Brett.
Brett Nicholson
Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
1970 Morris Mini Panelvan 1100
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Brett Nicholson bnicho@netlink.com.au
Hi List,
I realise I'm jumping into this thread a bit late, but I have been away for two weeks and just finished wading through about 1100 e-mails! Gee you guys can talk!
My name is Brett Nicholson and I live in Wyndham Vale, an outer suburb of Melbourne, Victoria (state), Australia.
I was born 06/08/1974 in Sydney. I was transported home from the hospital in the back of my grandmother's 998 Mini Cooper when I was only a few days old! I have a wife named Sarah and no kids (and hoping they are a few years away yet!!). We are Christians, and attend a Baptist Church.
When I was 16 and I passed my "learners" test, my parents and grandparents got together and decided they would buy me a car. They asked me what I wanted, and I said a VW Beetle (OKAY OKAY, Sit down!! I was 16 remember! Also at the time I was working at a VW mechanics as a part-time job.) Anyway, while I was away for the weekend my grandfather spotted a Mini for sale in the local paper - a 68 Deluxe 998cc, White with red interior, one owner, 70,000 miles. He went and looked at it and found it was an immaculate rust-free car, so he bought it for me for $1300. I was not disappointed, I loved that car and thoughts of a Beetle were quickly forgotten. I learnt to drive on this car, passed my test and drove it to school for 18 months. I was then given a very rusty 78 Clubman by a neighbour. After a few weeks of running around in the Clubman, the door fell off!! So the Clubman was stripped of most parts and dumped. It's high back seats, a sports steering wheel a tape player and a temp gauge were fitted to the deluxe.
I was finally forced to sell the Deluxe when I received my Uni offer. My parents thought the travelling from Sydney to Wagga Wagga (not a typo - that's the actual name of the town) would be too much for the Mini, so they bought me a Holden/Isuzu Gemini. The Mini was sold. (Coincidentally, this very same car is now owned by the daughter of a mini-lister!)
I went to Charles Sturt University Riverina for 3.5 years, completing a Bachelor of Information Technology (Information Systems). In that time I also met my future wife. I never could shake my memories of that Mini. It was during my final six months of Uni that I discovered the Mini List. I joined, and that only made my Mini obsession worse!
After Uni I moved to Geelong, Victoria. A few weeks after I got my first "real" job I purchased a 1970 Morris Mini K panelvan. It was basically a stripped shell. Some three years later, after three house moves, a wedding and a job change the car is finally nearing completion. Lack of time and money due to the above has prevented it being finished sooner. In hindsight, I probably would have been better off purchasing a complete car and doing a rolling restoration.
I work for BP Australia in their Retail Applications Team. I take the train to work, so Sarah gets to drive the shopping cart (97 Hyundai Excel). I'm hoping to use the Minivan as my daily transport when it it is finished. I am also hoping a good mate of mine will finally sell me his 66 Austin Mini Super Deluxe, so I can restore it!
Hope you enjoyed this ramble, you can wake up now!!
Cheers,
Brett.
Brett Nicholson
Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
1970 Morris Mini Panelvan 1100
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LoLo,
Guess it's my turn now...... as usualy slow and a week late (starting to sound like my uni assignments).
Anyway, Name : Matt Osman
I live in Kenmore, in the city of Brisbane in the State of Qld in the country of Australia ......yeah that bloody great island down south and next door to the sheep lovers capital of the world (NZ) ;-)
Was born on the 12 of July in 1977 after being the result of an accident (I don't know why that is and I am just not going to ask, cause I don't want to know!) - most likely of the "usual" variety. I am the third born child of a self employed plumber (father) and kitchenhand (mother).
Currently failing a Bachelor Of Information Technology (majors in Artificial Intelligence and Information Systems) due to working too much at night and not getting up in the morning to go to uni or study enough. Bad idea I know, but I've got some lovely debts!
Anyway, my first car was sturdy Morris 1100S (1275 motor) which I bought with roadworthy for the princely sum of $1200 in cash. I got rid of it after the suspention (hydro) and steering rack packed up about 1 year later, which happened to be a really stupid thing to do......but at 18 years of age you don't think about these things too much, and I don't think much in anycase.
Immediately went and got myself ripped off twice in 2 months buying a 1963 Morris Mini Deluxe rolling shell and engine for $500 (Blu Miini). The car was perfect I thought.....not knowing much about Mini's and rust and brakes it was a fair assessment at the time. Anyway, after replacing half the floor, buying new tyres and fixing all six leaking wheel cylinders, not to mention getting a new exhaust (are you getting the idea yet?), I then got myself a personal loan for $3000, $2500 of which I spent on getting someone else (who I will not name at this point) to recondition the poor old 998cc engine and gearbox, spending the remainder on a 12g295 head (I did actually do a little research) and twin HS2carbs which were going cheap (I now know why they were going cheap!).
