Getting There Is Half the Fun

By John Engstrom

 

    It was a dark and stormy night.......actually it was a bright and sunny morning, but I always wanted to say that.

     Todd had said, “ Let’s leave for Grand Rapids around 9 or so and we can get up there early and have half the day to relax”. “Sounds good to me” I replied. So I got up early and got my Mini ready to go. The wives were going along too but they were following in my van (translate that to parts car) because as my wife said “ I’m not riding all that way in that thing”.

     Todd had just gotten his Morris Traveler running the night before and had driven it successfully around the block. So, we just knew it would make it up to Grand Rapids without a hitch.

     Nine O’clock rolled around and Todd pulled up in the driveway. He said he had an oil leak in the motor from the side where the tappet covers were located.      

     "No sweat", I said, "we can take a few minutes, pull the covers off, reseal them and we are on our way."

     There seemed to be some problem getting the gasket on and sealed but an hour and a half later we were on our way.

     We had decided to take the “scenic” route by going up highway 65 and before long we were “at speed”, which means for the Morris about 50 or 55 MPH.  As I was following him, I and noticed that it seemed to begin to rain. There were a few clouds in the sky but not much else going on, so I turned on my wipers.

     It wasn't rain, but oil was on my windshield, so now I really had a mess to look through. I continued to follow, but at a greater distance.

     About 20 miles or so Todd pulled the "Woody" over, and our caravan all followed. “Oil light was on” he said. So we filled it and started out again. With me following maybe a little further back than before.

     We made it to Mora for lunch; it was easy to get a table since lunchtime was over. Todd and I perused the menu, picked out what we wanted and then headed over to NAPA.

      First we bought a case of oil (since we had used up all of our emergency oil by now) and a couple of tubes of gasket goop.

     We headed back, took the tappet covers off again, re-sealed them, refilled the oil, ate lunch, and then off we went again. “This time I think we got it” we said to each other.

     Still no luck, didn’t even slow up the flow.

     20 more miles and it was stop, refill, and on our way. I eased back a little farther when I followed him. By this time my car looked like it had an oil leak. But it wasn’t coming from my car; I backed off a little further.

     There was a pretty good gap between us, and others who passed us would pull in there.....they didn’t stay for long though, and got out of there in a hurry. I did feel sorry for the Jaguar and the Corvette, especially since they had their tops down.  I backed off and followed a little further.

     The countryside is nice along the road and we had plenty of time to enjoy it since every 20 miles it was stop, fill, and follow a little bit further back. Then, at one of the 20-mile "fill and furthers" stop, a few "furthers" later, somewhere in the middle of someplace, at one of our“tourist” stops, the starter quit working on the Morris.

     So it was go 20 miles, stop, fill oil, push and go again. I followed even further behind him. By this time he was plenty far ahead of me, but it seems that oil mist tends to stay in the air for quite a while.......this is the kind of knowledge that I know will come in handy sometime in the future.

     McGregor, the usual type of stop, fill and push but this time we could enjoy an ice cream cone and in addition, buy a couple of “reserve” quarts of oil and on our way again. We ate the ice cream in the parking lot since no one wanted to eat it along the way and risk getting a “new kind of topping” on it.

     Two more "add oil, push, and follow a little furthers" later, we got to Hill City. Which could be considered a regular stop in any condition. We had another ice cream, bought some oil, added oil, pushed and followed way way behind.

     Not far to go, I think we only had one more of the usual stops when we arrived at Ruttgers.

     Not bad we thought, 7 ½ hours to cover about 220 miles is not a bad time at all I mean we averaged about 29 miles an hour on the trip.

    When we got there, we had a couple of well deserved beers and then went out and refitted the gasket again, this time we had a couple of days to let it dry before Todd had to drive it again.

     All I can say about this trip, as in every trip with a British car, is that every trip is an adventure!

 

       

 

Welcome To Our New Members.....

 

Phil & Susan Kirk                                                                ’91 Mini Cooper 1.3i

Jackson, MN 

 

Ben Fisher-Merrit & Teri Sackmeister                                   Looking for a VTech Mini

Duluth, MN 

 

H.Duane & Bonnie Saunders                                                ’63 Morris Mini

 

Eden Prairie, MN 

 

Jim Cassidy                                                                          ’06 MINI Cooper “S

New Brighton, MN

 

Dean & Laura Sulander                                                         '04 MINI Cooper

Mound, MN                                                                         '64 Austin Mk.1 Mini Delivery Van

                                                                                             '63 Austin Mk.1 Mini (Project)

 

 

 WANTED & FOR SALE

Please Note!  The Wanted & For Sale pages have been getting a bit too long as a result of old ads.  Our new policy will be to list "For Sale" items three months.  Ads will run for three months, and will then have to be renewed or will be deleted....to renew your ad or list new ones, you can contact me at: cbaumann@lkdllink.net or call me at 1-320-963-5681.  The Service Offered ads will be continued indefinitely.

 

Mini For Sale....only driven on weekends.

WANTED:  Mini/MINI stories for The Oily Edition!  Do you have a Mini/MINI Article, Story or Adventure you'd like to see in print?  It doesn't have to be Great Literature.....we can edit it and polish it up for you (and even have our Staff Cartoonist, Geff Galbari, illustrate it for you)....just something you think might interest or amuse Mini/MINI enthusiasts, and our Club Members.  About 1 to 1 1/2 pages (single spaced) is just about right.  Soooo....get those creative juices flowing and send your Articles/Adventures/Stories to me at cbaumann@lkdllink.net .

WANTED:  Hosts for MMPEAPSHA meetings.  If you'd like to volunteer your home or place of business to host a club meeting, contact Karl Jenstad at: jenstad@pro-ns.net  or call: (612) 869-7611.

WANTED:  Any Mini, decent condition, preferably running, if not all parts to make it do so, low cost (<3000), basically I am getting sick of looking at them and would love to have one of my own. Please call Nick Brogren at (651) 407-9579.

WANTED:  I need some headlamp bulbs, the early MK1 type bayonett style with the slotted flange at the base and the glass tube that looks like a pear.These are the old Lucas lamps.Any help would be appreciated.  Thanks again  Mark A.Illinski (715)342-0361 or e-mail me at: cindylou1@charter.net

SERVICE OFFERED - Consignment Minis & Promotional Items - Member Michael "MiniGuy" Lewis back and is brokering classic Minis (and other interesting collector cars) via the "Consignment" pages of his new, soon-to-be-relaunched website.   He also has a line of  Mini Club-related Apparel & Promotional Items. Michael says a large part of what he does now is Club Shirts, hats, jackets, lapel pins, patches, stickers, printing, grille badges and so on, but he can do just about everything.  And check out his website at: http://www.miniguy.com/main.php or you can phone him at (805) 405-6263.

SERVICE OFFERED - Dependable Car Maintenance - Tire Rack dealer, Amsoil sales, nut’s ‘N bolts, and repair items, automotive  tools & equipment.  I have a shop at my home in Ham Lake, MN  where I  sell tires  from the Tire Rack at discount and mount them.  I have a computer balancer, and a rim clamp tire machine.  I can mount tires from 10" up to 17" and 9.5" wide. Dwight McCullough, 763-754-7111 or dcm@mnautox.com

SERVICE OFFERED - Winter Car Storage....Greg Wold has now opened a car storage business in Maple Grove, MN. The new building has heated car storage complete with security system and sprinkler protection. Store your car  with confidence that it will be safe and secure AND will stay warm and dry all winter long. $59/mo for Club members. This site is between I-94 and Hwy. 169 just north of I-494. Sign up now while there is still room!  Fourth Stall Car Storage. Greg Wold 763-420-4503 or 612-801-7256

 

SERVICE OFFERED - Good Food!  Member Phil Vanner owns The Square Peg Diner "Where The Mini Elite Meet To Eat!"  and the home of the BBC Saturday Breakfasts.  The diner is located at 2021 Hennepin Ave., E, in Mini-apolis and is open Monday thru Friday from 6am to 3pm and on Saturdays from 8am to 1pm.  Check out the website at: www.squarepegdiner.com

 

SERVICE OFFERED - Mini Towing & Transport.  New Members John & Mary Cooley own Classic Transport Services.  They specialize in transporting Classic Cars in the Twin Cities Area.  John has a 2003 Ford 6500 Flatbed.  If you need your Mini or MINI moved, contact him at: 1-651-777-0193, or by Email at: cooley777@aol.com .   Check out his website: www.prostreetnova.com                           

 

SERVICE OFFERED - Auto body work and painting.  John Durant owns Spraywerks body & paint shop specializing in Minis!  From dings & dents to total body restoration.  Panels welded, rust repair, everything a Mini needs.  Reasonable rates, free estimates, free pickup and delivery of project cars within 50 miles.  Contact him at 1-763-360-3527 or email: spraywerks@hotmail.com

 

SERVICE OFFERED - Minis and Mini parts:  Now, you have a choice.  Always the right part at the right price!  Free 108 page catalog and MMPEAPSHA club special - free UPS on members orders.  Call Harvey or Ernie at 707-570-0511, or miniman@sonic.net and visit our website at www.minimotors.com

 

SERVICE OFFERED - Mini Parts:  Members Graham & Susan Reid own the Heritage Garage.  Mini parts at very competitive prices. Friendly, knowledgeable staff with many years of mini experience. Contact them at 949-646-6404 to get on their mailing list for specials or visit the web at www.HeritageGarage.com

 

SERVICE OFFERED - Auto Accessories:  Member Jim Huston owns the Auto Toy Store and Motorsport Seats..Discount Quality Motorsport Accessories.  He has a full line of after market seats....Recaro, Corbeau, Cobra, Sparco, ProCar, and so on . He also has a full line of street or race harnesses. You need it, he's got it!  Call for liberal discounts. Visit his website at: http://autotoystore.com/ and http://motorsportseats.com/

 

SERVICE OFFERED - Mini Dealer: Member Bill Cox is a Bonded and Licensed North Carolina dealer, Licensed Manufacturer, and Bonded U.S. Customs Importer.  See his website at:  http://www.montecarlomini.net/

 

SERVICE OFFERED - Website Design: Member Jen Mueke is a freelance website designer, so if you need any website work done, contact her at: rhen@roadkill.de or at: 1-612-414-5205

 

SERVICE OFFERED - British Car Repair: BMC Restoration and Repair..... servicing British built vehicles from a minor tune up to full restoration. Correctly restored or built to your requirements. Pick up and delivery service of vehicle or parts on request. Talk to me about your specific needs. Brian Mc Cullough  Call  (651) 462-0145 or mailto:brian@bmcautos.com  See my website at: http://www.bmcautos.com

SERVICE OFFERED - British Car Restoration:  Honorary Member Dave Wintz owns a full restoration facility specializing in classic British Cars.  Contact Dave Wintz at New Life To Classics, 1101 N. Riverfront Drive, Mankato, MN.  Phone (507) 387-2277.

 

FOR RENT:  Pole Barn ...... 30X64, located approximately 35 miles So of Burnsville. Lockable with one service door and  (2) 11 ft high sliding doors. Building has dirt floor and was probably used for machinery $200 / month with lease.  Contact Jerry Harvieux at 952-440-3567 or email: jharvieux@aol.com.

 

FOR SALE:  '73 New Zealand Morris Mini Window Van, only 3000 miles on completely rebuilt 998 engine & new tires; RHD;  Black over Old English White; I have updated the weather stripping and window latches.  It has just a very little rust on the rear passenger (LH) side quarter panel; a very sound and reliable Mini Wagon. Asking $6000.  Contact Rob Mahaney, Phone (1-952-440-4668)  rob.mahaney@integraonline.com

 

FOR SALE:  '67 Mini Woody Wagon.  998cc, disc brakes, RHD, Old English White.  Only 27k.  Perfect in every way. Owned by 3 time Grammy Award Winner Delbert McClinton ( www.delbert.com). $15,999...TN title in Delberts name.  Bill Cox www.montecarlomini.net  Earl NC.  NC lic dealer..  1-704-487-6797 billecox@webtv.net  

 

FOR SALE:  4 MINI Rims with tires.  Silver, 15 inch, low mileage, not run flat, used briefly on a 2002 MINI.   Currently taking up space in Andover, MN.  $100 (OBO) for all 4 (delivery is extra).  mailto:mini@chessers.org or 763-323-9935

 

FOR SALE:  2003 MINI Cooper "S".  Only 9,000 original miles.  Sport Package; British Racing Green w/black top; grey/anthracite interior; leather seats; premium sound; power sunroof; premium wheels.  Stored winters....has never seen ice or snow.  Looks like, and still smells like new!  Car is located in Mpls.  $24,000 or Best Offer.  Contact Michael Keller at  michael.keller@idq.com or phone: 952-830-0317 or 952-830-0480.

 

FOR SALE:  Two NZ Minis. These are nice 99 & 44/100 % rust free examples with solid floors. They are in running and driving condition with straight shells. The 1st car is a 1973 Mini 850 saloon in red with black interior. The 2nd car is a 1977 Mini saloon with a 998cc engine, blue with tan interior.   Owner is asking $4500 for each car.  Cars are located in Stevens Point, WI.  You can email the owner at  usakiwis@charter,net  for more information.

 

FOR SALE:  1978 Maroon Austin Mini 1000.  I started to strip the engine compartment to do a re-build but I ran out of time and resources to complete it.  All the auxiliary parts are in a box and ready for the next gear head to get it running.  I have all the records from the previous owner.  This little car just needs some TLC, current tabs, and to be trailered to it's new home. $4,000 firm. Call John 612-735-1104 or e-mail cyborgbally@yahoo.com.

FOR SALE:   1980 (1993) and 1975 (1996) Mini SPRITES for sale.  One is a 1980 built to 1993 spec. 40 K, 1275 cc engine with carburator.  Throaty exhaust. LHD, burl wood dash, new carpeting,excellent interior, new Minilite wheels, new tires. Hiflo centr exhaust, K&N air cleaner with no rust.  Refurbished by a mini expert in England before being sent to America last year.  It is blue with white racing stripes and a white roof.  The other is a 1975 built to 1996 specs. beautiful red,   63K, same wood dash with new carpeting. It has a white roof and white racing stripes.  We need to sell because I cannot drive the one I bought because of a foot problem with the clutch foot.  Ian has too many cars and needs to get rid of his Mini.  Asking $9250 for each.  Contact Ian Rivers at 920 261 5218 or Sue Braatz at  suebraatz@hotmail.com.

FOR SALE: - I have two beautiful minis for sale ,they will never rust , they are factory fiberglass ,they came from CHILE and they ready to go.  My phone #  is  515-570-3888 or 515-955-2425 call any time.  I will send  pictures and  information  to anybody that is interested in them.  Francisco Visedo Francesco Visedo  visedo@frontiernet.net

 

FOR SALE:  Fiberglass "Novadash" fits Mini with single or 3 clock center binnacle, N.O.S -- $35;  Early style Mini front subframe, seen better days but suitable for as alignment jig when replacing front sheetmetal -- $15;  3 ea. Dunlop SP-Sport Radials, 165/70-10, old, hard, but never used,  more suitable for show, not go -- $15 ea.;  Left & right Mini front floor repair panels, aftermarket -- $15 ea.;  Left & right Mini inner sill repair panels, aftermarket -- $10 ea.;  Left & right Mini Mk. 3 & up inner wing hinge panels, M-Machine -- $10 ea.;  Heavy duty tow bar for chrome bumper Spriget -- $60.  Can Email photos.  Contact Karl Jenstad, jenstd@pro-ns.net or 612-869-7611

 

Any Comments or Suggestions?  Any ideas for improving "The Oily Edition"?  Give me a call at: 1-320-963-5681 (if line is busy, try 1-612-599-0735) or e-mail at: cbaumann@lkdllink.net ......

 

 

See y'all at Wheels & Wings