Hiya,

I've got a '65 Morris Mini Deluxe which has come to some slight grief recently when brakes failed and came to an abrupt stop on a curb. This caused the front weels to point in different directions and probably some significant damage to the front steering assembly.

Anyway, I thought it time to embark on a project to strip it down, clean it up, patch it up and make it run smooth (hopefully with a little more oomph).

This the first time I've tried to do anything major on the car - the biggest thing I've done is replace a displacement unit for the hydrolastic suspension and that was a nightmare. So I'm fairly new to working on cars though I regard myself as technically minded (I work in IT).

So my question is - where do I start?

As corny as it sounds the best place for you to start would be to get a good workshop manual , then identify what you need to do on the mini and sit down with the manual and the mini and familiarise yourself with what you need to do . Mini's are fairly simple really but following a good manual will still save you a lot of grief . ANy pic's of the damage for us to give you some tips ?

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I take it this is not your primary mode of transport?

Sports850 is right with the books, as the first job to do on the car will probably be
to drop the subframe and assess how much damage there is.

I've actually got a copy of the "Mini Workshop Manual" by BMC Australia but to be honest I get a bit lost when it mentions something like "... use workshop tool A324 to remove <blah blah>".

So do you recommend something like the Haynes workshop manuals, eg http://www.haynes.com.au/category4_1.htm

So, would it preferable/easier to start on the engine/mechanicals before the body work?

As they said about the manual.

Before you do any real work on the car - get the front up on jack stand - not bricks, bits of wood or just on a jack or trolley jack. If you can't get it on jack stand then dont attempt to do the job.

Then take off the front wheels and have a good look at everything. You will see where the damage is fairly easily. I suspect that the tie rods that come out of the steering rack will be the culprit. They will be bent.

Now, one of the hardest jobs on a mini is changing the rack. Its especially difficult when you have hydrolastic suspension as well. The only way the rack is going to come out is by lowering the front sub-frame by several inches (engine and all) and then working in very tight spots.

The manual is a boon but even though you have a technical mind, your mechanical inexperience is going to make this rack change a real PIA. You can do it but its a job better done by a mini mechanic in this case.

Something modern as well as the BMC one , I have a few diferent ones that I use regularly , they all have the same procedure but some are easier to read then others . The gregories one I bought in the late 80's is good , don't know about current released ones though , someone else should be able to reccomend . It's worth checking what the BMC manual says as well though as I've found a few contradictions that needed working out . All else fails ask on here and someone will have done what you are doing before .

I'd say do the mechanicals first and make sure everythings straight in the subframe , then sort out the body . Is the body damaged at all from the impact or does it seem to be steering/suspension ?

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Forgot to mention - a rack is relatively inexpensive to buy brand new and readily availale. In the order of $200 plus.

It may not be the rack but thats my best guess. until a visual proves me wrong

Welcome....from what you have described....I would be inclined to pull the engine to make damage assessment and repair a tad easier. My main concern is driveshaft/diff housing damage caused by the kerb.

Best idea is to contact your local Mini Car Club....there are people there that have done this sort of thing a zillion times and if you ask nicely (and offer incentives (like Coffee, Tim Tams or Beer) they will come visit.

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"Show me the Mini!"

Hi,

I agree with the others, sounds like an issue with the rack or maybe front castor bars.

If you join the Vic Mini Club you can borrow some manuals from the club library and these will help you identify the problem too.

Seeriously, have a go yourself! Gearboxes aside, Minis are not very complicated. It's just that everything is packed in so tightly that it makes them difficult (and time consuming) to work on. If you take your time, and do your research, a novice will be capable of most mechanical tasks on Minis. The collective wisdom of this forum is very helpful, so don't be afraid to ask n00b questions. We all have to start somewhere.

If you are doing a full rebuild, the rack will be 100 times easier to replace with the engine and front subframe out of the way! The rack is about the only suspension component in my Moke I didn't replace when I rebuilt it. Now guess what is rattling!!

BTW, I work in IT too!

Cheers,

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Brett Nicholson
Greendale (near Ballan) VIC.
1971 Morris Mini Moke
1966 Austin Mini
1965 Morris Mini Traveller
1973 LR Series 3 88
2007 LR Freelander 2

phew! Ok well joining the Mini club sounds like a good idea for those moments when I'll go "I've put it back together but where does this bit go?"

No thankfully it's not my primary mode of transport so getting it back on the road isn't a priorty.

So it sounds like I need to drop the sub-frame and get the mechanicals working first. Thankfully there's not too much damage to the body but I'm getting a bit of bubling at the bottom of my doors and there are a few dints (from big 4WDs reversing into me and not seeing me!).

You'll be hearing from me soon that's for sure

"So it sounds like I need to drop the sub-frame and get the mechanicals working first"....

NO you don't!! its a Hydro car..dropping a subframe is a PITA .....have a look at the suspension, brakes, drive shafts and any other damage that might have occured as a result of the kerb....it may be easier to pull the engine out (as I said before).

Bubbling at the bottom of doors is a common problem....if it aint too bad you may get away witha repair rather than reskin or finding a better door. Make sure the drain holes are open and clear in the bottom of the door pockets.

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"Show me the Mini!"

I've posted some links to Manuals online under the sticky in the Mod section. The Italian site (manual is in English) coveres all models from earliest to Rover

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David L


My greatest fear in life is that when I die my wife will sell my Mini and tools for the price I told her I paid for them!

wheres this?

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-jamie-
1963morris 850
1965 solid side van
1994 rover racecar

Do you need a map?

Yes hit the books first. Read about what you need to do then realise what tools you will need to buy/borrow.

Example: If you are thinking engine out then engine crane, ball joint splitter if you have pot joints, pin punches if you have a rod change gearbox etc etc. Lots of tools needed if you don't already have a collection.

Tip: I use a digital camera as a tool. Take pics of stuff before so you know how to put it back together. This is especially good for wiring etc.

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Lillee - 1969 Morris Mini K