Anyway after a crash course in engine insertion/removal and my first experience with that bloody tension pin thing on the gearchange (took me 4 hours) I then had a roadworthy vehicle (after paying my $42 for the certificate) which I promptly registered. It went well for a year despite the usual niggling problems (CV's, bent axle(don't ask how), rubber uni joint things etc etc) then just after the warranty of my reconditioned engine went out of date, clouds of lovely beautiful blue smoke entered the scene. Being a student, and paying off a loan I had no money to pay someone else to do the engine and had no recourse on the warranty. So I got myself a dodgy repair manual, set aside 1 month to do the job and 3 months later I had bodged the engine together after several mistakes and the fixings of the mistakes.....now as an 1100cc (changed crank).
Another year and half went by, with the engine going great guns (I'd made mistakes putting it together but fixed them as I went....probably cost me as much as getting someone else to do it in the end, but I learnt a lot (ie not to mix up bearing caps!) and if the engine went there was noone to blame but myself), and the usual side problems again (I can now do the rubber uni things in 13 mins each side).
I saw this nice straight shell sitting in the back of a my local Mini expert's shed and asked how much it would cost......I was on my way to owning 2 mini's!
After this year and a half the suspension was going, and now working for a Pizza company, I was driving to a delivery in Kenmore when I put my foot on the brakes, going straight to the floor and not being able to pump them up at all.......I narrowly missed the pedestrians and other cars by swerving and headed for the small hill that was 'bout 100 metres away and came to a stop. I had split the brake lines (I still don't know why) but that was the end of the Blu Miini......lucky I got rid of her too, as I put my foot through the passenger floor when I was stripping her.
In steps the Morris Mini K shell, with wrong coloured door (sorry), and after a gearbox muck around and a rebuild of the short motor (new rings, crank bearings, oil pump, etc) I was motoring again in my current Mini (Grumble)........
can be seen at http://www.montecarlo.demon.co.uk/
http://minipark.lantis.co.uk/car.cfm?MiniID=20
I'm often found crying out for help at the worst times with
really weird problems.....such as my latest oil leak! Anyway, now
that I've bored you, I'll go away.
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Well, I've posted quite a few messages here in the past couple of years, and probably let slip details of myself, but I collect them all here...
I was born in Hammersmith in March 1979, came to New Zealand in 1980 and have lived in Auckland ever since. I've been on two trips to England in the late '80's and don't really remember them. I've been to Africa a couple of years ago, which was very cool (I have a South African father). Currently, I live in a very small flat with my brother and two cats. We used to live in the whole house, but my Mum went to England and we rented out the top half. We've just rented the top half to some people who don't want the furniture so my bedroom is full of crap at the moment...
I still have the garage though :-)
I'm studying Physics and Information Systems at Auckland University, this is a four year conjoint degree and I will finish it at the end of next year (if all goes well). I plan to go to England afterwards and do the OE thing, so I might see some of you English and European people in 2001.
I work at the university teaching a stage one IS paper and coordinating the marking of the lab work in that paper. I teach students how to use Windows, Excel and Acesss, with a bit of SQL and web searching thrown in.... I also do a bit of Access contract work. I'm not particularly fond of Windows, running Linux and an Amiga at home.
I got my first Mini a couple of years ago, it had a 1380 engine in it that everyone said don't buy, becuase it was blowing smoke. It was the first performance Mini I'd ever driven. I bought it for too much money anyway, and shortly afterwards lost control of it in the wet and put it sideways into a tree....
I salvaged just about everything from that Mini and had the engine rebuilt at rather significant expense. In the meantime I bought a Mini for $200 with a blown engine that was to house the rebuilt engine when it was finished. However the blown engine started up quite easily and apart from consuming oil ran well (and still does).
The big engine is currently being rebuilt as a valve came apart and caused mayhem (see my webpage for details).
Tom Parker - parkert@ihug.co.nz
http://www.geocities.com/MotorCity/Track/8381/
Paul Phillips email address withheld by request
Name is Paul Phillips, born in Sunderland, County Durham, Jan 1947.Came to Canada in September 1957 I have a BSc in Engineering and use those talents to be able to afford my hobbies.
My first mini was a 62 that I bought in the summer of 66 as it was the only way I could get my drivers license. It needed quite a bit of fixing and I took over the garage for the month of August. Had it working reasonably well and took it to University about 500 miles away. Ran that car for about a year and then traded for a 62 MG midget. Wish I had not sold the MG but I traded it in on Dec 20, 1968 I bought my current Mini Cooper as a Xmas present to me and the car has been on the road every year since, except for a three year stint when I was racing it. It was at that time I found an old S that had been demolished on a tree and upgraded mine to full "S" spec. After the racing stint I went to put it onto the road and decided to rebody the car, to many dents etc. from racing, so it now sports a 73 body with wind up windows and a flip front end. I wish I had kept the old body now as there is something about the sliding windows and outside hinges that have an appeal the current bodies lack. The car is really a daily driver. I drove it to work when I started at the plant, and I plan to drive the car there on my last day when I retire...in 3 to 5 years time. My other hobbies are photography (have a dark room), radio control model airplanes and golfing. Contrary to the Buick ads I have managed to get three golfers and two sets of bags and carts into the car in relative comfort.
that's it for me.
Roberto Ranalli ranahosp@database.it
OK friends listers, It's my turn to come out.
I'm Roberto Ranalli, born 26 Sept. 1961 in Rome, moved to Vignola, province of Modena (northern Italy) when I was 21 due to job. University degree in Sociology, master in Business Communication at San Diego University (California). Actually working as sales manager with AGA Medical, a multinational company in intensive care supplies. Married to Licia, working as medical doctor at the local hospital, without children but...Alien, the cat from outer space. Minist and motorcyclist since I was a baby.
In my garage:
-Black, the 1988 ex Mayfair
-Fiat Bravo TD100 (for job use only...trust me!)
-BMW R850R the mighty german twin
OK, I wish to the listers all around the world a Merry Christmas and a fantastic New Year 200 full of Minis. May God bless us, our families and, why not, our Minis.
Christian Odo Schwentner mini@liwest.at
My name`s Christian, I`m born in Oct. `67 and about 10-12 years in Mini`s now.
I`m an crazy Austrian Mininut, my first car was a Mini and as
it looks now also the last one will be a Mini... I found my first
Mini by "accident", bec. I was looking for a Beetle,
but the test-drive with the Mini was an experience I never forgot
- my first car was buyed within five minutes unnoticed all the
rotten places... Pls. visit also my homepage (redone), adress is:
http://wald.heim.at/sherwood/530001/
No wife, now childs - to much Minis (and computers) around at the moment. Up to now I`ve had about 20 cars, most of them are Minis or derivates..... my actual car is an `94 1.3 Tbi, with all modifications possible (and also some impossible ones).
Last modification was going back to carb, bec. I hate electronics and it`s much easier to tune a carb instead of injection....
On this occasion I want to tell you that my club (Miniclub Oberösterreich)will do the IMM 2001 in AUSTRIA, informations will be brought mainly via the internet. Maybe you`ll take a look on our current website: http://mcooe.webjump.com/ - but this address will change soon.
In this way I want to invite all members of the Minilist
International to visit our meeting - will be the best ever....
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Huw Scourfield e-mail address withheld by request
Hi my name is Huw, been on the list for two weeks. I'm 37 years old and married to Carol, we have two children Gareth (9) and Angharad (11) also a mad West Highland terrier called Sali. Lived all my life in a quiet west Wales village called Tegryn (on the net) , served my time with the M.O.D as an Electronics Technician and currently work for Hyder (Welsh Water) as Instrument/telemetry Tech.
Got the Mini bug when 18 years old and drove a 1300 Clubman, also raced a 1100 grasstracker,then built a road 1380 (s discs and 12 inch wheels-NOT good).After this built a 1380 pickup and raced it in class 6 of Nasa Autograss (car No PAC 96). After a series of horrendous accidents decided to sell the Mini and ended my association with Minis- except for building race engines for other people. Don't know why but then built a 2 litre 16 valve M*tro(sorry), (Nasa No CM 96).The engine is the Rover mi16 cast iron lump which means big time understeer-not much fun. Anyway I recently bought a friends old wreck of a Mini 1000 an spent all year rebuilding it, and am afraid the bug has bit again.While searching for spares I found and bought two MK1 Coopers (with serious rust problems). It really is true what they say about this Mini bug- once you have it it never really goes away. Plans for the 1000 (Mutley, thanks to my wife) are :-Fibreglass front end , Engine upgrade (1340 or 970 turbo) ,13 inch wheels with 165 Tyres, Massive front brakes (Metro hubs with Maxi/Allegro discs), Clubman dash top with 1300 GT clocks.
When this is all done and my degree finished hopefully the Coopers will be started on, but at the moment I'm too busy to even think about it. Sorry this has been a little long but I just couldn't stop typing. Hope to meet some of you at next years Mini events and have a chat. Blwyddyn newydd dda (Happy New Year)
Huw
Boris Shapiro borisle@inter.net.il
Is it my turn now?..
Boris Shapiro. Born in 1971 in Russia. Moved to Israel in
search of better place under the sun in 1991. Married, no
children, 1 dog. Economist working for Bosch as Marketing
Specialist. To Minis since 1992 when I got my first 1984 Mayfair.
This didn't last long, and has been sold due to major rust. Spent
couple of years without a Mini, but you know how it works - you
won't be able to drive anything else once used to a Mini. My
current one is 1979 Mini 1000 that has been through bare shell
rebuild recently. It's got new everything, and a nice 1312 cc
engine that I built myself as well as the car thanks to generous
help of this list. It still misses some minor upgrades, but
overall I'm quite happy with the result. Unfortunately couldn't
afford enlarging my Mini collection until now. Will do this very
soon hopefully. I like socializing, especially with Mini people.
I hate shopping just like Scott unless it's a Mini parts shopping
- Netherlands, Germany, UK have already seen me - name the place
where I can get Mini parts, and I'll be there. Enjoyed myself
like I never did at Silverstone in August, and must admit that
driving Anne's Van on the circuit was more exciting than sex :-)
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John Small Jsmall@tricomgroup.com.au
Might as well make it another one from Oz. Hello out there, my name is John Small, 44, born just outside Sydney and now live at Sunbury - a 20 minute blat by freeway from the centre of Melbourne - its quiet out there, close to the airport for work, with space to collect cars. I'm married with five children in two groups (20, 19, 16 then 6 and 3). My wife, Jan, and I have two cars each, both have a Mini and another to do the work. These are an original 65 Mini Deluxe (me) and a modified 73 Mk3 English Import (Jan). We are both have computer related jobs, Jan does art work for newspaper advertisements, and I'm an Analyst/Programmer for a software house that supplies software to Television Stations. I'm looking forward to these holidays with mixed emotions because of Y2K, I like the idea of all the overtime and penalty rates for working right through, but hoping I won't have too much to do because TV stations just won't work without computers these days.
Our oldest son (20) has really got the Mini-bug with 4 Clubmans, a neat original 76, very dirty but straight 73 van, a 72 "project", and a rolled 73 donor car. The second oldest son (19) likes to drive other peoples Minis, but doesn't own one, opting for a larger wagon (ah to be that young again). The next in line (daughter 16) has just got her Learners and has already got a 73 Clubman to learn in. The two youngest ones love the minis (easy to see out of I guess) but don't have any yet unless you count models. A total of 10 cars, 7 Minis, all fighting for driveway space.
My wife's sister, who lives in Brisbane, have also got the bug. A family of four with a Mk1 Cooper S, modified 850 (1410), moke, Mini K (oz made 1100 model where "K" is for Kangaroo - honest), 1275LS Clubman, and newly acquired 850 Sports project. We have often thought of moving closer together but we can't find any towns that are half way and are big enough for all the cars!!!
That enough from me, all the best to everyone around the world for Christmas, and I hope all of you and your families have a safe holiday period.
PS if nothing breaks down, I'll send you all an e-mail from the new millennium to let you know what its like...
John Small
Andy Smith monte@montecarlo.demon.co.uk
I thought this was for lurkers, but what the heck: Andy Smith, 31 (32 on Feb 10), lives in Bromley, South East London / North West Kent. Printer by trade, working a Heidelberg Speedmaster for a trade union's implant. Married to Michele, ever loving and understanding wife with one cat - Coco. (People normally say 'oh, Coco, after Coco Chanel' and we say 'no, after Coco Pops - turns the milk chocolatey', she's a brown tortoiseshell and keen to join Litter Tray Racing).
I'm a bike fan really but also love Minis. I'm not generally a car lover and don't appreciate and others except Ferrari's. Own two Minis, one Monte Carlo and a Designer. Also have one bike, an Aprilia RS250 (I've had eight other bikes). I've never owned any other car except Minis, I've had four so far, including my current two.
I come across as being bold and as a result end up being totally mis-understood. I'm shy when it comes to meeting people and the List has exposed me to so many people and cultures, it's done me no end of good. I've made a lot of friends and miss them during the dark months. When is the next MLM?
