This is the Green Moke. It is a 1982 Leyland Mini Moke Californian. It is affectionately referred to as Chuggy, Hairy, or Mike depending on who you ask.
This vehicle was manufactured in Australia. Imported to Canada in 2001. Has been on Canadian roads since 2023.
This Car underwent a full restoration from 2017 to 2023. All new parts were sourced from original equipment manufacturers or professional rebuilders.
The Restoration
The body shell was completely stripped of all components and then all rusty areas were cut out and replaced. Although the body was created with Zintec panels, rust still penetrated through where the inner hull sides met the floor. This area is commonly referred to as the ‘Bermuda Triangle’. The old material was removed, the voids were sandblasted,and then painted with POR 15. New floor sections were cut, folded and welded in place to create a seamless repair. These were the only rusty areas.
Modifications to the body shell included the provision for dual fuel tanks. This required the removal of the RHS battery box and both side storage areas. The floor was removed, the inner dividers were removed and new mounts were installed for the fuel tank. Both fuel tanks were CNC cut and folded and then TIG welded by a local professional. Both tanks include roll-over spill protection valves, venting from both ends, and provisions for future in-tank electric fuel pumps. Each tank can now carry 44L each. In order to fit the fuel filler neck for the RHS, the battery box opening was replaced with a new profile to allow a space for the filler neck. This was accomplished by creating a custom press to to make the new inner panel and the outer cover.
The battery was moved to a new box within the rear subframe, similar to the original Mini’s.
Once all of the modifications were completed on the shell, the shell was sent out for media blasting, epoxy priming, and then final paint. It has been re-finished in an original Leyland Australia Moke colour of ‘Hairy Lime’. Porsche ‘Arctic Silver’ was used for all silver panels, Ford White for the white panels, and a deep Black for the remaining parts.
Both bumpers were rebuilt by retaining the outer curved ends and replacing the straight sections and curved uprights.
The original folding hood frames were replaced with an integral roof support. This eliminated the ‘shaky’ roof at speed, and allowed proper connection points for the seatbelts. I was also able to tie the front bar to the windscreen which has helped reduce windscreen flex which is a common Moke issue.
Specs & Details
Engine:
- 1275cc BMC A Series,
- Cylinder head rebuilt – Calver GT Spec
- Crankshaft reground 10/10,
- Rotating assembly fully balanced
- Lightened flywheel, new clutch
- Cylinders rebored + .030, new pistons (1300cc)
- New crank bearings and conrod bearings
- New BP255 Camshaft and Calver re-profiled cam followers
- New CST9012 GT spec distributor, coil and HT leads
- New 2 Core MSC radiator and hoses
Gearbox:
- A+ gearbox with A gears.
- All bearings replaced
- New layshaft and center oil pick-up,
- MSC Cross Pin Diff.
- 3.76 : 1 Final Drive
Wheels & Suspension:
- Original Californian 13” x 5.5” Sunrasia Rims.
- New front hubs with Timkin Bearings
- Rebuilt rear hubs with Timkin Bearings
- New suspension cones, adjustable suspension (front and rear)
- New CV joints
- New shock absorbers (front and rear)
- New front vented discs, 4-pot calipers and pads (front)
- New drums, shoes, cylinders/springs (rear)
- New ball joints
- New steering tie-rod ends
- Fully rebuild Australian Steering rack (same as Mini MKI)
- All new suspension bushings and bearings
- New brake master cylinder
- All new brake lines in Cupro-Nickle. All new fittings
Electrical:
- New wiring throughout with all connections soldered and crimped.
- Additional fuses and relays added
- New H4 Headlights
Interior:
- NA Mazda Miata seats
- Seat frames narrowed by 1”
- Original foam modified , resurfaced, seat heaters installed and reupholstered black leather.
- Custom fold-down dash with twin fuel gauge, RPM,
- Speedo with integrated AFR gauge, oil pressure, and water temperature.
- Warning light surrounds 3D printed to match original Australian Moke design.
- New seatbelts