21 replies to this topic

[Jase]

I'd just buy a new BMH shell and re-shell properly. At least you will be able to retain more value in the car and it will be legitimate. Good luck.

[CityEPete]

I'd just buy a new BMH shell and re-shell properly. At least you will be able to retain more value in the car and it will be legitimate. Good luck.

I agree, done well it should be a valuable car.

I'm still struggling with the dates a bit, if it was taken off the road around 1978 how can it have an 1980s shell or do you mean the real car was taken off the road in 78? Then an 80s body fitted.

A heritage shell with your running gear and interior fitted will be nice, and legal, as much as I don't condone it much to the annoyance of some people here even I'd turn a blind eye to a donor shell of the correct age over a bodged 80s one.

[Peterbst]

Hi thanks to all have replied, plenty to think about.

Sorry if I didn’t make it clear, as far as I can from the paperwork, the original Cooper was taken off the road in 1978. At some time after that it was reshelled in to what I think is an 80s body. Considerable work was done to convert this to a Mk 1 spec. This must have been done in the late 80s or 90s. I will be checking to see if I can find a chassis number on the replacement shell.

Does any one think a rust free 80s body shell, that looks exactly like a Mk 1 shell, would be of interest to the racing faternaty

Cheers Pete

[mab01uk]

Does any one think a rust free 80s body shell, that looks exactly like a Mk 1 shell, would be of interest to the racing faternaty

Cheers Pete

 

Most racing formula don't specify what Mk of shell is used so no problem with say Mini 7 or Miglia, etc however the historic Mini classes would probably require a genuine Mk1 shell although they are I believe allowing the new Mk1 BMH shell to be used which has some later Mini panel pressings incorporated. The Mighty Mini formulas also require a later Rover Cooper shell. If you just put the shell on the market with a good description of mods and photos I am sure someone in the world of Mini competition will find a good use for it with or without a V5.

[Peterbst]

Hi Mab01, thanks for the info, Pete

[mab01uk]

There may also be potential buyers who would be willing to build a 'bitza' mk1 'lookalike' Mini for the road and then get it registered as a Q plate car.......that is assuming you can't find any VIN Number stamped into the shell. (Numbers were only stamped into the shells from around 1980 before that only the riveted on chassis plate had the number).

 

 

For reference purposes only -  just noticed there is a late Mini shell requiring work for sale on the Mk1 Forum:-

"1999 MPI shell complete with doors bonnet and boot. NO ID. Ideal for a motorsport project. Will require work to inner sills and outer sills. The heal boards plated on one side and holed on the other. Its had new genuine door skins, wings, and front panel fitted badly. ( pop riveted ) £500."

Edited by mab01uk, 17 December 2018 - 07:25 PM.

[Peterbst]

Thanks   Mab01, I'm away working at the moment, keen to get home to see if I can locate a chassis number! I understand I could go the Q plate route, but think in the long term I would regret it. I am selling the re-shelling option at home, as a good investment...getting some money back would help fund the re-spray. It would be a real shame to scrap this body shell, there can't be many untouched, rust free 80s shells around and the Mk1 conversions have been done professionally.

 

Thanks again for your comments, Pete