15 replies to this topic

[BJDavis]

Background: Paddy's shell is from a 1998 Rover Mini. He came to America from Canada with a VIN that's from a 1973 Mini 1000. I have two related questions as I'm trying to identify his color. I have a number plate on the brace above the grill just above and in front of the alternator (see picture)  Grill ID Location.JPG   307.07K   16 downloads The number on the plate is: 2 B208 062146A.  Grill ID.JPG   291.12K   17 downloads Does this ID plate have ANYTHING to do with the color of the body? Here's an exterior shot of Paddy to give you paint experts a better idea of the body color  Grill - Body Color.JPG   314.66K   12 downloads Since the VIN and Body Shell have no direct heritage connection, is there anywhere else I should be looking for a Color Code ID on a 1998 shell? THANKS [Edit] Removed VIN

Edited by BJDavis, 27 March 2013 - 04:21 PM.

[BJDavis]

*Bump* Wow, it looks like I've stumped the forum! Let me ask THIS! Do all late model Rover Mini's have this plate on the grill cross-member support? Is this just a Canadian (export) thing? THANKS

[Naughty 40]

I would take a guess that most of the original plates and body numbers were taken off the car so that it could be imported ,due to the 25year old rule

[A-Cell]

Not stumped just not telling. The car is being used illegally.

[minidaves]

98 shell really, been modified alot if it is

[sport2000]

Not stumped just not telling. The car is being used illegally.

Good point !!



Maybe the vin is still stamped into the scuttle from the 1998 Shell

[BJDavis]

A-Cell: What!? Are you calling Paddy an "Illegal immigrant"? You'll hurt his feelings (sniff sniff) Minidaves: Yes, the shell has had a significant amount of work - Mk 1 taillight conversion, original Mk 1 boot, replaced bonnet and doors, etc. Thanks to all that responded. However, all the side issues apart, I'm still trying to figure out what the ID plate (pictured above) is that is on the structural crossmember in front of the alternator and above the grill? Question 1: Do any other TMF members have a similar plate on their Mini? Question 2: Do the numbers have any relationship to body color? Question 3: Is this possibly only on exported Minis? THANKS!

Edited by BJDavis, 27 March 2013 - 01:57 PM.

[Old Bob]

Can't help with the id plate but the paint looks very much like Tartan Red and Old English White which were early factory colours for the works rally cars.

Bob

[jaydee]

Thats an export id plate, your car is made for the EU market or something similar, then..erm..they swapped the vin for a tax exempt one.
Also, i'd be tempted to check your vin number with the one you have stamped on the gutter of the scuttle panel just between the two wipers.

And please remove your vin number from a public forum.

Edited by jaydee, 27 March 2013 - 02:29 PM.

[BJDavis]

Thats an export id plate, your car is made for the EU market or something similar, then..erm..they swapped the vin for a tax exempt one.
Also, i'd be tempted to check your vin number with the one you have stamped on the gutter of the scuttle panel just between the two wipers.

And please remove your vin number from a public forum.

Jaydee - THANKS! I believe that solves my "mystery" ID plate issue! Also thanks for the advice on removing the VIN from my original post (done). I'll check matching (or mismatching) numbers on the scuttle. Old Bob - Thanks for your best guess on the color. The top does have that Old English White look to it. It became more apparent when I took some pictures of Paddy in the snowthe other day.

Edited by BJDavis, 27 March 2013 - 04:44 PM.

[sport2000]

Thats an export id plate, your car is made for the EU market or something similar, then..erm..they swapped the vin for a tax exempt one.
Also, i'd be tempted to check your vin number with the one you have stamped on the gutter of the scuttle panel just between the two wipers.

And please remove your vin number from a public forum.

How can you tell from the the front panel ID plate that its an export model?
Do you know how to decipher the plates?

All the best

[A-Cell]

A-Cell: What!? Are you calling Paddy an "Illegal immigrant"? You'll hurt his feelings (sniff sniff) Minidaves: Yes, the shell has had a significant amount of work - Mk 1 taillight conversion, original Mk 1 boot, replaced bonnet and doors, etc. Thanks to all that responded. However, all the side issues apart, I'm still trying to figure out what the ID plate (pictured above) is that is on the structural crossmember in front of the alternator and above the grill? Question 1: Do any other TMF members have a similar plate on their Mini? Question 2: Do the numbers have any relationship to body color? Question 3: Is this possibly only on exported Minis? THANKS!

Yes. In my opinion and by your own admission you are deliberately and knowingly breaking US FMVSS regulations. You are disguising the true identity and age of the car - that is illegal.
In addition the car was also not legal in Canada for the same reason.
What was the origin of the car? Was it bought legitimately from Europe, I.e. did the seller own it?

[BJDavis]

[Snipped] A-Cell: What!? Are you calling Paddy an "Illegal immigrant"? You'll hurt his feelings (sniff sniff)


Yes. In my opinion and by your own admission you are deliberately and knowingly breaking US FMVSS regulations. You are disguising the true identity and age of the car - that is illegal.
In addition the car was also not legal in Canada for the same reason. What was the origin of the car? Was it bought legitimately from Europe, I.e. did the seller own it? A-Cell - This discussion is probably beyond the scope of this particular thread but let me add . . . No one has tried to disguise the "true identity and age of the car". I traced its heritage back 3 owners and to the "builder" (Dyrk Bolger) and it has always been described as a "built up" Mini. Did the seller own it? The last three owners (before me) certainly owned it. Is there a 1973 Mini 1000 in there? How much? It's hard to tell. This particular Mini has had virtually every piece replaced or restored (crate engine, body, brakes, suspension, etc. etc.). Now, if I were trying to pass this car off as a 1966 Mini Cooper S . . . THAT would be fraud and illegal.

[sport2000]

Now, if I were trying to pass this car off as a 1966 Mini Cooper S . . . THAT would be fraud and illegal.




Well any mini being passed off as not what it really is... that is illegal, doesn't have to be a 1966 Cooper S to be fraud and illegal..

Just my opinion though...

[jaydee]

How can you tell from the the front panel ID plate that its an export model?
Do you know how to decipher the plates?

All the best

I have no idea all i know is that plates were fitted to export models for homologation especially in the 70ies when there was no ID stamped in the scuttle gutter