24 replies to this topic

[mab01uk]

As a further clue, does the Mini have rear seat belts (3-point or 2-point lap) that look like the standard factory fitted?

 

I don't think a '78 Mini would have the rear belt mounts? (Unless owner fitted later) Can someone confirm??

 

If your Mini shell is post-1980 it will have the lower 2 Point Rear Seat Belt mounts visible low down on the rear seat bulkhead, you will be able to see the factory welded threaded plates for them from inside the boot. From the mid-1980's there is also a top mount each side of the rear window but this is hidden by the headlining when 3-point belts are not fitted.

See photo here for mounts:-

http://www.theminifo...ounting-points/

[Black.Ghost]

I can't put my finger on why, but i don't believe that is a mid 90s car, and certainly not a min 90s Cooper. I know it is possible to change almost anything, but the Coopers had a 3 clock dash, and there are very few people who have gone from 3 to 2 clock dash; many might switch to central etc, but not back to mid 80s styling. 

 

On top of that there is the carb, brake cylinder etc. If you were trying to go back and change to carbs etc. the engine bays generally look somewhat tidier/neater. The grill, although very easily changed, is also not a Cooper one. 

 

I couldn't stake my house on it being a 78 car, but I am certain it's not a 90s Cooper. Given that other than selling on a stolen, there is no benefit to putting the 78 plate on a 80s car. I'd be inclined to believe it's accurate. The brakes might be a good indicator. Most people tend to go for 7.5 brakes on a car of that age, rather than a whole 84-on set-up (8.4 inch), although again that in itself isn't conclusive either way as it could be easy to do in the event of a full rebuild.

[Rich_M]

Thanks for the input guys, I will look at the rear seat belt fixing points today and let you know.

[Rich_M]

Update,

Right i've had a looky round in the back of the mini..... don't think anything helped as there are no fixing welded anywhere. there are holes for fixing but no welded nuts ect. please see pictures below.

 

 

 

 

 

Any more clues???

 

As for the indicators I remember them not working a while back when he first got it and it was all replaced with new wiring

[mab01uk]

If their are no factory threaded welded in plates for seat belt mountings as in your photos then you have a 1978 shell.....and as some of us said previously no need to worry. Unfortunately many people jump to conclusions about 'updated' modified Mini's without checking all the evidence carefully first......

 

Your Mini was also originally Russet Brown before it was red which was a standard 1978 colour for a T Reg Mini!

Edited by mab01uk, 18 October 2015 - 07:15 PM.

[CityEPete]

You cant get much more 70s than russet brown!

[mab01uk]

If you want a TMF valuation try here and mention its history is now confirmed:-

http://www.theminifo...aluations-area/

[Rich_M]

Well good news then.

thanks a lot for helping me out on this post....much appreciated.

Thank you TMF

[spiguy]

Ha ha.. As soon as I saw the brown it was a done deal for me... "Ah, yup that's a 70's mini!"

[Shifty]

Yup, I'll close this now as It really needs to be in the correct section(which needs 150 posts or TMF+ membership)