Managing Director – Bridge Classic Cars
Having been off the road but dry stored for some time, we have started the assessment and repairs required on our 1961 Austin Mini. I very much doubt we will need much work to get the car back on the road.
We’ve stripped and fitted a new clutch slave cylinder. The new clutch slave cylinder is slightly different to the existing so we’ve had to reposition the return spring.
We’ve removed all the old fluid from the reservoir and filled up with new. Next, we’ve let the gravity feed down to cylinder and repositioned the flexi hose.
We’ve removed the fuel tank and we’ve discovered that it is not too bad at all inside.
We’ve used the petrol to swill around inside, gathering all the sedative before draining again.
The tank has been refitted and secured into position. The hose from tank to electric pump needed replacing so we’ve done that too before blowing out the old fuel line. Fitted the pipes and secured.
Next, we’ve added 4 ltrs of petrol in to the tank and checked for leaks. All is ok.
The sump has been refitted and filled with oil. We’ve run the car up and all is ok. The oil light went out and no visible leaks present so all good so far.
Switch off and top up oil. We’ve then drained the coolant, removed the heater valve, stripped, cleaned and free off before rebuilding.
New gaskets have been made and refitted with new nuts and washers.
The clutch slave cylinder has been bled but the pedal still doesn’t feel right. The clutch is not returning. We’ve traced the fault to a collapsed flexi hose.
Strip and remove the carburettor which is full of dirt inside. We’ve cleaned all parts and blown out. Fitted new jet tube and needle valve and set to basic setting.
We’ve cleaned the pistons, fitted new gaskets and refitted the carb with new air filter.
Strip and fit new spark plugs points and condenser.
Next up, we’ve drained 9 litres oil, cleaned out filter housing and fitted a new filter. Then we’ve run 1 litre of oil through the engine and left it to drain.
Removed the rocker cover and adjusted the tappets. Re-stuck the gasket and refitted rocker cover before draining the fuel tank.
Grease all points, fitted a new battery.
The boot was in desperate need of a hoover.
Then we cut off old hold down bolt, drilled out to fit 3/8unf bolt and secured.
