2013 shows

[robr1006]

With wheel refurbishment, in my opinion you get what you pay for. So with a classic vehicle where mileage and everyday use is not going to be an issue you might as well pay for the best job you can get get. So make sure you ask the wheel re-furbisher exactly what they are going to do to your wheels in the refurbishment process.

Best and most expensive method is acid strip to take off all previous paint etc, repairs to rim by welding then re-profileing. straighten, then paint and finish with clear lacquer. Well that is how modern wheels are done to give us the bright finish with the metalic flakes in them that we are used to seeing. HOWEVER that is NOT how original ERA alloys look - I think they were probably powder coated silver which is darker, less shiney and with out the tiny metallic flakes.

An obvious point - dont forget to have to the wheel centres done at the same time!

When I bought my car the wheels had been refurbished using the modern wheel specification - they look great in bright metalic silver against the Metallic Bristish Racing Green - but unfortunately they do not look original!

These people have done Mercedes wheels (19") and Rover Mini Wheels (12") They were expensive but the wheels have lasted very well.

http://www.lepsons.com/

[G96LUE]

A Mini that flew through its MOT - never heard of one of them....

Of all the Mini's i've owned over the years I am not sure that i have ever had one go through an MOT unscathed.

Anyone ever had any experience of getting alloy wheels refurbed as I am thinking of getting mine done as a treat - they have done around 120K so probably deserve it. There are a couple of places in Coventry where we live so may try one of those.

Since i built it in 2005 it has always passed without real issue.
The only thing i have had is advisories on the sills as he can't check them with the body kit, and also a little play in the ball joints which i sorted the same afternoon. :-)

The new MOT's now show the last 4 years milage to prevent clocking and it shows i have done about 1450 miles in 4 years. :-)

[an old original]

1450 miles in 4 years??!! Just about done that since Christmas!! :-P

[an old original]

I think unless something completely unexpected changes the weather forecast, I shall being staying put this weekend.

[Jezza]

I didn't get to Brooklands either due to non-ERA friendly weather.

Hey-ho might get the car out over Easter to cheack out the new wheels (£50 quid a corner and seemed to be a proper job).

[G96LUE]

I have just realized that i can make Himley this year :-)
I'm in scotland the week before on an Alfa tour then back again the week after Himley for a long weekend.
My dilemma now is that i need a new rear subframe for my wife's mini so do i take my everyday car to bring it home or dig out my mom's trailer to tow behind my Turbo?

Anyone else going?

[an old original]

Sorry, not me, just too far for a one day 'round trip, working Sat & Mon..

[Jezza]

Himley is on our list so long as weather is reasonable - nice pubs over in the Black Country!

If anyone is interested the Zipper Run details (Aug 18th) are now up at:

http://www.transport-museum.com/events/ ... r_run.aspx

Starts 10am from Chasewater Park and runs to Millenium Place (outside Coventry Transport Museum) about 35 miles. £10 donation to charity and 60 car limit - we have booked in.

[Jezza]

Anyone going to Beaulieu next weekend?

We're there and the car is polished up and ready to go...hopefully.

[Jezza]

We are at MITP tomorrow and Zipper Run from Chasewater Park to Coventry Motor Museum next weekend.

Anyone going?

Hopefully car will be better than its last outing when it broke an adjustable rear Hi-lo on the Cotswold Mini Fixers run due to a seized radius arm.

Just starting to plan our continental road trip in 2014 to celebrate my birthday now that will be a challenge....