5 replies to this topic

[parvitas]

I am in the US, new to the forum and I am having my 1966 Morris Mini Cooper S restored. My restorer bought all the books but he can not find the answer to the following and I am hoping someone can help.

The car has a skid plate, (I believe over in the UK you call it a “sump guard”.) We are trying to determine if this was original to the car. If it was what colour should it be? If it is not original, is it something that should be there if I intend to use the car. My research on the net seams to indicate that the plate covers a vulnerable area on the car where contact with a foreign object may cause considerable damage to the suspension. Can any one help me out or recommend someone I can get in touch with?

[dklawson]

Hello. I'm "over here" also. My car is a '64-S.

The sump guard was not a stock factory item sold on the cars. It was fitted primarily for ralley use (off road and rough road). I have one too... in the attic. The sump guard will make it more difficult to access the bottom of the transmission casing. If you lived "down here" I'd also caution you that it reduces air flow over the transmission casing fins... reducing cooling. If you're going to be going off road or ralley racing your Mini it's a good thing but it really doesn't add a lot to street cars. If you are used to parking on top of the concrete bars at the front of parking spaces I guess it could help protect the sump. However, I find with the Mini (since it's so short) I'm parking WAY back in parking spaces so people don't try and park their SUVs on top of my car. This keeps me away from the concrete bars.

Where in/near NY are you? I used to live in Troy (near Albany). In NY state you've got Mini City for parts but watch out for their prices. You've also got Mike Ehrlich down in Long Island who can get you used parts when you need them.

[Jordie]

if its on, keep it! it will only help protect the car if u ever go off the road in an accident or up a steep kerb side etc.

For the sake of a piece of metal, it will save u alot of time and money if u ever did come in that situation.

[Al*]

yes that's true Jordie but i believe he is restoring it to original.

as far as the sump guard goes DKLAWSON basically covered my thoughts on it....personally though here in canada(Alberta) the speed bumps are huge so i'm gonna put one on........evenyually.

Al

[parvitas]

:grin:
Thank you for all the help. Off with the sump guard and no off-road adventures.

[siggy]

Is it a sold plate or strips of steel?

Siggy