My New Motor - '89 Mayfair

antodeco

Well folks, finally got the mini after all this time (not the one I wanted, but settled on this for the looks). Drove it back from Cork today. Great fun to drive it up. It does need some work, so shall be working on it over time. First thing to fix is the small leak on the passenger side (very small one on the drivers side too.) Might reseal the windscreen and see how it looks. The bodykit needs some work on it, but mainly touching up. Need to get it serviced too, to make sure everythings ok. The front is a bit lower at the minute, so might see if I can get it highered up a little as a really have to come to a crawl to go over the ramps. You can see how much lower the front is compared to the back.

Well here are some pictures just taken:

carly_86

what a sweet ride! how much did you pay for it?

antodeco

€2700. Higher than what I shouldve being honest, but the floor, underneath both doors, the 2 front wings and the 2 door sills were replaced. I will probably have to get under the window replaced. The spray job of the white with blue stripes (the stripes are actually sprayed, not stuck on). It was the appearance that attracted me mostly to it.

minxie

Ooooh id love one ........

Fair play to ya

Drummerboy08

Its looks like a nice, clean example. The ONLY thing i'd consider changing is the rear lights for the originals.

antodeco

Drummerboy08 wrote: »

Its looks like a nice, clean example. The ONLY thing i'd consider changing is the rear lights for the originals.

I agree. Im not a big fan of the lights. I really want to get the service done first. Then Ill get the body work looked at. After that, I will be replacing the rear clusters. I will be getting custom made blue on white vinyl bucket seats. I may look at getting a roll cage too. Purely depends on if the back seats are still usable with a roll cage.

Rowley Birkin QC

Vtec engine conversion?!

antodeco

bigkev49 wrote: »

Vtec engine conversion?!

Purely depends on if the engine is running fine. If the engine is fine, being honest, Ill keep it as is. Purely got it as a fun driving car as oppose to a rocket. I will eventually look at it though!

vectra

Drummerboy08 wrote: »

Its looks like a nice, clean example. The ONLY thing i'd consider changing is the rear lights for the originals.

Agreed with above
Nice clean looking
BUT
Change that back pipe as well

antodeco

vectra wrote: »

Agreed with above
Nice clean looking
BUT
Change that back pipe as well

Dont worry I will. Standard Dual Exhaust:

L-M

That's a great looking car, fair play to ya. You'll have some fun with it:D

+1 on the exhaust and lights, will look the business then. I don't know how the owner put on that small exhaust with the kit, lol.

Health to enjoy and all that.

vectra

Limerick man wrote: »

I don't know how the owner put on that small exhaust with the kit, lol.

Looks like one is missing

L-M

vectra wrote: »

Looks like one is missing

But if you look at the size of the back box, it doesn't look like two could ever of had fit in there. Generally you wouldn't have two separate back boxes (AFAIK), and it doens't look like a second one fell off.

seanybiker

thats a lovely mini. So cute lol.
Loves mini's.
Mate of mine used to have a mini general lee. Had the funny horn tune and all lol.
Best of luck with her.

cianclarke

Sweet car! Agree with the above points on the rear lights, ruining it - and the off-centre single exhaust is a bit wierd. With only a small amount of work you're going to have something seriously individual, and seriously awesome.

antodeco

Thanks for all the comments. I really want it to be an individual car (hence why I went for it). I reckon another 2k should get it up to the lower level I can start working more on it. Such a head turner. Loads of people talking to me today and taking photos if it when its parked. Ill need to get an alarm and lock for it now though.

Some more pics. You can really see how low the front is in these.







EDIT: With regards the exhaust, it was just the original moved across to the middle. it does look a little silly, but at least the ground work of the piping is done!

antodeco

Just wondering if anyone can recommend a good mechanic for the car? Id prefer someone with some knowledge of classic mini's rather than just a 'standard' mechanic. Thanks

L-M

antodeco wrote: »

Just wondering if anyone can recommend a good mechanic for the car? Id prefer someone with some knowledge of classic mini's rather than just a 'standard' mechanic. Thanks

Did you try register on any Mini forums? I'd say that should be your first port of call, you get loads of information on them.

antodeco

Limerick man wrote: »

Did you try register on any Mini forums? I'd say that should be your first port of call, you get loads of information on them.

I will indeed be doing that! Credit Card was knicked so waiting to update my paypal account and will be joining miniclub!

L-M

antodeco wrote: »

I will indeed be doing that! Credit Card was knicked so waiting to update my paypal account and will be joining miniclub!

Pay to join?

Strange, although I suppose it'll keep all the undesirables out!

antodeco

Limerick man wrote: »

Pay to join?

Strange, although I suppose it'll keep all the undesirables out!

Went back onto the site! Found out you can register (doh). Its just the membership part I need to pay for!

pburns

Sweet, sweet ride and seriously individual.
+1 on the original lights and centred exhaust.

Fair play, takes a REAL enthusiast to seek out something like that.

pburns

...and another thing...

This is going back but does anyone remember Tiger comic? There was a racing-driver character in it who had a Mini that trouced much bigger, more powerful cars in all the races he entered.

That subtley modded Mini on those wheels reminds me of the comic-book car...

hi_im_fil

For mini forums try

www.miniresource.com
www.irishminis.ie/forum

ji

Much nicer than the new one..Best of luck

Owen

hi_im_fil wrote: »

For mini forums try

www.miniresource.com
www.irishminis.ie/forum

I wouldn't bother my hole with either. Irishminis.ie is the remnants of the Irish Mini Owner's Club who's southern and western region split because of the politics and excluding cars younger than a certain age from events, and mini resource just seems to people online for the purpose of bring angry at everything.

Antodeco, nice sweet Mini mate, and I'm looking forward to seeing you on some of the Dublin runs, and fingers crossed the Cork runs too. Pity you can't make it to MINI United (http://miniunited.com) next week, there's about 30 cars going over on the ferry to Silverstone for the 50th anniversary of the Mini Official Celebrations and Music Festival (Paul Weller, Cavin Harris/Dizzie Rascal are playing).

If you need a mechanic, couldn't recommend Ger O'Leary from Ballincollig in Cork [edit]highly enough[/edit] either, him and his brother have been restoring and servicing classic Minis since they came out. He also does supercharger conversion kits

pburns

ned78 wrote: »

If you need a mechanic, couldn't recommend Ger O'Leary from Ballincollig in Cork either, him and his brother have been restoring and servicing classic Minis since they came out. He also does supercharger conversion kits

Ned, I'm sure you mean you couldn't recommend Ger O'Leary highly enough.

Don't want Ger having a big pouty puss on him next time you go in to see him:D

(BTW, nice to see you take an interest in a REAL Mini for a change;):D)

ronnie3585

antodeco wrote: »

Just wondering if anyone can recommend a good mechanic for the car? Id prefer someone with some knowledge of classic mini's rather than just a 'standard' mechanic. Thanks

A mate of mine is a Mini fanatic, he has two MkII Cooper S', and he brings them to Ray Cunningham in the Galway Mini Centre, he swears by him. Expensive, but he really knows what he's doing.

If you haven't you should drown your car in WaxOyl. Minis and rust are best of friends:pac:

Owen

@pburns - lol mate, that's exactly what I wanted to say - and I've always had an interest in MINIs and Minis. I'd love a classic, I'd have nowhere to store it though

Galways Mini Centre is a great spot too, the boys there are very enthusiastic and come highly recommended from the Western Mini Club.

MorrisCooper

ned78 wrote: »

I wouldn't bother my hole with either. Irishminis.ie is the remnants of the Irish Mini Owner's Club who's southern and western region split because of the politics and excluding cars younger than a certain age from events, and mini resource just seems to people online for the purpose of bring angry at everything.

Ned, is it the right or the left shoulder you have the chip on? You really need to move on and accept that not everyone buys into the new MINI which pays your wages. There are quite a few Mini clubs around Ireland (MLNI, Donegal, South Down, Causeway Coast, along with MR and IMOC) and it's a poor reflection on one club if it depends on slagging off others in order to get new members.

Live and let live,

Billy

Owen

MorrisCooper wrote: »

Ned, is it the right or the left shoulder you have the chip on? You really need to move on and accept that not everyone buys into the new MINI which pays your wages. There are quite a few Mini clubs around Ireland (MLNI, Donegal, South Down, Causeway Coast, along with MR and IMOC) and it's a poor reflection on one club if it depends on slagging off others in order to get new members.

Live and let live,

Billy

It's been quite a while since MINI paid my wages Nice to come in and threadjack the OP's post though, well done.

Back on topic, Antodeco, what's your first plan for mods, lights, engine, wheels, brakes? Lots of the guys in our club fit the Moulton Smootharide suspension kit to the classics ... it's supposed to really transform the cars comfort and handling no end.

MorrisCooper

pburns wrote: »

...and another thing...

This is going back but does anyone remember Tiger comic? There was a racing-driver character in it who had a Mini that trouced much bigger, more powerful cars in all the races he entered.

That subtley modded Mini on those wheels reminds me of the comic-book car...

As far as I remember it was "Martin's Mini"

MorrisCooper

It was actually "Martin's Marvellous Mini"

See link about Tiger for details about others like Hotshot Hamish and Roy of the Rovers

http://www.26pigs.com/tiger/characters.html

Antodeco, If you're in Dublin you could try Paul Kelly at Minifix, Drumcondra at 8427247 or Paul Hickey at Hickey Race Engineering in Newcastle. Don't have his number but view his input on a 16-valve BMW conversion on the TurboMinis site below

http://www.turbominis.com/forums/index.php?p=vt&tid=224156

Hope it helps,

Billy

commited

MorrisCooper wrote: »

Ned, is it the right or the left shoulder you have the chip on? You really need to move on and accept that not everyone buys into the new MINI which pays your wages. There are quite a few Mini clubs around Ireland (MLNI, Donegal, South Down, Causeway Coast, along with MR and IMOC) and it's a poor reflection on one club if it depends on slagging off others in order to get new members.

Live and let live,

Billy

Agree 100% Billy, there is no need for such bitterness. Both sites hold their own place in the Irish Mini scene and have a dedicated group of members. Your comments aren't helpful or constructive to promoting the Mini scene in Ireland, just to split it further. I hope that isn't your plan...

Mark

L-M

Lads, keep on topic please or take it to pm. We don't need to know of ye're personal grievances with the clubs. Thanks

antodeco

Well, Ive a few things to do. As I said, first things on the list (in order) are:

1. Full Service (Including Tracking, Break Pads replaced)
2. Get NCT
3. Get the front of the car highered up so its level with the back. I would say antoher inch and I will be able to clear all of the ramps no problem.
4. Get Horn re-attached (on the car :P)
5. Get bodywork checked to make sure all panels are ok and dont need replacing.
6. Get bodywork fixed up as needed, and also get drivers door re-skimmed and filled. Was in a knock and previous person didnt do a very good job.
7. Get bodykit fixed up, as there are a few dents and chips in it, and I also want it to be properly moulded into the car, as it appears "seperated".
8. Get blue on white Vinyl bucket seats

Once the above is done, it will be at the level that I want it to be. From there I will be replacing the exhaust and then the rear lights. Then look at engine conversion/supercharging and so forth. The above list is what needs to be done first.

Owen

lol @ all the newbies registering on this thread making points to back each other up.

