Just been offered a free Austin Mini Clubman '78
Discussion
Just been offered an Austin Mini Clubman, ’78 on a P for free. It’s an auto and failed its MOT on needing some welding and a minor few odds and sods. I have been on the look out for something cheap and fun and a bit of a project (although I’ve never undertaken anything like this before).
I’ve been offered it by a woman at work whose au pair uses it at present. She has no idea what engine size it is. Can anyone help?
Also, I’m thinking I’d want to convert it to a manual and depending on the current engine, either tune it, or do an engine swap. And I’ve never done any welding in my life – but how hard can it be and the car’s free! I’ve just moved house and have some hard standing at the end of my garden accessible via a lane, but no garage. I’m presuming bits a dirt cheep and it’s as easy to work on as anything can be.
What does anyone think? Is this a good start for a fairly sensible novice who’s looking for something to get their hands dirty on?
Cheers
Will.
I’ve been offered it by a woman at work whose au pair uses it at present. She has no idea what engine size it is. Can anyone help?
Also, I’m thinking I’d want to convert it to a manual and depending on the current engine, either tune it, or do an engine swap. And I’ve never done any welding in my life – but how hard can it be and the car’s free! I’ve just moved house and have some hard standing at the end of my garden accessible via a lane, but no garage. I’m presuming bits a dirt cheep and it’s as easy to work on as anything can be.
What does anyone think? Is this a good start for a fairly sensible novice who’s looking for something to get their hands dirty on?
Cheers
Will.
A Mini is certainly a good car to have as a first project. Everything is pretty simple mechanically, but you do need to look out for rot. Specifically:
A-panels
Scuttle
Floorpan
Boot floor
Front end around the headlights
My buyers guide is here:
www.minispecial.com/technical/buyersguide.asp
Not sure what the engine would be - most probably a basic 998. Changing over to manual will require a different subframe, I think.
A-panels
Scuttle
Floorpan
Boot floor
Front end around the headlights
My buyers guide is here:
www.minispecial.com/technical/buyersguide.asp
Not sure what the engine would be - most probably a basic 998. Changing over to manual will require a different subframe, I think.
I don't think the rust is too serious. I've seen the car a month or so ago, and it "looks" in very good condition. It's had welding previously and the owners were thinking it'd fly through the MOT, so I don't imagine it's too bad.
I'd quite fancied a mini, but never even driven one before. As it's free I'm thinking it can't do any harn to say yes to it and have a play.
I'd quite fancied a mini, but never even driven one before. As it's free I'm thinking it can't do any harn to say yes to it and have a play.
miniman said:
I'd say definitely go for it. Do have a good poke around, though, because my first Mini "looked" ok, but then filler does look ok until it starts cracking and coming out in big lumps!
Agreed. Have a good look around. Take someone knowledgable with you if you are unsure.
Often cars are given away because there is a charge now at scrap yards to take a car off someones hands (about £150).
With a clubby front you should do it justice and whack something under there!
If the auto box has hardy spicer shafts, they are worth a few quid, don't bin them! Also, have a look at the final drive CWP, they are often favoured as they are relatively long legged. 3.2? (IIRC). If you're going to ditch the engine, have the blanking plate from the fuel pump hole.
Have fun, minis are great! Stu
If the auto box has hardy spicer shafts, they are worth a few quid, don't bin them! Also, have a look at the final drive CWP, they are often favoured as they are relatively long legged. 3.2? (IIRC). If you're going to ditch the engine, have the blanking plate from the fuel pump hole.
Have fun, minis are great! Stu
Thanks guys.
I’m picking the mini up tonight. My general technical knowledge is very poor, but I'm sure I'll figure out what the "splicer shafts" are and I'll make sure I keep them(!?). Over the weekend I was offered a cooper s on a J that's a 1/2 finished project for £200. It's had a full engine rebuild and has the interior out and is in primer at present, which I think will make a perfect donor car.
Only problem is, I suspect it's in better order than the clubman and I know it'd make sense to do that one up instead, but I think the clubman looks a lot better (IMHO), and I like the idea of classic insurance and free road tax (which I'm presuming a '78 mini qualifies for?).
I’m picking the mini up tonight. My general technical knowledge is very poor, but I'm sure I'll figure out what the "splicer shafts" are and I'll make sure I keep them(!?). Over the weekend I was offered a cooper s on a J that's a 1/2 finished project for £200. It's had a full engine rebuild and has the interior out and is in primer at present, which I think will make a perfect donor car.
Only problem is, I suspect it's in better order than the clubman and I know it'd make sense to do that one up instead, but I think the clubman looks a lot better (IMHO), and I like the idea of classic insurance and free road tax (which I'm presuming a '78 mini qualifies for?).
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