Mini Renovation Manual (1989-2000) - Book review by Maggie Woods

“Love that Mini — but once you’ve
decided to give a home to one of these
classic icons, how do you get it to
tiptop condition and maintain it?
One way to learn how is to invest in the
Mini Renovation Manual (1989-2000)
by Paul Hardiman and follow his expert
and practical advice...”

CLASSIC CAR RENOVATIONS ARE RARELY AS EASY as they look, but with the right advice and access to the right tools you can keep your Rover Mini looking — and sounding — good, as well as performing effectively.

The Mini Renovation Manual (1989-2000) by Paul Hardiman is just the ticket for renovating your car while keeping to a budget. If you've decided to spruce it up yourself, you are clearly prepared for hard work and often you can pick things up as you go along. However, there is no better starting point than sound advice from an expert — and here it is, in the pages of this thorough and informative book.

Starting with the background of the Mini and its evolution, the Mini Renovation Manual is beautifully illustrated and includes useful details of the restoration process as well as interesting little 'Did You Know' snippets such as: "Bernd Pischetsrieder, under whose control BMW took over Rover Group (which included the Mini) in 1984, is a first cousin once removed of Alec Issigonis."

A Mini timeline is included that takes you from the birth of Alexander Issigonis in 1906 and the arrival of the Austin Seven and Morris Mini-Minor in 1959 through to 2000, when production of Minis stopped and BMW introduced us to the new MINI.

There is a detailed section on Buying Specifics that includes points to look out for such as corrosion, accident checks and the often troublesome rear subframe. There are also handy hints on what to look for and what to avoid when buying a Mini, common faults, buying spare parts, HPI checks, Insurance Advice and a list of Limited Edition Minis.

Rover Minis were the last classic Minis produced before the introduction of BMW's new MINI and are now very affordable. But even ten-year-old models are often in need of some tlc. The Mini Renovation Manual takes you through numerous practical step-by-step procedures with the aid of over 500 colour illustrations, providing expert advice on how to breathe new life into a used and probably tired example of the Rover Mini.

From simple weekly checks and preventative maintenance, to the renewal of worn components and details of known problems and how to fix them — all with accompanying photographs — the down-to-earth, comprehensively-illustrated text provides all the information required to enjoy a Rover Mini on a budget.

There is further advice on how to carry out all the recommended routine maintenance servicing procedures, from oil level checking to valve clearance adjustment and how to make simple modifications — such as fitting uprated brakes and modified instrument dial faces or replacing sills.

For the more adventurous, driveshaft renewal, clutch renewal, suspension components and rear subframe renewal are also covered in detail — but you should understand your limitations and be prepared to call in the experts when necessary.

The Mini still has an incredible following and is served by numerous specialists and owners clubs all over the world. At the end of the book are two Appendices detailing Specifications and listing clubs and specialists under Useful Contacts.

• Billed as "A practical guide to renovation on a budget", the Mini Renovation Manual (1989-2000) by Paul Hardiman is out now in hardback at an RRP of �19.99. ISNB: 978 1 84425 424 8.

The author, freelance motoring journalist and photographer Paul Hardiman, has a keen interest in practical projects. He contributes regularly to motoring magazines such as Classic & Sports Car of which he is a former Assistant Editor and Classics. He lives at Wheatley in Oxfordshire.

"The Mini Renovation Manual by Paul Hardiman� there is no better starting point than sound advice from an expert — and here it is, in the pages of this thorough and informative book" — MotorBar

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