The Mini Woody. Sold! It's moving to San Jose.

[poolmike]

The next project is home finally. I have been begging this guy to sell it for years now. I almost gave up on it until someone let me know it was available.


http://img482.imageshack.us/img482/1395/woodypics003mk2.jpg


http://img524.imageshack.us/img524/7223/woodypics002ym1.jpg


http://img482.imageshack.us/img482/3060/woodypics001uc1.jpg


I'll attempt some better pics tomorrow after I get some better wheels and tires on it.

[GottalovetheWagon]

Wagon.....woot Woot

[CleanNeon98]

is that a mini cooper converted to a wagon??? looks cool lol

[BMS]

I saw it at the Shady brook car show a couple of hours ago, look pretty awesome. Is that gonna be your new Pool works wagon

[poolmike]

I saw it at the Shady brook car show a couple of hours ago, look pretty awesome. Is that gonna be your new Pool works wagon

Yes, that is the plan. I'll throw my other wheels on it, get some new rear glass cut for it, and get it lettered.


I'm going to go over the whole chassis tomorrow and make sure it is all tight. The 34hp engine must go. Only a 1275 will do in a wagon. This one is going to be fun.

[Honest_Bob]

Sweet! WAGON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[redwrxwagon02]

wagon mafia FTW

[auk113]

man i love your cars :)

can you turbo this monster plzzzz?

[BlackBulletTSi]

Very nice!

[MuddyREX]

awesomeness

[sisforsurfing]

haha nuts, that's really cool. What's the deal with the wood skeleton paneling?

[poolmike]

haha nuts, that's really cool. What's the deal with the wood skeleton paneling?


It's a woody. The wood is all original.

[97TurboDSM]

that thing looks friggin sweet. have fun with it

[sisforsurfing]

It's a woody. The wood is all original.

Yeah I saw it's a woody, I just thought there'd be... more, maybe. Looking at it again I like it this way :mrgreen:
That's incredible it is all original. Awesome pool wagon!

[Honest_Bob]

Saw this thing in person. Its in awesome shape. I'm jealous. :wink:

[Scapegoat]

needs a surf board rack

[dancemf666]

That wagon is pretty sweet cant wait to see it finished.

[CleanNeon98]

wrx swap it lol

[poolmike]

Well, I've been driving it for a couple of days to find out what kind of work it will need.

Engine/Trans- runs like a top. The solid lifters and cam sing in perfect harmony. She doesn't miss a beat. However, 34hp just won't cut it for long.

Suspension- It's trashed. There are more creaks and rattles than I care to think about. The ball joints, tie rods, steering rack are all good...but those stupid rubber cones(spring type thing for Minis) and all of the bushings and shocks are destroyed. I plan on gutting the suspension and replacing it with adjustable Hi-Lo's and coil springs.

Interior- All of the window weather stripping must get replaced. The front seats need some help. For some unknown reason, the driver's seat has different brackets than any other Mini I have seen, it doesn't move back nearly far enough. I'll have to fab up some new brackets and move the seat way back:lol:


Here are some pics after a bath and some better wheels.

http://img230.imageshack.us/img230/7825/woodypics002zr2.jpg


http://img230.imageshack.us/img230/3271/woodypics003ct2.jpg

[S.Milone]

Sweet find. Good luck with it.

[Bacon]

I want one...

[poolmike]

I just made arrangements to pick up a 1275cc big bore engine/trans in Maryland. If all goes well, I will pick it up this week. I don't know it internal condition, but I'm thinking 1380cc's would be even better. Anything will be better than the 850.

[Honest_Bob]

Sweet. Does that bump it over 100hp? :-p

[Scapegoat]

time to make a mini powered motorcycle with that 850cc engine :mrgreen:

[poolmike]

I just got back from Maryland with my newly aquired 1275cc engine. Gotta run a leak down test tonite and go with it from there. Hopefully the bottom end is tight, then I can just freshen up the head and bolt it in.:rally:

[Spocknasty]

Your cars rule.

