Thank you guys for all the advise and information today, it's been total gold.

I've done the deal and got myself an 78' A-Series 1275 motor, I was after an A+ but for $600 hey it's a great start. I pick it up Monday. Look forward to many post asking for further advise once I start the rebuild (although I still have a Ducati to rebuild first, so it maybe awhile!)

Once again thanks to all ;0)

It was too good to be true! - $600 for a 78' 1275.

I drove up to the hills in Perth today all excited about my find but alas the block had been welded. The bottom where the block meets the gearbox housing just under the distributor a large chunk had been blown out. The chuck was about two inches long where the two parts meet, then at one end it headed straight up about an inch and a half and then diagonally joining the other end at the bottom. It had been welded and then covered in some sort of metal putty! It was a messy fix and the dollar signs appeared with the thought of fixing it!

O well back to the drawing board.

Ah that sux marty.

_________________
The best part of fixing your mini is the test drive

Minis..

1976 van daily drive
1975 van
1968 deluxe in the shed
1967 deluxe high strung 1310
1959 austin healey sprite

Just keep it in mind if you happen to some across a block that needs a crank. I would offer the bloke a couple of hundred just as spares.

I offered $400 for parts he came back with $500. I felt kinda pee'd off he didn't mention the fix before I hired a ute and drove 50 Km's! If I had gone up there knowing what it was I could have done more research and gone there better prepared. I also got the feeling the guy was playing dumb, he told me it was in good condition the other day and while I was there he kinda played dumb but then a few things he did say gave away he knew what he was talking about. This set off alarm bells so I left.

Where do you live marty

_________________
The best part of fixing your mini is the test drive

Minis..

1976 van daily drive
1975 van
1968 deluxe in the shed
1967 deluxe high strung 1310
1959 austin healey sprite

Shenton Park near Subiaco

Ahh yeah. Bit of a pita that you hired a ute and everything.

_________________
The best part of fixing your mini is the test drive

Minis..

1976 van daily drive
1975 van
1968 deluxe in the shed
1967 deluxe high strung 1310
1959 austin healey sprite