March. I got the disc runout checked by a friend of my next door neighbour who's an Engineer. According to the venerable Haynes Manual, the limit is 0.1mm (0.004inch). Mine were 0.035mm (0.0015inch) so were well within tolerance. I removed the bottom wishbone balljoints to inspect them for wear. After I'd managed to cut one open there was really very little wear at all. I was quite pleased really, as it sort of confirmed that the original ones were either not new in the first place or of inferior quality. Whatever - It proved that this isn't as much of a worry as I first thought. I also fitted a new PiperCross Air Filter as the previous one had perished.

I bit the bullet and had my wheels powder coated at Yorvik Engineering Services. It was a shame to lose the mirror finish on certain faces of the wheels, but the lacquer was simply rubbish and the salt had taken it's toll. Anyway, I'm pleased with them and they now look like new. I got the tyres fitted and everything was all set for the road.

Still haven't got around to lowering the seats any further or fitting more velcro around the doors! Oh well, can't be that bad eh?


April. The 1st of the month came and I scurried off to the Post Office to get my Tax Disc. The nice lady behind the counter wasn't too sure though... "I need to see the MOT" she said. "You'll have a job" I said "It doesn't need one until the car is three years old". She looked at me, looked down at the paperwork and said "OK". I walked out with my Tax Disc.

The first run of the year went well until I put the heater fan on. I'd got the Hood on as it was pretty chilly. As soon as the fan went on, I was deluged with steam from the vents and within seconds, the interior of the car was like a sauna! The heater matrix had given up over the winter! I got a new one as I wasn't too far from a Mini Spares shop and fitted it straight away.

As the end of the month approached, I started to think about the MOT. I booked it in plenty of time but come the day, the car passed with no issues - Hooray!

May. The first show of the year - Stoneleigh. I had a good run down with a fellow Hoody and as usual there was a good turnout. Flippin' freezing again though - especially overnight! Good show despite the cold anyway - as always.
Note to self: I really must get myself a decent Sleeping Bag...

So that's it really. The car is running really well and the weather's been pretty good. Still enjoying the whole experience and getting plenty of use out of the car. It really is great fun. The new Brakes have settled in well and show no signs of getting up to their old tricks. The tyres are very good. Oh and the new Distributor? Absolutely no difference at all!! :-)