I'm planning a three week European tour in my Mini for next summer, start off in London and head for Italy. Maybe get a ferry across the Mediterranean to North Africa/Israel, unfortunately, about the same time as Finland. Anyone want in?
Andy S
www.montecarlo.demon.co.uk
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Phil Sullivan philsull@remove.aol.com
My go.
I'm Phil Sullivan born '68 in Litherland, Merseyside, lived for a while in Formby, nr Southport, then moved to Little Neston, South Wirral. I work in avionics (radio, radar) and specialise in Hybrid Microwave Integrated Circuit Repair (& repair dev):-o and don't get paid enough. Married Emma (met through Mini Club) last year. Can manage to do most things to a certain degree, electronics, computers (especially getting old ones to do stuff), walking, drinking, DIY, engine building! Been into Minis for as long as I can remember. Got my first at the age of 19 - a black HL then in 1990 got a brand new black white Cooper RSP (as featured in 'Mini Mania'). Recently rebuilt the engine and had a new front end on it. Done seven IJs in this car (won in 93). I am an active member of Mini Mad Merseyside (vice-chairman) and have been to soooo many Mini shows and birthday do's than I can cope with (there's only so much room for so many stickers). Car was squashed at British Mini Owners day at Himley (FO Big Tree) but lived. Did 170,000 miles before rebuild (still did >100mph!) Changed original fanbelt at 102,000 miles (just in case) Will try to get to an MLM soon - probably a curry one (I am near to 'The Wirral Tandoori' - look it up)
Phil
philsull@remove.aol.com
http://members.aol.com/philsull
Colin Sutton (aka Flying Pig) flyingpig@bigwig.net
My turn now.
Colin Sutton, born 11.11.60 (reads OK in GB and USA) in Enfield, North London. Now live in Yorkshire, about halfway between Huddersfield and Barnsley. Married (somehow still) to Maxine in 1987, with children Kathryn(11) and Joe(7). I read law at Leeds Uni and University College London, wasting my degree (some say) by joining the police in 1981. I am currently the Detective Chief Inspector in charge of intelligence in West Yorkshire, which gives me a chance to play with lots of little cameras, bugs etc. etc. But most of the time I'm working out how to spend less money..........................
Apart from cars I like football (Tottenham), eating and smoking. I've had a total of 34 cars and 1 bike since 1 passed my test in December 1977, and 9 of them were Minis. The story of my Minis is on my (sparse) website in my sig. I started motorsport (-ish) in the late 70s, doing 12 car rallies and then proper road events, both as driver (1500 Austin Maxi. Really!) and navigator ((Cortina GT). By the early 80s I was autotesting (Mini and MG Metro - sorry!) and then did some rallycross (Escort 2000 and Mini 1293) until I went and got married. I had by then, though, done most jobs and made most mistakes on Minis.
Strangely, no motorsport for several years after the wedding. Returned to road events last year and actually won a clubmans event. Have now lost navigator (due to chronic travel-sickness). He blames it on the size and ride of the Mini -"This has never happened to me before.." - he probably says the same to women. He will only carry on if I get a bigger car, but (naturally) I refuse. Maxine then put her foot down and told me to sell the thing if I wasn't using it. Strange how the few hundred quid I spend each year on the Mini is worth saving, while the thousands on her and my daughters' horses are necessities. Can't complain too much though as my daughter got a sort of sponsorship deal for her riding last year, and I've got the use of a Ford Maverick (to pull her trailer). Maxine is a driving instructor, self-employed, and has a Corsa. I never drive this if she is in it - I REFUSE to be dual-controlled by her.
My wishes for 2000, apart from peace, love and understanding, are to find a navigator and to meet some listers. I ***will*** get to an MLM. Also, I've a decent garage, a welder and most special tools, and would always be willing to help local listers.
Colin Sutton
http://www.bigwig.net/flyingpig
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Dave Theen Born in 1954 Englewood, Florida. I have been married to Gloria for 24 years, we have 3 kids. Hope 23, in graduate school, drives Honda. Austin 20 , in second year of college, drives a 79 Mini daily (year he was born). Marianne, 17 does not drive but makes nice art.3 cats I have owned Minis since 1969. Present stable include:
1960 Morris Mini Minor Wagon (Hope wants this when restoration
done)
1961 Van, 1100 motor, cosmic wheels
1964 Austin Cooper S, 1071cc, cosmic mags, rokee dash
1965 Austin 850 Deluxe, hydro car
1966 Morris Cooper, destined to be vintage racer
1971 Mini Pick-Up, needs front fender replaced.
1979 1100 Special, Austin's daily driver.
1971 Mini shell, SCCA GT-5 Racer, tub car 1310 motor
other vehicles include
91 Pontiac Transport, Gloria's daily driver
99 Dodge Quad Cab LWB pickup. (tow vehicle) when not taking motor
home
88 Winnebago motor home. primary tow to race track.
1946 Globe Swift, bubble canopy, sticks, flush rivets, smooth
skins
1961 Corben Baby Ace, homebuilt, originally owned by
"Ace" Corben.
I am a general contractor by trade, have also worked in government in the building department. I also have an A&P licensee for aircraft.
That's about it for me.
Dave
Alun Thomas minis@callnetuk.com
Alun Thomas. Born Hamburg West Germany 1950. Spent lot of life abroad as Forces child but finishing education at Bloxham School Oxfordshire. After qualifying as Chartered Accountant in 1975 (John Cleese was my role model) I got wanderlust and went to work in Livingstone Zambia for Coopers & Lybrand and a Ranching Organization in Mazabuka Zambia. Returned to England in 1987 and eventually got a job where I am now - Environment Agency. Perform the duties of Financial System Manager and currently await a (hoped for) damp squib called Y2K bug. That has probably tempted fate! The usual married (Kathleen) and children. Kathleen - teacher who was paid off in 1993 as too old i.e. too expensive for a primary school teacher. So in receipt of pension and as many supply days teaching as required. Just proves how stupid the administration is - but hey no complaints it not only pays for cool holidays (IMM2000) but she can teach without all the admin teachers are expected to deal with even though they were not trained for it.
In 1996 opted out of the Company Car Scene of Sierras etc and bought my first Mini (a long desire) a 1996 stripeless Mini Sidewalk with 186 miles on the clock known as Sid. Sid has become the car of choice for daughter Rhiannon (19 in January and who is studying A levels with intention of going into RAF) so I am relegated to driving a Renault Megane Scenic which is a really sensible car - economic, comfortable, quiet etc BUT NO FUN. Living in Lincolnshire was one of the founders of the Miles of Minis run of 1997 and did the 1998 Newquay trip and in 1999 the London to Brighton. 2000 is the IMM2000 bringing together the desire to see Scandinavia and have a good time. Annual family holiday in 1998 in the Hebrides with Sid and our purpose built white trailer which will also be going to Finland. Looking forward to putting faces to names, but in the meantime Sid will probably be attending Newquay next May in the tender care of aforementioned offspring.
Alun and Kathleen
1996 Mini Sidewalk
1999 Renault Megane Scenic
1971 Landrover 88" diesel
1972 Mini 1000 - languishing in the garden and fairly immoveable
Guess I'll have a go too...
My name is Bas Tol, 31 (April 2nd. 1968), single again. Born and raised in Rotterdam. Moved to a small Dutch Caribbean island called Bonaire 6 1/2 years ago with Mini. Hoping to find a better way of life with more fun and freedom. Found all I was looking for except for the nice girl I was hoping to meet here. Some people call me a dreamer... don't know why:-) I work for a shipping company and basically do freight forwarding air and sea, in and out and customs brokerage. Usually it's a fun job but these days I hate it because it's just too busy this time of year. I have a nice house with big tropical garden and share it with 3 Dalmatians, a Jack Russel Terrier and a black cat.
First car was a 73 Mazda 1300 coupe, 2nd. was a 78 Mazda 818 coupe. Then came the first Mini 8 years ago. '82 1000 HLE, black, called 'Torretje' (bug). A year after that I bought Bob (orange '83 1000HLE) for it's wheels, steering wheel and wooden dash which got exchanged with Torretje. Then Bob was sold. Bought Bob back just before I moved to Bonaire to be donor for Torretje here. Torretje did not last very long here as he was used and abused by wet/salty people, dogs, diving gear and surfboards. When I sold him in '95 I was surprised to see it drive around for another year. I thought for sure it was gonna break in two one day. Was off Mini's for a year driving a Honda Jazz Convertable Bonairian Style. (half hour with angle grinder jobby....had to jack it up in the centre afterwards to make the doors shut again:-) Also got a big Chevy V8 Van that year which was great for camping out, dogs and windsurfing all at the same time. Sold it to buy and import another Mini from Holland (82 1000HLE) which is the light blue/white roof that I took to UK last summer. Also bought Torretje back for the parts after it was sold to a local who fixed the body work and made him purple/pinkish. For every day/dog use I drive a Suzuki CarryVan that was rolled over once, one side red primer the other side brown. It's kinda twisted with big cracks in windshield ( it even leaks tru the glass !!) and fishing net instead of rear window. But it drives great !! Then in January I bought a '72 Morris Mini pick up from a Mini World ad which also went to the UK last summer and is currently awaiting restauration in Rotterdam. And last week I got a 1987 Mini Something :-) from Curacao.