[88TSI_Rob]

This past weekend I spotted a 1967 Morris Minor Traveler for sale at the corner of 113/29 out near Collegeville. It looks a lot like your mini. It was white, had decent looking wood trim on it and overall looked really clean from the road. I think the price was $6700.

I found a picture on Google of one just like it.
http://www.dedwards.id.au/David/Cars/Traveller.jpg

Just a little FYI if anyone is interested.

[poolmike]

^^^I like that one......rear drive tooo, hmmm

Anywho, I started sanding some of the wood on mine. It is looking good.

http://img512.imageshack.us/img512/9240/woodypics004jo2.jpg


http://img512.imageshack.us/img512/7048/woodypics005ab5.jpg



Lots of sanding left to do, then some Waterlox and it should be good to go.

[Raven18940]

I thought you were gonna replace all the wood? So what's the ETA on your engine so you can hang out in the "more than a liter" group next meet.

[PaleDSM]

I saw the car at the Lansdale car show this past weekend. It was longer then I had the impression of from these pics.
Good luck with it.

[poolmike]

I thought you were gonna replace all the wood? So what's the ETA on your engine so you can hang out in the "more than a liter" group next meet.

When I restore the whole car, I will replace all of the wood. For right now I will clean what I have.

As far as the motor goes, I don't have an ETA. I will attempt a compression test soon, then proceed from there. If I can find a stroker crank cheap enough, I will build it that way. hehe...I'll have a stroked woody.

[poolmike]

A compression test on the 1275 gave me 170 psi in cylinders 1,2,and 4. 150 psi in cylinder 3. Gotta pull the head and see whats going on in there. Hopefully it is just a valve hanging up in there.

[Raven18940]

Eh, 150 is good enough. :-p You think it might be something like a bad lifter?

[poolmike]

I think it is just deposits on a valve. I'll know better when I pull the head. It is a solid lifter engine, so a worn lifter will be easy to see. It will get a new cam/lifters regardless of condition:mrgreen:

M first order of parts should arrive on Wednesday. I get to swap out all of the old suspension for some new coils! Hopefully the ride will improve alot.

[poolmike]

I started the suspension rebuild today. I removed the rear 'rubber cone' springs.....


With 'rubber cone'

http://img507.imageshack.us/img507/1171/woodysuspensioninstall0vr4.jpg


Without rubber cone.

http://img507.imageshack.us/img507/1448/woodysuspensioninstall0qv0.jpg


Old stuff with the new adjustable coil spring set up.

http://img337.imageshack.us/img337/8093/woodysuspensioninstall0hi9.jpg


Installed

http://img507.imageshack.us/img507/6752/woodysuspensioninstall0vl7.jpg


So far I have only done the rear. I still need to drop it an inch or two. The front install is much more involved, and I want to wait until my disc brake stuff arrives so I can replace everything at on time.

EDIT: after the test drive with only the rear suspension done and new front shocks....it is a real treat to drive now. Until now, I served to miss any slight imperfection in the road. Now I aim for them. I can't wait to do the front end.

[Raven18940]

That looks like a pretty killer suspension. :cool:

[poolmike]

It is so basic, it makes me laugh.

[Raven18940]

It is so basic, it makes me laugh.

I was actually talking about that nice CNC machined piece you're replacing it with, but you can take it as a joke too. :-p

[poolmike]

I'm replacing the steering rack today. 4 u-bolts and 2 tie rod ends hold it in. However, I have to dismantle most of the car to remove it. It should be a fun time:bigeek:

Tools- check
PB Blaster- check
prayer book- check
torch- check

I'm ready.

[poolmike]

#$%(*^**#$((@#) STEERING RACK!!#$@*#%**%*^*TIE ROD((#$**$%***^*$**#@SUBFRAME BOLTS!!!

