'Old Poo'
This section is to record work done on my mini, Old Poo.
| Date | Work Done |
| March - August 2006 | Renewed engine stabiliser bushes Renewed throttle cable Renewed door seals & boot seal (later type) Renewed windscreen wipers Fitted temperature gauge under dash Replaced black plastic door mirror with Tex stainless one Renewed droop-stops Renewed L/H CV boot |
| August 2006 - April 2007 | Replaced wings, front panel, a-panels, door
skins Renewed seals: headlights, tail lights, indicators, windscreen, rear screen, no. plate lamp & inner/outer door window strips Renewed gaskets: door & boot handles Renewed slam panel grommets & floor plugs Renewed windscreen wiper grommets & washers Renewed indicator bulb holders Renewed no. plate lamp bulbs Renewed one headlight sealed beam unit Replaced door windows Renewed dash cards Renewed sill/arch trim Drilled grille to accept grill button fixings Added radius arm shrouds Removed non-standard rear seat belts which had been fitted by previous owner Fitted 'British Leyland' badged mudflaps Waxoyled throughout |
Modifications:
I wanted to keep Old Poo in pretty much standard state. However I have made a few slight modifications which I will explain the reasons for here:
| Modification | Explanation |
| Uprated suspension | In my opinion this enhances both the look and the drivability of the car. Also, a nice side effect of using uprated polyurethane bushes is that they do not deteriorate and last a lot longer than the standard rubber items. I have kept all the standard parts should I ever want to revert. |
| Radius arm shrouds | While this requires drilling a few holes in the sills, it really smartens up the appearance of the car by covering up the unsightly radius arm grease nipples, and in this case adjustable track/camber brackets. |
| Grille buttons | Most people fit these to make removing the grille easier. Personally, I wanted to avoid drilling several holes in my new front panel for the standard screw fixing method. As well as encouraging rust, in time these holes just widen up until the screws no longer take. Easy removal of the grille is a nice side effect. |
| Plastic wing under-shields | There is little doubt that mini scuttles/a-panels/headlight seams etc. rot so much because of the build up of water and crap that is flicked off of the front wheels. These are fitted to prevent most of this from getting through to the bodywork. |
| Tex stainless door mirror | I believe the mirror I used was a factory fit on some higher models of this year. The 850 got a black plastic one which frankly isn't the prettiest! |
| NOS British Leyland mudflaps | Nice period accessory. |
| Smiths Rev-counter | Just for fun really, Smiths rev-counter from an MG suits perfectly with the centre speedo. |
| Smiths Temperature gauge | It is always a good idea to keep an eye on the engine temperature! |
Future Plans:
I have some Cooper S reverse rims which I intend to paint Old English White. I may fit these wheels but at the moment am leaning towards keeping the standard wheels, but painting those Old English White.