Is anyone out there still running a Mini Stock? If so, you know how frustrating it can be when you get that familiar ‘check engine’ light coming on. If you’re looking for an inexpensive replacement for your classic American muscle car, then check out these detailed instructions on how to rebuild and restore a Speedway Mini Stock to its former glory. You’ll find everything you need in terms of equipment and the necessary parts to do the job right.
Classic American Muscle Car
When it comes to muscle cars, you either love them or hate them. There’s really no other way around it. Depending on who you ask, there are either pro’s or con’s to owning one. Either way, it’s a classic American sport that will never go out of style. It’s fair to say that when most people think of classic American muscle cars, they think of Mopars, Mustangs, and Corvettes. These are the cars that truly defined the muscle car genre back in the day.
However, that doesn’t mean that there aren’t other options out there with just as much flavor as the standard trio. For example, if you want to get a bit of a different perspective on classic American muscle cars, then take a look at these awesome vintage Camaros that were released prior to the 1967 assassination of Robert Kennedy. The cars were built by the legendary American company, Chevy and have all the components you’d expect from one of the top automotive manufacturers of the day. Unfortunately, like with most vintage cars, this one area that you’ll want to give some special attention to before you hit the road. Otherwise, you might find yourself in a bit of a pickle. In other words, the saying ‘better to ask for forgiveness than permission’ definitely applies here. The good news is that you’re going to learn how to ask and what to request, so that when the time comes to do so, it will all just flow naturally.
What Is A Mini Stock?
As the name would suggest, a ‘Mini Stock’ is a short-distance, highly modified version of a full-sized car. As opposed to the aforementioned full-sized cars, Mini Stocks are designed with smaller dimensions, typically around four feet in height and eight feet in width. The name Mini Stock comes from the fact that these cars were originally designed with mini motors which provided better fuel economy. In fact, some early models got between 15 and 20 miles per gallon which, in today’s terms, is incredible. These days, most Mini Stocks are powered by small, efficient Japanese motors that are completely unrelated to the classic American motors that powered the ‘bigger’ cars.
Rebuilding A Mini Stock
If you’re looking for a way to relax and have some fun with your summer holidays, then why not try and tackle something a little more challenging? That’s what this guide is all about. While there are some similarities between fixing up a classic car and fixing up a Mini Stock, this isn’t one of those how-to guides and you should have all the necessary tools to complete the project. It’s also worth noting that if you do end up breaking something along the way, then you’re in for a real fix. More than likely, you’ll have to shell out a pretty penny for a new part. However, it’s always worth it.
Why Do You Want To Rebuild A Mini Stock?
There are many reasons why you might want to rebuild a Mini Stock. It could be that you’re looking for a unique piece of automotive memorabilia or a way to give your car that extra bit of character. Maybe you’re even planning on entering it in a specific race or show that’s on the grounds that it’s a real Mini Stock. You could also just want to have some fun with your friends and family while learning new things. Whatever the case may be, it’s worth noting that you’re going to have to do some research beforehand in terms of what’s available and what’s needed. Otherwise, you might find yourself in a bit of a pickle. Like most things in life, there are always alternatives, but you have to know where to look.
How Much Does It Cost To Rebuild A Mini Stock?
Depending on what kind of car you have, how much it costs to rebuild can vary. You see, not all Mini Stock cars are created equal and some are actually a lot more expensive to fix than others. For example, if you have an early model that was designed for mini motors and is in decent overall condition, then it’s probably going to cost you around $500 to $600 to get it up and running again. On the other hand, if you’re fixing up a late model that was originally designed for larger motors and looks more like it’s seen a few hundred miles of use, then it’s probably going to cost you around $200 to $300 to get it running again. In other words, if you want to buy a new engine for your car, then that’s probably what it’s going to cost you. It’s also worth noting that if you decide that you actually like the mini motor look and feel better than the V8 or 6.0 liter engine, then it’s probably going to cost you around $500 to $600 to swap it out. In most cases, these costs don’t include the labor needed to take it down and put it back together. Depending on how professional a job you want to do, how long you’re planning to do it, and how much spare time you have, it can range from a couple of hours to a couple of days. Again, it depends on the model and the condition of the car, but you can generally expect to spend somewhere between $500 and $600 on labor alone to get a Mini Stock running again. It’s not a difficult process, but it can take a while to figure out what’s needed and how long it’s going to take.
Where Can I Buy The Parts I Need?
If you already know what kind of car you have and have a general idea of what’s needed, then the next step is to go out and find the parts you need. If not, then it’s a good idea to take some time to figure out what’s going on with your Mini Stock before you start fixing it up. In most cases, you’re going to want to find a shop that has experience with these kinds of cars and can give you an idea of what to look out for. Otherwise, it can be dangerous trying to do it yourself without proper guidance and experience. This is especially important if you’re taking on something like this while you’re still a novice driver. If it’s going to be a long project, then it can be helpful to hire an expert to come in and give you a hand. They’ll watch over your shoulder as you work and make sure you do everything safely and correctly. That way, you can get back to your family and friends without any worries.
What Tools Do I Need To Rebuild A Mini Stock?
Now that you have a better idea of what kind of car you have and how much it’s going to cost you to get it up and running again, it’s time to figure out what tools you need to do the job. Since this is a detailed how-to article, we’re going to give you the rundown on what you’re going to need both easily and cost-effectively. More than likely, you’re going to need a pair of hands as well as at least one other person to help out. If you have a shop vac, then that’s probably going to be your best bet in terms of getting the job done quickly. Otherwise, you could find yourself taking a lot longer than you think to do this project. Another thing to keep in mind is that if it’s been a while since your car has been serviced, then it’s probably a good idea to have the shop do a tune-up before you start doing any work on it. Otherwise, you might find yourself in a bit of a pickle when it comes to getting the car up and running again. Like most cars, if it’s been a while since your Mini Stock has been serviced, then it’s high time for an oil change and filter replacement as well. This is especially important if you live in a cold climate where your car is always running at sub-zero temperatures. Finally, don’t forget to have the tires on your car rotated as well before you start doing any work on it. This will make sure that you can drive on the road safely without any worries.
How Do I Rebuild A Mini Stock?
Now that you have all the necessary tools and parts lined up, it’s time to hit the road and start rebuilding. Make sure you write down everything you need beforehand so that you don’t forget anything. This includes details such as parts needed for specific models, whether you’re repairing or restoring the car, etc. This will help make the whole process go more smoothly. Like most things in life, there are always alternatives, but you have to know where to look.