I've got a better chance at seeing God than getting this rack out of the car.
New tie rod ends, and I'm calling it done until I swap the motor.

[poolmike]

So, on my way to the Glenside car show, the mighty Mini shreaded a motor mount. The engine shifted just slightly and the left driveshaft started machining itself against the subframe.

http://img508.imageshack.us/img508/1764/woodysuspensioninstall0og8.jpg


So, yesterday I pulled the radiator and flushed it good, yanked the stock intake/carb and exhaust manifold to prep for the new aluminum intake, bigger carb and new header.

stock junk. cast iron intake/exhaust manifold with 1.25" SU carb
http://img72.imageshack.us/img72/2255/woodysuspensioninstall0il3.jpg


New aluminum intake, Jet-Hot coated long center branch header, and 1.5" SU carb with K&N filter on for a test fit.

http://img515.imageshack.us/img515/267/woodysuspensioninstall0if7.jpg


This is where the chaos comes in. I have rebuild countless Holley, Rochester, Carter carbs. I am a total nooobie to SU's, and I'm learning some harsh lessons.

The carb in the ^^picture above^^ is a 1.5" SU off the 1275cc engine that I am building. Apparently it is a left side carb of a dual carb set up, which requires different linkage than what is on my car:roll:

In the picture below from left to right....1.5"SU right side linkage(just purchased today), 1.25"SU stock 850cc carb, then the 1.5" left side linkage carb.

http://img293.imageshack.us/img293/2077/woodysuspensioninstall0rd7.jpg


Here is the 1.5" SU right side carb torn down

http://img295.imageshack.us/img295/2751/woodysuspensioninstall0re5.jpg

Here is where it gets all f'd up. The jet assembly(L-shaped do-dicky with the red plastic piece) from the rebuild kit is for a left side linkage carb:rolleyes: and it just won't work.

http://img293.imageshack.us/img293/4284/woodysuspensioninstall0mx4.jpg

http://img293.imageshack.us/img293/5753/woodysuspensioninstall0zo3.jpg

http://img295.imageshack.us/img295/3530/woodysuspensioninstall0an1.jpg


Needless to say, tomorrow I'll be on the hunt for the proper jet assambly. The motor mounts should be here wednesday.

Sorry for the crappy pics. Its the best I can do.

[poolmike]

It's almost alive again. The bigger carb is rebuilt and on the new aluminum intake, new motor mounts, and new header installed. It fired up without problems. Hopefully I can get it to the exhaust shop tomorrow.

[poolmike]

The exhaust is on, I figured out how to tune the carb and it runs great. I'm guessing it puts out 40 hp, up from he stock 34 hp. In a classic Mini, that is a big increase. I actually feel comfortable merging into traffic, and it has the ability to accelerate on big hills.

It's time to build the bigger engine! 100hp will be sick in this little car.

[redwrxwagon02]

The exhaust is on, I figured out how to tune the carb and it runs great. I'm guessing it puts out 40 hp, up from he stock 34 hp. In a classic Mini, that is a big increase. I actually feel comfortable merging into traffic, and it has the ability to accelerate on big hills.

It's time to build the bigger engine! 100hp will be sick in this little car.

wow 100 hp in that thing would be sick
thats awesome man i think you should do a wrx powertrain swap lol

[poolmike]

wow 100 hp in that thing would be sick
thats awesome man i think you should do a wrx powertrain swap lol

I'm keepin it all Mini! No swaps for the wagon. The British A-series block is very reliable, but it isn't well known for big power. I want to budget build 100 hp from my 1275cc block/head and possibly pull 120hp with some extra $$$. The little car will scream.

[redwrxwagon02]

I'm keepin it all Mini! No swaps for the wagon. The British A-series block is very reliable, but it isn't well known for big power. I want to budget build 100 hp from my 1275cc block/head and possibly pull 120hp with some extra $$$. The little car will scream.

hehehehe yeah stay with the british motors lol 120 hp will make that car a monster for sure

definately the fastest mini TST will ever see

[Danronian]

Your car is looking great. Can't wait to see it lowered on the new suspension. I've always loved wagons, especially the wooden type.

