10 replies to this topic

[Mr.tross]

How do I tell the difference in front panels between the early and late ones?

[rally515]

I know the mpi minis & coopers had a cut out for the oil cooler.

[sonikk4]

Upto 76 they were solidly mounted at the front.

[scott_65_cooper_s]

Really early ones (pre 64 ish) didn't have the cutouts at the bottom corners. Instead a long sweeping curve all the way round the bottom.

[blackbelt1990]

Really early ones (pre 64 ish) didn't have the cutouts at the bottom corners. Instead a long sweeping curve all the way round the bottom.

That's on valances. ;)

[scott_65_cooper_s]

Or front panels, depending on your terminology

http://www.somerford...&products_id=90

[mk=john]

The very early minis, up to 1963, didnt have the notches cut out on the corners. It was only later on, that they were added to aid brake cooling.

But how much it helps for a road car is questionable!

Edited by mk=john, 08 March 2013 - 10:13 PM.

[tiger99]

I think that on the early drum brakes, every little bit helped!

[blackbelt1990]

Or front panels, depending on your terminology

http://www.somerford...&products_id=90

Yepp, just didnt know how much the OP knew

[dklawson]

Around 1966 they added not only the corner cutouts but they changed the slam panel brace to "diagonal" to allow use of the horizontal oil cooler. Prior to that the front panels had a vertical brace near the center. When an oil cooler was fitted it was vertical and mounted below the dynamo.

[Mr.tross]

Cheers for the replies