I managed to get hold a HIF44 carb. Will be fitting it soon. I already have a Minispares alloy manifold wich I am using with a HS4 carb. Took me some time to sort it out the HS4, fully overhauled it and it is actually running fine.

So I will be giving the HIF44 the same treatment. It is still in very good nick and doesn't need throttle spindle etc. Will be doing the Needle & Seat, and then a new main Needle.

From what I have been able to find on the Interwebs, the BDL needle is the right starting point. It is currently fitted with a BER which seems like it will be too lean. On the HS4 I had to go to a AAM Needle which was a rich needle. I even found a AAA to be a bit lean on the top end.

So I will start with the BDL and if too lean I will go with a BBW.

Would like to hear about anyone else who has fitted a HIF44. Is it easier to fit the carb to the manifold first? Or should I fit it to the manifold after it is already on the engine in the car? 

What needles have you guys found works best etc? Any other pitfalls to look out for?

Always wanted a fast Mini, so I thought at the time I would do it the easy way and do an engine conversion. I bought a '61 rolling shell from Doug in Pinetown for R3000 and then cut the front end off and started making the new subframe for the Toyota 16v engine. Unfortunately I don't have many pictures of the shell and subframe.


















I bought the engine from Engine Den in Durban and it was only after a year or so That I stripped the engine only to find it was a mess. Full of sludge and worn big ends and main bearings. The head was sent off to be reconditioned and the crank recut.

Hi again

Stupidly I bought this, even though I hadnt even finished the first Mini.










The car was completely stripped and sent for sandblasting.

Returning looking like this












Although the photos look very good, alot of work had been carried out by previous owners. Bad repairs, brazing and warped panels mean every panel will be worked on except the lower dash rail.

Hi Guys and Gals

I am busy building a mini pickup and am looking for a decent set of external hinged doors.

Please contact me if you have, can get, or know of someone hiding them away.

It will be much appreciated

Thanks

Rich

Hi

This is my current running mini, it was probably a 5-6 year build and eventually it was handed over to Doug at MiniSpares for completion.

There is a bit more work to be done, but she is currently running very well and an absolute joy to drive.

The beginning as the car was delivered to the panel beater, a pretty decent shell as not 1 panel needed replacement.
Just the firewall needed some work as it had been cut to accept a turbo box.







A bit of paint and the initial stage of rebuild





A newly built motor, suspension, electrical

Hello Everyone

So good to have a platform to post questions, answer questions and discuss minis once again.

I am Richard, a qualified plumber who lives in Ballito, KZN. Currently married with 2 young girls.

I am the owner of a 1975 Mini Delux 1100, well it was when I got it. This car is probably 95% complete and was a long and expensive build with lots of mistakes, wasted money, swearing, alcohol and domestic disputes.

Currently I am busy building a pickup, which needless to say needs alot of work. I aint sure why I did it, but I bought it. 

Thats it for now and will post some pics in the right thread shortly, as well as posting updates with the build progress.

Bye for now

Rich

Useful site to help get an idea of your car before committing to anything : CLICKY

   

   

Just a few more details about my mk1 for those that are interested:

1963 mk1 Austin 850 body
badged as Morris Cooper S
1380cc engine
Cooper S disc brakes and spaced rear drums
Twin 1 1/4 inch SU
Vacuum assist servo
Oil cooler
Cooper S bucket Seats
Hi-lo suspension all round
Twin tanks

Bought it with horrific 13 inch mags on and a looooooooooooong list of things to correct and tidy up, still more than a few left to get to, happy with the progress so far though   next on the list to tackle is the engine, feels underpowered for its capacity, think the current head has a lot to do with that.

So I thought we could have a mini's interior thread.
Doesn't have to be your interior, just an interior from a mini or one that would work for the mini. 

Click on the video to view it