[poolmike]

Thanks for the compliments!

[poolmike]

I really need to invest in a camera and some picture taking skills.

Anyway, Shades of Gray handled the tint. It came out great, not that my pictures show it. Ryan kick a$$ with the tint, even with the countless flaws in my 40+ year old glass.


http://img110.imageshack.us/img110/2088/woodysuspensioninstall0cz4.jpg


http://img126.imageshack.us/img126/4783/woodysuspensioninstall0ld6.jpg



I don't know what I was looking at here. Obviously not the car.


http://img110.imageshack.us/img110/6802/woodysuspensioninstall0ze4.jpg

[ozthunder]

Dude your car is so cool..like I don't think i can actually describe it. Wow.

[Spocknasty]

Love it. If you want me to take some photos for you, let me know.

[poolmike]

Love it. If you want me to take some photos for you, let me know.


Go ahead. Take the car and your camera. If I'm near the location, the pics will turn to $H!t.

[Snoozie]

Awesome Mike! I see you finally found a board too!

[Calvinball]

that is sick dude

[poolmike]

Thanks for the compliments. I am really enjoying this little car. I adjusted the suspension this morning and got the stance right where it needs to be. A nice balance of good handling and ride quality. The little engine doesn't miss a beat but I can't wait to get building the new 1275cc block. 34hp at the flywheel to over 100hp on the ground. It should be fun. If I don't go to the Chesapeake this weekend, I'll probably start disassembling the long block. Lorenzo already ported the sheet out of the head.

[Danronian]

Looks great with the tint.

[poolmike]

Well, I'm going to have to send the ol' 850 out in glory. Me thinks the head is cracked. I took the oil fill cap off yesterday to add some oil and saw the rocker assembly cover in the nasty milky shtufff.

So, I'm not adding any more oil or coolant. I'm just going to drive it until she blows. Time to get the 1380 built.

[ozthunder]

You should have champagne or something when it finally goes

[poolmike]

Yep, I guess I pegged that temp gauge a few times too many this summer.

[77F-150]

so its not just some old oil crud that alway forms when it gets cold. kind of like how fat does on top of the turkey gravy.

[poolmike]

I was hoping that it was just from condensation...but the whole rocker assembly is covered in the stuff.

[zerioustt]

This thing kicks ass as usual! Sucks about the motor...but hey more powah ftw!!!

[RayArroyo]

mike just put in some headgasket leak begone.

[poolmike]

Drove it to the Riegelsville car show today. 1 hour drive up there, then another hour back to my In-Laws place in Langhorne. Ran great the whole way. Then I drove it another 3 miles to my parents place. Ran fine. No signs of trouble. I went to leave, and it wouldn't turn over to start. I check a few things, poked around a bit, and assumed that my starter motor was fried.

Pop-start time. I pushed it down the street, got some good speed going, jumped in-threw it in second gear and let the clutch up. The car stopped dead and darn near put me through the windshield.

Time for the bigger engine. RIP little 850cc

[zerioustt]

that sucks man..gl with it.

[poolmike]

I'm actually kind of upset about the rather uneventful demise. I really wanted it to leave the bottom end all over the road. Oh well. I'm going to try and break it free tomorrow and run it til it blows.

[Spocknasty]

Haha, thats the way to do it!

[ketchup!]

hmmm time for a b-series swap? :)

[poolmike]

hmmm time for a b-series swap? :)

Not in this one. I'm working a deal on another Mini shell in NY for a possible 'Busa swap.

[2point0T]

Not in this one. I'm working a deal on another Mini shell in NY for a possible 'Busa swap.

