Expert advice on how to maintain a classic Mini

When it comes to the classic Mini, there is a lot of misinformation out there. Fortunately, there are some experts, too, so we queried a few for some help keeping a fan favorite on the road.

Expert

Stay Stock: Sometimes the best way to improve a car is to leave well enough alone! We’ve had a boatload of Minis come through the shop over the decades, and by far our favorite drivers are the ones that are completely original. The overall driving experience of a good, unaltered car is hard to beat, but many people have probably never had an opportunity to drive such a Mini.

Perhaps everyone likes to play an “Italian Job”-style boy racer once in a while, but a car that has been significantly modified into a street legal go-kart can sometimes be quite unsatisfactory as a daily driver. A car that has a cranky, high-strung engine or a harsh-riding, noncompliant suspension is no treat to drive in regular service.

I think there may be no car that has a greater range of performance parts available to modify it into something different than what it was originally intended to be, but remember that these offerings are coming from people who are in the business of selling parts. I recommend seeking out a good original example and taking a lengthy test drive before committing to making any radical changes to your car. You may be surprised at how nice a completely stock car can be.

Expert

Oil Changes: If you’re only good at one maintenance task with your Mini-automatic or standard transmission-make sure it’s changing oil. That wonderful, space-saving combination of the gearbox and the oil pan/sump under the engine is an oil-killer. Use a good-quality 20W50 oil, and change it and the filter at least every 3000 miles–2000 miles for automatics–or six months, whichever comes first. If you consistently drive in colder climates, 10W40 will work as well.

You’ll need five quarts to do the change, including oil for the filter. If you’re fortunate enough to have a spin-on filter, be sure to fill the filter with oil before installing it on the engine. An oil with a zinc additive is a good idea.

Radiator Options: The cooling system in the Mini has used the same basic-style radiator since its debut in 1959 up until the introduction of the twin-point injected cars, when the radiator was moved to the front of the car.

The original Mini was powered by an 850cc engine and designed for the little back roads of the U.K., so the cooling system demands were nominal. As engine capacity and performance demands increased, so did the need for more efficient cooling. All of this had to be accomplished within the limited design space allowed for the side-mounted radiators, and maintaining low production costs was a key factor.

With the closing of all real factory capacities, the aftermarket industry came to the rescue. First they introduced a modern production technique, then offered solutions for improved flow and performance. We’ve found that while some of the later factory parts aren’t bad, aftermarket three-and four-row cores are the best option for keeping the Mini’s engine cool–especially for higher-performance applications.

Expert

What Is It? If you look at any ad for a Mini for sale, you’ll read that it’s a genuine Mini Cooper or a 1960s- or 1970s-era car. Keep in mind that no Minis were imported into the U.S. by the factory after 1967 and that most Minis weren’t Coopers.

Furthermore, a lot of gray-market cars that have been imported in the past 10 to 20 years are newer cars that have somehow been given earlier dates on their titles. Most of the suppliers have good ways to help you identify exactly what year and type of Mini you’re working on. Consult with them–not a seller or even the car’s title–to figure out what you’ve got.

Rust: All cars rust, and Minis are no exception. Look for rust in the floors, the rocker panels, the A-pillars, all seams, and the rear subframe. A little is okay if you’re ready for a project, but a lot will quickly cost more in repairs than the car is worth.

Brakes: The early four-wheel-drum brakes on Minis aren’t very good. The later leading-shoe front drums are better, but they have to be adjusted and maintained very well for maximum performance. The better setups are the discs from Coopers and later Minis. Fortunately, there are kits available to facilitate this upgrade if you’re so inclined.

Bodges: While Minis have attained icon status and are quite collectible now, for a long time they were just cheap economy cars. It’s amazing how many were repaired with duct tape and bailing wire during this time. Look for inappropriate repairs and do your best to put the car right. Many of these repairs are harmful to the car–and possibly to you.

Electrics: All British cars are criticized for their Lucas electrical systems, but the truth is that the systems work pretty well as long as corrosion or bodges have not set in. Dirty or rusty connections account for most electrical problems, especially around grounds. Cleaning or replacing components will get things working fine most of the time. Likewise, undoing any bodged “upgrades” or “rewiring” and putting things back to stock is usually the best course of action.

Expert

Check Those Doors: To make use of every available inch, 1959–’70 Minis have wide doors featuring sliding windows and open cavities. I have found that these unique doors can also be a most expensive and challenging part of a restoration project.

After scraping away the paint on my 1962 Mini Cooper, I found the outer hinges had rusted through the door skin due to moisture and the reaction of dissimilar metals and worn-out hinge gaskets. Upon removing the inner door panels and the sliding windows, I found that the door was rusted beyond repair, caused by the two drain tubes in each door either being broken or blocked.

Replacing both doors, the hinges and the paint can easily cost $2500. Meanwhile, a careful inspection, new door hinge gaskets and replacement door drain tubes can cost about $25 in materials.

“For a long time they were just cheap economy cars. It’s amazing how many were repaired with duct tape and bailing wire.”

“These unique doors can be a most challenging part of a restoration project.”

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Comments

fwdriver New Reader
4/29/23 7:50 p.m.

I have had my 67 Morris Mini Cooper MkII for 52 years now. I bought it from a US Air Force serviceman who was stationed at Upper Heyford in England and bought the car new. He brought it back to the states with him with 16,000 miles. After he blew out both rubber inner "u joints" he decided to sell it in 1971 to me. I have put 52,000 miles on it. It was my only car for 5 years and was driven thru the Michigan winters without a problem. In 52 years it still has the original wiring harness,starter, fuel pump and generator. Lucas electric haters are all wet with their "prince of darkness" jokes! It has never let me down! Being an English Car mechanic for 52 of my 70 years I have learned not to re-engineer the car and don't fix what isn't broke! Every once and a while I will think that maybe I should sell it, but then I take it out for a spin and I just can't get the smile off my face! Nope, I can't part with it yet!

MiniDave Reader
4/29/23 9:17 p.m.

I've been driving Minis since the late 60's, my first was a 1963 Cooper S with the 1071 motor and tiny 7" disc brakes - I drove it all over the country as I have with all of my Minis. They are not garage queens, they are cars and cars are meant to be driven IMHO.

I live in KC and I've had my current Mini - an 89 Racing Green - for 6 years and it's been to the east coast 5 times, Texas Hill County twice, Aspen, Sandy Eggo, Rushmore - all on different trips.

They are crude, cheap little cars but a bucket of fun to own and drive!

ROADSTERBOY New Reader
10/22/23 8:25 p.m.

In reply to fwdriver :

Wow, I was stationed at RAF Upper Heyford 1971/1972. I may have seen your car there. I ended up buying a Lotus Europa from the factory while over there.

fwdriver New Reader
11/15/23 5:58 p.m.

In reply to ROADSTERBOY :

You probably did see it! I do not remember the guy's name, but I do know he was in the Air Force and stationed at Upper Heyford sometime between 1970 thru 72. There used to be a sticker on the windshield that indicated this. I

believe he was from the Bay City, Michigan area. Small World!