When not working or sleeping I like to windsurf, sail, waterski, fish, dive/snorkel, go out with the dogs, camp out, party and get drunk. But also quite happy sitting under a palm tree doing nothing but staring at the ocean and thinking about Mini's, that girl I was looking for and what the next weekend may bring.....
That just about wraps it up for me.
Would like to thank the list for providing me with lots of fun, help and mini-info. Was really wonderful meeting a lot of you in UK last August. Still think of it a lot. We (dogs & Mini's & me) wish all of you and your minis a happy x-mas, a great Millenium Party and all the best for 2000 !!! Will definately have a few drinks on you all !!
Greetings from sunny Bonaire
Bas
ICQ 41911980
www.mibv.com/Mini/Friends/Loonybin
Steve Turner Steve_Turner@unipart.co.uk
OK time to come out of the lurker closet: I'm Steve Turner, I am 23 years old. I live in Bicester (Oxfordshire) and work for Unipart in Oxford. I currently work as part of a small team responsible for importing and distributing parts for the range of Daihatsu vehicles on the road.
I recently (well June) got married to Clare, we went to Florida and got married in Orlando. We have a rabbit called Rosemary (Clare's idea) who lives in our lounge. I currently have a '93 SPi Cooper which has been garaged for 18 months, now ready to return. I did have a '98 Sports Pack Cooper as a company car, but that has been replaced by a Daihatsu Fourtrak 2.8 Turbo diesel (quite a bit of fun in this weather) We are planning to go to Lapland for the IMM2000, money is very tight at the moment though, we have just bought our first house (no garage unfortunately).
Steve/Clare
Theo van den Bogaard T.A.J.M.vdnBogaard@kub.nl
I'm me of course :-)
Theo van den Bogaard, Born in October 1957, in Haaksbergen, not far from the German border in Holland. Now living in Tilburg, not far from the Belgian border. Married to Liesbeth since 11 December 1996, no kids, two abyssinian cats
A qualified Librarian and IT person, almost all my jobs so far have been in libraries and library automation.
Have been on the list from somewhere in 1995. Have had Mini's since the eighties, after having had motorcycles as main transportation. My first 'big' job on a Mini was replacing a head-gasket, as usual on an air-cooled motorbike I just unbolted the head and the water went everywhere .... I have learned since :-)
At the moment I'm in the process of restoring a 1971 Portguese
Van, engine out and in bits, suspension rebuilt, no bodywork done
yet. My daily driver is the 1993 1.3i Cooper that I bought new.
Bikes have been: Bmw R25/3 250cc; Triump 3TA 350cc; Honda
350four, later with a 400 cc block; Yamaha 750; Kawasaki 250 OTR;
Suzuki T500; Harley Davidson Sportster 1000; Harley Davidson WLC
750cc Side valve. Cars: VW Bus; Renault 5; Fiat Panda 1000;
Cheverolet straight 6
(don't remeber the type), and (shame on me) Reliant regal (took
me to the south of France and back before braking down); Renault
4F6 van; Mini 850(2x); Mini 1000(3x); Clubman Estate;
Now I have the Cooper and the Van only.
Theo van den Bogaard
1993 BRG Cooper, 1971 Red Van
Reply to: T.A.J.M.vdnBogaard@kub.nl
Http://cwis.kub.nl/~dbi/users/theo/
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Peter Wells Peter1979@tesco.net
Well here goes (I'd skip to next posting now...) for those that don't know: Peter Wells, born in Essex (SE UK) in 1979. I have a Girlfriend called Claire (and two cats at home...). I'm currently studying Product Design at Salford Uni (NW UK). ''Famous'' for my huge collection of "funny" t-shirts. I've previously worked for Fords :-( but I currently stack shelves at Tesco to finance Uni. I have two MINIs, My first is an '82 city called Tommy Soup (resting at home) and now a '72 original-ish clubby called Wendoline. Haven't done much with my life or my MINIs so far as I'm a lazy BEER swiling student. I spend most of my time in bed (I'm a lazy beer swilling student nursing a hang-over). Oh, and I'm off to Finland next year.
