u/lagavulin16yr

Hey all, I come from the classic GM/Chevy world where there is a huge aftermarket industry for modernizing and upgrading your old Chevy's. Naively I thought it'd be the same for classic Minis.

I'm starting to struggle early in my adventures, where I'm finding little aftermarket or replacement parts for things like ignition locks, factory air conditioning, serpentine accessories, etc, getting replies from retailers with "Unfortunately, this part doesn't have an aftermarket alternative and the original is no longer supplied."

How do y'all modernize and upgrade your old Mini components in this environment? 😄

Do you find a refurbisher for original parts? Swap meets? Am I just SOL when it comes to some parts?

Hello, it feels like the key is almost worn down and it might be easier to just replace the ignition barrel - has anyone done this on 1997 era Minis? Where'd your source your parts? Cheers!