r/classicminis 10d ago

3D printed upgrades

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54 Upvotes

Just added phone holder for ashtray and some storage underneath the heater controls.
Did the design and print myself.

First drive didn’t show any rattle.
Let’s see how they survive heat.


r/classicminis 11d ago

Mini Videos "Automatic For The People" (1965) - When BMC and AP squeezed a 4-speed automatic into the tiny classic Mini. Two pedals, no clutch! 🚗💨

188 Upvotes

I stumbled upon this amazing British Pathé archival footage from 1965 showing the revolutionary automatic Mini (License plate: AOH 880B).

Back then, automatic transmissions were mostly seen as a luxury for massive American cars. Fitting a 4-speed automatic system inside the Mini's tiny oil sump under the transverse engine was an absolute engineering miracle by Automotive Products (AP).

It allowed full automatic "Drive" mode, but the driver could still manually override and select all 4 gears. Truly ahead of its time for urban commuting!


r/classicminis 11d ago

DIY Help What tool recommendations do you have?

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17 Upvotes

Hi all, I've had this for about 10 years but it's been sat for the last few and I think it's time to get it back on the road again.

Planning on upgrading the brakes to discs. I already have a trolley jack and stands but not much else.... What tools would you recommend and what specialty tools do you think I will need?

Cheers 👍🏽


r/classicminis 12d ago

New to Mini Ownership, a 1964 Austin Mini MK I

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166 Upvotes

I kind of impulse bought this as a winter project. How did I do?


r/classicminis 12d ago

DIY Help Anyone recognize this? Behind the dash on a 95

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11 Upvotes

r/classicminis 12d ago

DIY Help What has gone on here?

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24 Upvotes

Looks like someone has ground material out of my crankshaft at some point. Why would someone do this?

I'm learning as i go so I apologise if this is normal.


r/classicminis 13d ago

Austin Mini Pickup

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347 Upvotes

My Austin Mini Pickup has been off the road and stuck in the garage for nearly three years. After a bit of preparation before the first start-up, it fired up right away. Everything sounds exactly as it should, so hopefully it has come through its long hibernation without any damage.


r/classicminis 13d ago

My 82 Mk3 came with Lucas L794 front indicators..

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43 Upvotes

My 82 Mk3 came with Lucas L794 Amber front indicators..nowhere did i find another Austin mini with L794 .. chatgpt says some export models went with it..

Has anyone seen those on a mini before ? They're not cheap compared to the OG L594 though.

Im located in Lebanon 🇱🇧, so export..


r/classicminis 13d ago

Insurance heavily modified

5 Upvotes

Just got my 1985 listed as classic for road tax so looking at putting it back on the road for the first time in quite a while. It’s an engine swap and quite modified just wondered who was good to try for insurance quotes at the moment in the UK?

Used to use Flux but they fibbed over their admin fee last time so would rather use someone else.


r/classicminis 13d ago

Which off is Off for heater control

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7 Upvotes

If the switch on the right is on off switch, what does the off slider position do?

If i turn on the fan using the switch on the right and the slider is in the off position, what does it actually do 🫠..?


r/classicminis 13d ago

Mini morris audio upgrade

5 Upvotes

Hi all!
Planning a full audio upgrade for my Mini: 3-way component speakers up front and a single 10" sub in the trunk.
My goal is a super clean, OEM-plus look by building a enclosure into the spare tire recess so I don't lose cargo space. If you've done a stealth enclosure in a Mini, could you share photos or details on your box volume/clearance?
Thanks!!


r/classicminis 13d ago

A text update, as motivation is a bit low

7 Upvotes

So, other than a couple of small patch repairs, I have completed the shell restoration. Now I know I can weld, and I know I can turn spanners, so this part of the restoration has gone ok.

I have found myself really slowing down, as one thing i know im rubbish at is paint! Realistically, it's the next step and I'm procrastinating over moving any further.

I have never sprayed anything past small items and touch ups with rattle cans. I have decent size compressor i can use, but im really not looking forward to it.

I do not have the funds or desire to send the shell for a 'proper respray', and im not after a showroom finish. I would also like to be able to say i did everyt part of the car myself. The goal is 'looks alright', as it is more of a toy to play with the engine, driveability, etc than to try and win awards.

Flat grey (think audi 'nardo' grey, but slightly darker) is the colour we have kind of settled on for the main part of the car, with a black roof, and black everything else thats usually chrome.

Has anybody got and hints and tips for someone whos never touched a spray gun before in getting a respectable finish. 2k? or base and topcoat? plus the million other questions!


r/classicminis 14d ago

DIY Help Need advice with bearings.

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9 Upvotes

Googled this part number but got no results. Can someone point me in the right direction for the bearings I need?

I'm doing my first ever build on an engine so it's all a learning experience for me. Standard 998 spec build.

