Austin/Morris Mini - anyone clued up?

[domino]

Hi all,

I've come out of the Range Rover forum in the hope one of you guys might be clued up on these older classics.

I've come across one for sale, not too far from me, for a pretty decent price. The styling makes it look to me as though it may be an early cooper though I understand that could have been added later. It looks to be in good nick (glancing through the fence at it) but I want to be more informed before I approach the owner and ask about it. I've tried to check the reg on those HPI and Text Check services but it doesn't appear to be recognised. Even the DVLA tax check says the reg isn't known. It has an older style 'ABC 123Z' plate, like the Irish system.

Anyway. Can anyone give advice on what to look for, what the pitfalls are and how to categorically identify the model of car should I go speak to the owner?

Thanks

 

[fanatic]

rust sills inner and outer, arches and up round dash
rust rear sub frame

 

[nathanglasgow]

And don't forget the rusty A panels and windscreen scuttle corners,floor pans infact just about everywhere!

 

[Datatek]

And don't forget the rusty A panels and windscreen scuttle corners,floor pans infact just about everywhere!

Wot he said ^^^^^^^

 

[domino]

I'm not *too* concerned about the rusty bits as that's something I'll definitely look in to. Depending on how much there is, the repairs can be done.

I'm more concerned about correct identification of the car to confirm exactly what it is, I guess?

 

[fanatic]

chassis and engine no, a five year old can clone

 

[domino]

Where are they physically located?

 

[crashbox]

If the DVLA does not recognise the registration number it may have been 'lost' when DVLA went computerised, I think about 1984. If you have the reg' document then send this to DVLA, along with a photo of the car and verification from an owners club that the car exists and they will allow you to keep the number but it will be stuck on the car, ie. 'non transferable'. It sounds like its a barn find which lost its number. The number may have been sold or transferred to another car so you would be issued with an age related plate, also non transferable.

 

[fanatic]

front slam panel
nsf wing by rad cooling grill

engine front top of block

Mini Identification: Identifying Minis by Engine/Power Unit


Mini Chassis/VIN and Commission Numbers, Part I (Revised)

 

[crashbox]

And I live about 50 miles from Edinburgh, I can chum you along if you want. The engine number will be on a plate on the block, just below the cylinder head line. There should be a riveted plate on the bulkhead or front crossmember above the grille. There is a garage just outside Longniddry, East Lothian that specialises in minis.

 

[crashbox]

front slam panel
nsf wing by rad cooling grill

engine front top of block

Mini Identification: Identifying Minis by Engine/Power Unit


Mini Chassis/VIN and Commission Numbers, Part I (Revised)

Wot ^^^ said.

 

[domino]

And I live about 50 miles from Edinburgh, I can chum you along if you want. The engine number will be on a plate on the block, just below the cylinder head line. There should be a riveted plate on the bulkhead or front crossmember above the grille. There is a garage just outside Longniddry, East Lothian that specialises in minis.

Hey

I think I know which one you mean - I'm out that way quite a lot. In fact, the car I'm looking at is closer to them than I am.

I was hoping to go along today and knock on the guys door but with the weather being as ****e as it is, don't really fancy it!

 

[crashbox]

Hey

I think I know which one you mean - I'm out that way quite a lot. In fact, the car I'm looking at is closer to them than I am.

I was hoping to go along today and knock on the guys door but with the weather being as ****e as it is, don't really fancy it!

That's the best time to go, he will not have many folk knocking his door in this weather and it will show up any leaks.

 

[brian47]

Everything they've said already plus badly done, bodged modifications.

 

[The V8 man]

I am restoring a flame red checkmate at the moment, all the panels for repairs are available but expect about twice as much work as you think as removing panels always reveals more rust, but prices are rising quickly so they are well worth the effort especially if its a rare one, let us know what happens

 

[domino]

its sitting on grass - not so keen to be rolling around in it in this weather especially as I'd be wanting to look underneath!

 

[domino]

The V8 Man - that's the thing. This one's priced very keen and from my very limited knowledge, it appears to be an early cooper. I couldn't get a proper look as its in the guys garden...but if it is, would surely be an appreciating classic!

 

[domino]

I'm on my phone just now - let's see if that upload works?

 

[markSX]

T plate is 1979, they had dropped the cooper and introduced the 1275GT by then.

The wide arches were standard 1275GT, but many standard cars had them added.

As it's sat on grass there's a very good chance the floor will have rotted out, together with the rest of the underside.
All panels are available but cost start to rise quickly.

At this age they were badged as BL, Austin and Morris were long gone.

 

[fanatic]

I resurrected a mini as my brothers first car, smashed it and smashed it 26 hours later after fixed-I gave up