Free R50 MINI Cooper with knackered gearbox!
Discussion
My brother in law has had his wife’s MINI Cooper on his driveway for about 4 years ever since his then 17 year old son tried to do a burn out on his driveway while he was at work 😊
Basically something went bang and then no drive at all.
I mentioned it to him today as a possible project car for my son and I to work on.
He said just take it. Offered him some money but he said he just wants rid.
So on Wednesday I’m having it trailered the 2 miles from his house to mine.
God knows if the gearbox is salvageable or needs a new one but I’ve nothing to lose and it will be a learning experience for the both of us.
I’ll post photos when it gets picked up and hopefully keep this thread updated.
I would love to make it into a track car but no specific plans.
Thanks for reading.
Basically something went bang and then no drive at all.
I mentioned it to him today as a possible project car for my son and I to work on.
He said just take it. Offered him some money but he said he just wants rid.
So on Wednesday I’m having it trailered the 2 miles from his house to mine.
God knows if the gearbox is salvageable or needs a new one but I’ve nothing to lose and it will be a learning experience for the both of us.
I’ll post photos when it gets picked up and hopefully keep this thread updated.
I would love to make it into a track car but no specific plans.
Thanks for reading.
GreatGranny said:
It’s a 2003 so yes midland gearbox.
I’m ok with removing gearbox and having a go at fixing it.
I can take my time.
No time limit to this project.
Thanks
The pain in the arse part is getting the gearbox out of the car. Swapping the diff over can be done in under an hour really. It could possibly be easier to remove the engine and gearbox in one go rather than trying to wrestle gearbox out by itself. I’m ok with removing gearbox and having a go at fixing it.
I can take my time.
No time limit to this project.
Thanks
Without wishing to teach my GreatGranny to suck eggs, make sure you have a receipt or other documentation signed by your BIL confirming that he has transferred ownership to you/you have acquired all title in the car (you might even want to do it for a nominal £1 fee, sold as seen).
The last thing you need is him claiming it back if/when it is all shiny and fixed ....
The last thing you need is him claiming it back if/when it is all shiny and fixed ....
Cankicker said:
If you have it all nailed down, then great. If not, Mod Mini is a great resource on Youtube for these cars.
No, not got it all nailed down so thanks for the recommendation.Going to start on the gearbox as soon as possible.
Not sure whether to get it going first.
Last time it was started was about 2 years ago so may need to do some draining and renewing of fluids before a turn it over.
Also new battery, plug in ECU which my B in L unplugged when he parked it up.
jeremyc said:
Without wishing to teach my GreatGranny to suck eggs, make sure you have a receipt or other documentation signed by your BIL confirming that he has transferred ownership to you/you have acquired all title in the car (you might even want to do it for a nominal £1 fee, sold as seen).
The last thing you need is him claiming it back if/when it is all shiny and fixed ....
Going to sort out V5C this weekend.The last thing you need is him claiming it back if/when it is all shiny and fixed ....
He definitely doesn't want it back and is not the type of person who will try to claim it back.
He's got a lovely Landy which keeps him busy as well as other hobbies so just wanted shut of this.
Anyway, his wife wouldn't let him :-)
I wrote up my experience of doing what you're embarking on here. I'm still not finished, truth be told.
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
If I could offer one insight, if it does turn out you need to remove the gearbox, I would recommend taking it out together with the engine. It's barely any more work & makes life much easier. I wish I'd done it that way round, but life is for learning I suppose. Oh, and everything that can be rusted on, will be.
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
If I could offer one insight, if it does turn out you need to remove the gearbox, I would recommend taking it out together with the engine. It's barely any more work & makes life much easier. I wish I'd done it that way round, but life is for learning I suppose. Oh, and everything that can be rusted on, will be.
RazerSauber said:
Fingers crossed for an easy fix! What happened to the front bumper?
Keep your ears peeled for the inevitable PAS pump issues too
Front bumper was removed ages ago when B in L tried to see if he could fix it.Keep your ears peeled for the inevitable PAS pump issues too
Got it along with the undertay, air box and various other parts.
Cankicker said:
I wrote up my experience of doing what you're embarking on here. I'm still not finished, truth be told.
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
If I could offer one insight, if it does turn out you need to remove the gearbox, I would recommend taking it out together with the engine. It's barely any more work & makes life much easier. I wish I'd done it that way round, but life is for learning I suppose. Oh, and everything that can be rusted on, will be.
Thanks Cancicker. I'll have a look.https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
If I could offer one insight, if it does turn out you need to remove the gearbox, I would recommend taking it out together with the engine. It's barely any more work & makes life much easier. I wish I'd done it that way round, but life is for learning I suppose. Oh, and everything that can be rusted on, will be.
My first 4 cars were original Minis which I was continuously working on so know all about rusted on bolts and fittings :-)
Gassing Station | Readers' Cars | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff