Mk1 Options

first off Ooops... what have i done

that said I shall now carry on...

I've been away from the mini scene for a while having got into rather larger and complex vehicles but I just got my hands on a 1964 Mk1 cooper now I've got a major problem, I very definately need to get myself a proper mk1 shell

where can I lay my hands on one and how much would I be looking at. I was told that BMH were making them along with the pickups etc these days but I've seen no sign of them on the web.

someone please help

BMH are not producing shells prior to the MK4

And no they are not doing Pickups or Vans either... More the pitty...

The onlt way you can legitmately keep the car ( and it's identity more importantly ) on the road is either by reshelling it new MK4 shell from Heritage or by repairing the original shell...

Retention of the original identity of a vehicle is all based on a points system, if enough of the original car is reused ( which must include the shell or a BRAND NEW shell ) then the original identity is retained...

There's an FAQ which details it firther.. Clicky link

Edited by GuessWorks, 27 December 2005 - 10:36 PM.

Opps.. by the way... welcome and enjoy....

Yeah thanks I was already pretty clued up on the points system from my Land Rovers. seen a few mates fall foul of it because of previous owners.

hence persuing the new shells route.

Leaves me with basically two options then Mk4 shell or scrap, as there is literally NO shell only subframes and engine/box and a few assorted bits and bobs

You'll be surprised what you can ressurect

when i say no shell i mean it didnt come with one.

a friend just said want a 64 mini, the answer was ok and i took what i was in his garage

ah... so box of bits time..

hi, this has nothing to do with the thread but mk1monster, you sig made me giggle.

So you have no Mk1 shell? Without that do you really own a car (for registration purposes)? How about sourcing a regular Mk1 shell complete with registration and adding the Cooper bits to it. You'd obviously have to inform your insurance company and I don't think you could register it as a Cooper, but you'd have the same result when you drive it wouldn't you? Your vehicle laws are quite different than ours so forgive me if I'm suggesting anything that is frowned upon over there.

there is one on ebay its red dont know the link sorry its an 850 i think

what about a mk4 shell and converting it to mk 1. only major prob is the rear window

Mk4 to Mk1... rear window.... and doors, and boot lid, and inner wings, and subframe mounts and rear lights, and.... the list goes on.

I guess it's a question of what you want to do. If you want to use Mk1 bits and call it a Mk1 you need a Mk1 shell and the interior to go with it.

by the way, that rear window thing is a major decision. Mk1 rear glass is NLA and the body opening is narrower on Mk1s.

thanks for your help guys, I'm not planning on having a totally 150% original Mk1 anyway. (i mean just look at my avatar and you see what i mean)

Seeing as apparently Mk1 stuff is harder to find, (there was no glass with it either) So perhaps Mk4 shell with mk1 rear lights and a Mk1 style removable front (i suffer from bighanditis and as such suffer badly trying to work in the nether regions of the engine bay) I think even the external hinges could be done with a lot of effort mind you

it could be a option :erm: bit of a tough one to crack.

Thanks for your help once again, Adam. thanks im flattered :grin:

Those external hinges would be totally non-functional and cosmetic doo-dads on a later shell. I've heard that some of the Japanese Mini enthusiasts have done that conversion but I've never seen pictures of it. There really is no good or safe way to put functional Mk1/2 external hinges on a later shell. The A-panels won't support it and I doubt the door itself would either... not to mention that a NEW set of Mk1/2 hinges goes for around $200 over here (obviously less expensive for you).

Were it me, I'd be looking for a late Mk2 shell, hopefully one that's converted to a dry suspension. Put all the Mk1 trim on it, install the rear light adapter panels and you've got a very original looking conversion. That said... it would be nice to have a shell that uses the roll up windows. Sliders are neat but the ventilation in early cars is minimal and your comfort level is higher in the later models.

in the january copy of mini magazine there is a bit about puting external hinges on a wined up windowed car :wink:

not much use to you lot in U.S though