its what you like
Author:  kiwiinwgtn [ Sat Aug 06, 2016 8:45 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Originality or practicality? 68 MKI S
Get the generator rebuilt. Its lasted 50 years, rebuilt it will last the same again. Nothing nicer than seeing a Cooper with the right bits under its bonnet.
Author:  oldblade [ Sat Aug 06, 2016 9:12 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Originality or practicality? 68 MKI S
Actually question did the 68 mk1 S come out with a generator or an alternator ?
Author:  9YaTaH [ Sat Aug 06, 2016 9:33 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Originality or practicality? 68 MKI S
1. Put generator back on (it should have one) or keep the alternator that is on it? Alternators are much more reliable and don't need maintenance like the Genny does...as already said, if you want the original look you can stuff an alternator into the Genny casing...

2. New wiring loom (original was hacked into over the years) in woven to look nice and old or black electrical tape that I think it would have had? Remove the fire hazard and any chance for unreliability by fitting a classic (new) wiring loom...

3. I am keeping hydro but should I add some mods to suspension while car is apart? Completely up to you...if YOU want a certain amount of adjustability built in that they were too cheap to do originally...go for it :!: :D
Author:  gtogreen1969 [ Sat Aug 06, 2016 9:36 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Originality or practicality? 68 MKI S
oldblade wrote:
Actually question did the 68 mk1 S come out with a generator or an alternator ?

A genny
Author:  Freddo [ Sat Aug 06, 2016 9:43 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Originality or practicality? 68 MKI S
Some great advice from some very credible members of this forum.. just remember to think about building your car to what you need/require/want, as only then you will be truly satisfied.... you don't need permission from random others that don't own your car. Good luck with the build
Author:  Scoop [ Sun Aug 07, 2016 9:06 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Originality or practicality? 68 MKI S
That auto electrician only laughed as he doesnt know how the rebuild it. Find a better auto electrician and use the genny.

The car is yours so you can do want you want with it. Period mods will not stand out. If it bolts on you can always unbolt it later!!
Author:  phillb [ Sun Aug 07, 2016 12:36 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Originality or practicality? 68 MKI S
oldblade wrote:
Actually question did the 68 mk1 S come out with a generator or an alternator ?


Generator. One of the main "new features" of the Mk2 series of Minis in early 1969 (Mini K, Cooper S) was that they had an alternator rather than a generator.
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