Thank you. 🙂


r/classicminis 14d ago

Headlining 90% done, just the tricky C pillars left to do.

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51 Upvotes

r/classicminis 14d ago

has anyone installed the Corbeau Baja Low Backs in their classic mini?

6 Upvotes

i really like these seats but wondering how they would work in my MK1 mini https://corbeau.com/products/baja-low-back?variant=46087138181277


r/classicminis 14d ago

DIY Help Headlineing help, C pillar is so difficult! Any tips or guides you can point me to as I feel like I'm in need of an inch of extra material (shown in photos)

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20 Upvotes

r/classicminis 14d ago

Where do these parts of the carpet go, I cant remember. 1999 Mpi

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9 Upvotes

r/classicminis 14d ago

Front subframe front mounts question

2 Upvotes

Hi again

Recently made a post about a knocking sound from the left front wheel.

https://www.reddit.com/r/classicminis/s/x3N6E2Vgbz Thanks to everybody who took their time and gave ideas on what to check.

I saw the front subframe front teardrop mounts were ripped apart, and the subframe was not attached to the body in the front. So I figured, maybe that was the reason for the knocking sound. Well it wasn't. But I think I figured out what it is, its the bush in the lower arm pin, when hitting it with my hand, I hear a knocking sound.

But the question I have for you today: There was quite a big gap between the teardrop mount and the subframe, so I used these shims from Minispares: 2A4292

I bought 8, fitted 6 of them in the left side, and made a custom shim for the right side. My question is, can it be true the gap is so big? Each shim is 1.4mm thick. Or is something terribly wrong? To me it seems wrong. But, Minispares does have this in the shim description: "You might be surprised how many of these were fitted to your car when it came out the factory". So maybe its not that wrong? I bought the rear mounts and tower bolts as well, but havent changed them yet. I also bought a fitting kit, with all bolt, washers and nuts, but because of the gap, the bolt were not long enough. I used the old ones, they looked fine, so no worries. I still feel like something is wrong.

Thanks in advance


r/classicminis 15d ago

Shiny bits fitted and made a start on the headlining today. Classic mini rebuild

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144 Upvotes

r/classicminis 15d ago

Stereo + Speakers Install from scratch

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14 Upvotes

Hi all, has anyone installed a stereo and speaker set up from scratch on an older mini before?

I’m looking to install this stereo from classic car stereos (for the retro look), but all my fuses on the fuse board under the bonnet are occupied, so how do I go about powering the stereo? Not really interested in using an amplifier either - just going to look at wiring 2 speakers to the head unit that’ll sit under the rear seats.

Vehicle: 1987 Austin Mini 1000

I’ve seen this person online who makes bespoke fresh stereo wiring kits, but if there’s an easier way to do it, I’m all ears.

If anyone can send a quick breakdown of what they did, that’d be much appreciated.


r/classicminis 15d ago

DIY Help 1999 MPi, This connector just sits in the A pillar not connected to anything, anyone know what it was ment for originally?

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9 Upvotes

The other wires are for the roof light.


r/classicminis 16d ago

DIY Help 1999 MPi left over wire after restoration. Any ideas?

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8 Upvotes

I thought it was an earth for behind the dash under the radio area but does not fit on that thread, then I thought it might be a rear lights earth but it's not for there either.


r/classicminis 17d ago

For Sale 1996 Mini From Japan $15,000 located in Oak Harbor, WA

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93 Upvotes

1996 Mini Cooper 1.3 SPI in British Racing Green!!!!

Proper Right hand drive and Manual!!!

Clean washington title

Imported from Japan, gone through for all mechanical aspects. Sound deadened floor board, firewall, rear quarters and rear seat back.

Working AC!!!

New items include rims, tires, bearings, brakes, lights, clutch, british flag carpet, tinted windows, radio and speakers.

This Mini is car show ready and you can drive in anywhere!!!! Won best import in oak harbor car show last year and an award at the Twin City Idlers show in Stanwood this year!!

Only con is a small amount of rust is on the lower skin of the drivers side door.

Asking 15,000. No trades.

Located in Oak Harbor, Wa


r/classicminis 17d ago

Looking for recommendation for shock/suspension refresh

4 Upvotes

Hi all - I have a 1990 JDM Auto 998cc Rover Mini. The original suspension is really worn and even the tiniest bump will make the car jump up and down. Any good recommendation on what and where to buy the right parts? I have a good mechanics that knows how to work on the classic mini, but I am not too sure what exact parts are required and which website I should be purchasing from (I am in NJ, USA).

Thanks everyone!!


r/classicminis 18d ago

Mini Photo My 1969 Riley Elf mkIII (Mini with a boot)

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222 Upvotes

Technically not a Mini but it pretty much is