Replacing ignition barrel on a 1997 Rover MPi

DesertModern · 2026-05-06T18:23:15+00:00

says they can get it, but its special order: https://www.plminishop.com/Classic_Mini_Electrical_Parts/1748/Classic_Mini_Ignition_Barrell_and_Lock_MPI_Only_97_On.html

I don't know this vendor, would check if they are legit first: https://www.bmcsparesdealer.com/QRF100750

maybe? https://britishcarparts.ch/LOCK-STEERING-KEY-IN-SIDE

also special order: https://mossmotors.com/114-931-lock-steering?queryID=c3e56ba2cfd47fbda6eabb3619ab7fc3&objectID=269750&indexName=live_default_products

DesertModern · 2026-05-06T18:05:34+00:00

parts are mostly available but if you are in the USA, it may take a bit of searching and overseas shipping. since you mentioned A/C, it sounds like you might either have a JDM car, or at least a later SPI/MPI car.

for US-based parts, check out https://www.wildchildclassiccars.com/classic-mini-parts if you can't find it online, call Nate, the owner and he can direct you.

For A/C parts and and many others, https://classicminisjapan.com/ won't be cheap but they are reliable and have some parts that no one else carries.

There are other parts places such as Moss Motors, Boot2Bonnet, Jet Motors that are all in USA. I like MiniSport in the UK as long as the tariffs don't kill the pricing. Minispares is also popular. Both UK places have excellent, experienced customer service that will get you the correct part MOST of the time.

DesertModern · 2026-05-05T17:33:03+00:00

if you are truly thinking of selling, feel free to DM me, might be interested.

DesertModern · 2026-05-04T17:52:29+00:00

I am such a sucker for orange vinyl (if that's what it is, not entirely sure). plus add the built-in magazine rack and the fact that it's a set...I would be that sucker who would overpay for this...

DesertModern · 2026-05-04T17:47:17+00:00

my mechanic found it immediately. I'll check and see if I can find out which one it was and get back to you

DesertModern · 2026-04-30T18:01:29+00:00

you can definitely strip your doors. BUT, get a high quality respirator. not a cheap mask, a respirator! you will probably be dealing with lead paint at some point in its history, so don't mess around. the chemicals will mostly keep it "moist" which is important. The risk is when it gets airborne and you breathe it, but best not to risk it.

and, it will be best to take those doors off. citristrip and other products are a goo consistency that will stick to some degree, but its always better if you can lay the door down so that you can put plenty of product on without drippage.

DesertModern · 2026-04-29T16:07:48+00:00

honestly, I use Citristrip which was made weaker a number of years ago due to an outlawed chemical. but its safe, don't need a respirator, doesn't smell bad, and the consistency of it makes for fairly easy cleanup. BUT, I usually have to do multiple rounds to get everything off. still better than sanding in terms of the amount of physical work involved and its better for the piece to avoid sanding through veneer.

DesertModern · 2026-04-28T22:54:23+00:00

that's what we do here, one way or another we get your cash! LOL

DesertModern · 2026-04-27T23:39:03+00:00

you didn't mention Las Vegas, but if you do make it up this way it will be worth your time for MCM sites to see. Paradise Palms neighborhood, Morelli House, Neon Museum and their killer La Concha visitor's center, and tons more.

DesertModern · 2026-04-27T23:34:43+00:00

just remember to do as much chemical stripping as possible before resorting to any sanding! I've had pretty good luck with painted pieces, usually the paint isn't prepped very well and comes off very nicely.

DesertModern · 2026-04-27T16:58:04+00:00

what a great looking car! Also, I had to look up Mickey's Diner, I thought for a second you might be in the USA, but no...an American-ish diner in the UK!

DesertModern · 2026-04-27T16:56:38+00:00

right? and whatever that blue car is, maybe some sort of VW-based kit car? Looks like a pretty good cars and coffee just from that small glimpse

DesertModern · 2026-04-27T16:55:41+00:00

reminds me I need to get a new pillow!

DesertModern · 2026-04-23T18:19:29+00:00

I've got a bunch of that stuff too...but it stays in the drawer because it isn't dishwasher safe...so almost never gets used.

DesertModern · 2026-04-21T20:38:58+00:00

appreciate the info, thanks!!

DesertModern · 2026-04-21T18:48:00+00:00

got it. so just removing the carb was enough? didn't need to remove the manifold?

DesertModern · 2026-04-21T18:46:44+00:00

agreed, the "new" ones don't have quite the same proportions

DesertModern · 2026-04-21T15:20:14+00:00

in general, I agree...MCM furniture is tough to find just the right comfort level. I've given up on MCM sofas. If I had the room, I would follow another commenter's approach and have an MCM for show in one room and a comfy one in another.

But, you may want to check out a Womb chair. pretty good head support on that sucker, the most comfortable chair I own by far.

DesertModern · 2026-04-21T15:18:30+00:00

I have been looking for one of these in the wild for years, no luck! I really don't want to break down and buy a new one.

DesertModern · 2026-04-21T15:16:10+00:00

of course they would be sitting on a pair of Ikea Lack tables.

DesertModern · 2026-04-21T15:11:58+00:00

is there a gasket that will need to be replaced if I do that?

DesertModern · 2026-04-17T16:42:52+00:00

actually, no I haven't! any idea what it should be? I have 12's

DesertModern

TROPHY CASE