Anyway, back OT yet again, if you get the chance Antodeco, the Western Mini Club are holding their annual Mini day in Clarinbridge shortly - it's a savage day out, and there'll be MINIs, and Minis from every club in the country. It's the Western Minis first year running it on their own steam, but they're well able for it, and should be good fun. There'll be a few of our members heading over in convoy from Dublin if you want to join up with them?

antodeco

When is it on? I need to get my NCT sorted first before I bring it anywhere!

Owen

Sunday 7th of June, they're only a new club, so they could do with any support possible, great bunch of guys behind it all :
http://www.westernminis.com/

Meant to say it to you, but it's also no harm to start picking up the Mini magazines for inspiration. They're a treasure trove of ideas, and plenty of companies who manufacture parts for the Minis list all the bits inside. Well worth buying at least once to get the bug.

antodeco

Once I start buying them, Ill be screwed

viz139

Nice looking Mini. If you don't fancy driving too far thers also a lot of minis heading to Mosney on 7 June and the big mini meeting at Mondello Live on 14 June. Perfect year to buy a mini with the 50th celabrations on .
Recommend Paul Kelly at Minifix Dublin to look at the car,087 2597085.
Good luck with the car.

kona

:(:(

youd swear all us mini owners are all fighting,

we really arnt that bad, personally I dont see the problems with any of the aforementioned mini clubs they all have a bunch of great lads in them.:)

peace and all that jazz:)

Nice mini BTW

what engine is in it i presume a 998 as its a 89?

caprilicious

GORGEOUS car! I'm so jealous :cool:

I love the kit, looks the business!

DJ Hafez

If i had known that Mini was for sale in Cork I would have whisked it up before you! :P Congrats! Looks great. Hope all the work that needs doing goes smoothly.

Happy Driving

antodeco

kona wrote: »

what engine is in it i presume a 998 as its a 89?

Its a 998! Not the most powerful out there, but can pull away from about 2.5k revs. I think it just needs a service to perk it up a bit!

caprilicious wrote: »

GORGEOUS car! I'm so jealous :cool:

I love the kit, looks the business!

The kit does need some work. Wasnt moulded onto the body very well. But that is the 2nd thing on my list to get done!

CianRyan

This thread has caused me to search pretty much every Irish car website for a Mayfair.
I want one!!

kona

antodeco wrote: »

Its a 998! Not the most powerful out there, but can pull away from about 2.5k revs. I think it just needs a service to perk it up a bit!

Fit a stage1 tuning kit, you will get a little bit more and alot more noise. Its basically a K&N cone, Different carb needle, Better exhaust manifold. Its not expensive either and you can fit it yourself(if your double jointed:p)

For a exhaust system id reccomend a maniflow(I have one on a 1380 its crazy loud:D), but dont go crazy on the bore:)

antodeco

Aye, stage 1 kit is meant to be great on them. The engine mods will be happening after I get the other major parts done. It wont be driven until I get the service, and then the NCT. From there, the bodywork has to be looked at. Once they are both done, it will be driven alot more. I see this being a 2 year project to get it to the level I want.

MorrisCooper

CianRyan wrote: »

This thread has caused me to search pretty much every Irish car website for a Mayfair.
I want one!!

Cian,

I got a call yesterday from a woman selling an '89 Mayfair with 66k, asking 1000 at <SNIP>. She has no interest in Minis, just wants it gone.

Hope it helps,

Billy

kona

antodeco wrote: »

Aye, stage 1 kit is meant to be great on them. The engine mods will be happening after I get the other major parts done. It wont be driven until I get the service, and then the NCT. From there, the bodywork has to be looked at. Once they are both done, it will be driven alot more. I see this being a 2 year project to get it to the level I want.

It doesnt look that bad, you seem to be able to drive it
do the service yerself, itl cost you about e50.

antodeco

If I knew how to service it I would! It was off the road for 2 years, so would prefer it to get a full going over, just in case. The top engine mount needs replacing cause it keeps kicking when I accerlerate/decelerate!