I guess that's when I get to take my offered test drive :mrgreen:

sorry to hear about the other engine though...rip little mini engine

[poolmike]

Well, a 7' breaker bar won't turn the motor. Locked up tighter than a....yeh, it's not turnin.

Time to tear down the 1275 block and send it to Lorenzo:mrgreen:

[SayNoToPistons]

How about a 12A or 13B (N/a or Turbo :) ).

[poolmike]

Not in the wagon. I want to do a 'Busa swap in one. Maybe when my friend Jodi gets tired of her rusty '73, I'll buy it and store it for another day. The back end is rotted so it would be a perfect candidate.

[auk113]

http://ljplus.ru/img2/s/c/schiller/jacked-up-mini_jpg.jpg

[OutOfStock]

Mike you are the man....

[poolmike]

I have no logical explanation, but somehow the bendix gear on the starter managed to jam itself into the flywheel keeping it from spinning. I bolted another starter in there, and it fired right up. I still have an opportunity to send the ol' 850 out in glory!

[poolmike]

I did some serious damage yesterday on my way home from Carlisle. It ran great until we got to that last rest stop near Valley Forge on the turnpike, then the temp gauge suddenly pegged hot and stayed there and power started a rapid drop off. I added 1 gallon of water(only holds 1 gallon) to the radiator and that got me home with the temp gauge pegged the whole time. The engine was so hot that the paint was peeling off of it and there was smoke/steam coming off the block!

Compression test results are 120,30,60,120. I'm going to pull the head tomorrow and see what went down. Probably a bad head gasket, maybe a cracked head at this point. Either way, the little engine is finally quitting. Not bad for 40+ years of full throttle driving.

[NoizePollution]

Definatley not bad at all, I hope all turns out well for you and it is soon back to its old self again. I remember running into that car a few times at random TST meets, its so sick

[den9]

first time i seen this thread, awesome car, and that hayabusa swap, still thinkin about it? u can turbo it too

[poolmike]

No 'Busa swap for the wagon. I am considering it for the '65 Mini though. If I find an engine that I can afford, I will buy it.

The woody will stay all Mini.

[frosti108]

awesome car/ i was looking at the pics and decided it would make an AWESOME pickup truck conversion. its got perfect lines for it.

for the motor you should use a ka24e. cheap and simple, nissan quality

[poolmike]

They did make a pick up truck version.

I brought the stock engine back to life with a used head gasket from another small bore Mini engine that I have, installed a new high flow water pump, and she's running better than ever.

Nissan reliability!?!?!? When is the last time you saw a 40+ year old Nissan that was still running on its original engine?????:rotfl:

[CHAOS]

awesome mike... glad its back up.

[auk113]

mike i know you'll like this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o9K6wB-btek&NR=1

[poolmike]

For Sale!

http://www.tristatetuners.com/forum/showthread.php?t=83637

[2point0T]

yoo mike whats up man, you been riding much?

what happened to the old woody?

[poolmike]

yoo mike whats up man, you been riding much?

what happened to the old woody?

I ride occasionally. Haven't had much time to get out.

[poolmike]

It will be sad to see it go, but I have an agreement with a guy in Ontario who will pick the car up in a few weeks. She will be missed, but it frees up some funds for the other projects.

[poolmike]

It's really gone this time. Loaded her on the carrier last night.


http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q313/poolmike/DSC_0339.jpg

[Teku18]

lol at such a big truck for such a tiny tiny car. sucks to see it go. I like the old mini's this is the first time i have ever seen a wagon tho. what are your plans now that tins is gone?

[poolmike]

lol at such a big truck for such a tiny tiny car. sucks to see it go. I like the old mini's this is the first time i have ever seen a wagon tho. what are your plans now that tins is gone?

Fear not. I have plenty of projects to keep me busy....there is another Mini in the garage on a rotisserie that will get some attention this winter.

[Vince@R/TTuning]

trucker should have just put it in the sleeper area so he could tow another car in the back....:mrgreen: