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MY MINI DELUXE
by Andrew Williams
You might wonder how someone could get excited after seeing a Mini sitting dismally in a backyard overgrown with weeds. As soon as I saw this Mini I knew that’s what I wanted to restore.
The complete history of this Mini is known as it was owned by Dad’s cousin. The car was purchased from Howard’s in Brisbane and Dad can recall his cousin being told when she went to buy it that if she waited a few weeks, a Deluxe model was being released which 'floated on fluid'. Dad can remember it brand new, painted the same colour it is today The only difference now is a white roof. It was used mainly for suburban driving and the motor and gear box had never had a major overhaul. Eventually it became unreliable and was driven down the back yard and left. There it sat for quite a few years deteriorating rapidly. From here it became my pride and joy complete with many years of accumulated junk and a blue tongue lizard thrown in.
I was only 15 years old and very excited as we towed the Mini home. I couldn’t wait to get it started. I changed the oil and filter, cleaned the plugs and points, replaced the battery and added some fuel After a little coaxing, the Mini roared into life once again. I could not wait to get home from school every afternoon and roar around the yard. I soon realised the advantages of living on acreage and being able to perfect handbrake turns. I worked in a Service Station after school and on school holidays and was able to save a few dollars. Fortunately a short time after getting the Mini, I was offered an apprenticeship as a motor mechanic and with some guidance from Dad, was able to commence restoration of the Mini. It was completely stripped. First the bonnet, doors, boot and glass, then the interior. Next the motor was removed. We had a bit of trouble here! (someone forgot to disconnect the battery cable from the starter motor!!!) Next the hydraulics were disconnected and the subframe dropped out.
The next stage was to have the whole body sand blasted. I was devastated when I saw the Mini after the sand blasting was completed. The body was riddled with rust. What now ? How lucky we were to know Warren Muggeridge - he came to our rescue and did a top job on repairing the rust in preparation for painting. I will never forget the afternoon we drove up to Warren’s workshop and saw the Mini, still on the rotisserie, gleaming in its new Marine Blue and off White top.
While this work was going on, I had purchased an “MG Metro” motor, gear-box and diff from ESP. The motor was then stripped. The cylinders were found to he worn, so they were re-bored to 40thou oversize. After re-assembly, the whole engine unit was repainted in the original Gold. Next came the brakes. Dad’s philosophy was if the Mini was to go fast it also had to stop fast! So a set of rotors and 4 pot callipers were purchased, also from ESP. As it was now becoming a reality that the Mini was nearing completion, I purchased a set of I2” x 5" Minator Rims fitted with 165 x 60 x I2 Falken tyres.
Once again our good friend Warren was called upon. This time to re-upholster the interior. Every lime 1 looked at Dad he was sanding the solid cedar dash we had purchased. And when the final coat of paint went on, it matched the steering wheel to perfection. The Tachometer I am using was the one Dad used in his car when he roared around the suburbs of Brisbane a few years ago!! Finally, after 81 week-ends the Mini was ready for inspection complete with original registration number.
I was very proud the day it was registered. Many thanks to Warren Muggeridge for his help and advice, and to Dad for his support and guidance. Now, after working at a Honda Dealership, it is good to come home and get your hands on some real bolts and nuts.
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