Have to agree with Scott on this though:
"I hate prats in Fords and Novas who drive around with their right hand at 12 oclock and the left hand on the gearstick (or the bass tube volume knob). I hate car stereos, and I hate tacky bodykits and crap like that"
so no Essex bloke jokes please.
Peter
Gordon Welsh e-mail withheld by request
Okay, I've onlist for 2 years on and off and no one here knows anything about..so now you're going to find out (hard cheese if you don't wanna :-P
My name is Gordon Welsh and I was born 14/11/76 at Rottenrow, Glasgow, Scotland. I am also a quarter Danish - my mum's mum comes from Lyngby (I think...)
After I was born I, we lived in Garrowhill until I was 11 months old at which time we moved to Bothwell in what is now South Lanarkshire. My first school was Bothwell Primary which I started in 1981 (my Danish relatives won't believe that we start school at 5 here!). In the same year my younger sister was born.
In 1988 I started at Uddingston Grammer School which is *not* a private school despite the name. Here I gained 7 Standard Grades and 6 highers.
In 1994 I moved on to Glasgow Caledonian University where I spent the next 5 years working towards a 2nd Class Honours in Computer Studies which I picked up in July of this year. Also in 1994, I started going out with Leighanne who I knew from school. We got engaged in 1997 during my placement year which was spent at Telecom Sciences Corp in Airdrie (becoming Mitel Telecom halfway through after TSC went into receivership :-( )
In 1997 I got my first car - a 1981 Mini City named Jasper. I bought off my cousin who hadn't taken care of him. In February of this year I bought my second car, 1996 Rover 100. I couldn't bear to part with Jasper so he is now in the garage awaiting some much needed work (having ousted a 71 Morris Minor which I sadly had to admit was beyond restoration <sniff>).
When I got the Rover, I began an advanced driving course with the Institute of Advanced Motoring, the test for which I passed in July of this year. I also recently started working as an IT technician for East Renfrewshire Council so hopefully Jasper will get that attention soon :-)
That's about it I think - you can wake up now.
Gordon
Andrew Whitmore whitmore@ihug.co.nz
I am a 29 year old from Hamilton, New Zealand. I was born in 1972 in Blenheim, NZ, and have lived in Fiji, Auckland, Wellington, Western Samoa, Christchurch and Hamilton.
I am a Lab Technician at Hill Laboratories and have specialised in ICP-MS analysis for low levels of trace elements in a wide variety of samples. I am still finishing my B.Sc(Tech) degree at the University of Waikato part-time. I am also a trained Ambulance Officer, working as a volunteer for The Order opf St John, Midland Region.
I am currently President and Web Page Creator of the Mini Cooper Enthusiasts Club of Hamilton ahving been a past Editor, and am a licenced Clerk of Course for MotorSport New Zealand.
I am currently on my third Mini. My first was a bog standard 1972 850, followed a year later by a 1978 1000. This was modified with 40 DCOE, 544 cam and LCB's. I have owned my current 1972 Leyland Australia Mini Clubman GT for over 8 years. This car is being kept original due to it's rarity, although I am taking it to the Bathurst Homologation specification of 2 x 1-1/2" SU's and 731 cam. The rest of the car features original S engine, brakes, twin tanks and side intrusion beams (in 1972!).
I hope this gives you an idea of who I am. I can be contacted
at whitmore@ihug.co.nz
and you can see the MCEC Club site at http://homepages.ihug.co.nz/~whitmore
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Merry Christmas, I subscribed to this list from October, and usually a read only member. This time I introduce myself and my car a little bit.
Katsuya Yagi, born in 1958, living in Tokyo about 30km far from central area. Optics engineer working for optical disk reading/writing optics such as CD, DVD, MO etc.
My first car was Mitsubishi's, then Subaru Toyota Toyota Toyota and Mini from last April.
My Mini is '96 Mayfair 1.3i AT, now run 19,000km. Main use is to go to work and return 5km each, always cold running. Of course mine has problems; oil leak, rain leak, uneven ride height, rattle, gear change shock, and recently clicking/grating noise which must be from CV joint. I find my mini develops something wrong almost every month. I wish to fix them as much as possible by myself, so this list is very good place to find how to do it and foresee what will happen on my car. I also found such problems as mine were already talked a lot, so I think I'm following on the true Mini owners way.
I like travelling; been NewZealand in this summer, London, Konstanz and Bali last year, two years ago India and Netherlands,...
I hope I can fix the CV noise successfully.
