1980 Leyland Mini 998cc
Aaah! the joys of
Mini ownership. At last I have one of my own and it’s fantastic. Once I got used
to the choke, the lights and indicator stalks being on different sides to what
I’m used to. It’s great
I’ve many ideas on how to make the car “my own”, first things first, a halogen
lamp conversion. All these dark country roads and the locals wearing black and
not using torches. I NEED BRIGHTER LIGHTS!
I will be hopefully taking a trip to New Inn to get my paint
matched. Then the front light surround can be done, with maybe a bit to do the
interior.
Then I’ll start the GRAND PLAN.
Well so far the halogen conversion is complete! Although now the nights are drawing out, I don’t need them as much. But it is nice to know they’re there when I do need them.
Ryan and Dean started polishing the wheels. Got two of them looking nice and sparkly, then got the tyres fitted and the garage put the balancing weights on the outside so the wheels don’t look as good as they did. Oh well. At least the new tyres don’t have slow punctures which make up for it.
I also have the radio fitted so I can listen to some tunes on my way to work and a new door trim on the drivers side so I can now close the door properly.
I haven’t made it to New Inn for the paint match yet. I’m going to get chrome wing mirrors and new door handles before I do the paint, just in case I need to cover more holes.
Hopefully this all be done before May so the car is looking
good for the London to Brighton run.
The Mini was found in Crystal Palace by Neil, who drove past it, with it's "for sale" sign in the window many times before he could finally pull over and have a look at it. Unfortunately upon delivery it turned out that the previous owner had crashed it since it was viewed.
After about a month of hard work the Mini was finally ready for it's MOT. Unfortunately it failed because of a corroded brake pipe but with another little push and a little more money it was through.
Thanks to Neil and Ria for getting the car up and running and looking great. Ryan for showing me how to drive a Mini, and everyone else who helped. Especially Neil’s’ mum and dad for putting up with yet another Mini on their drive.
