23 replies to this topic

[mk3 Cooper S]

lots of later parts on that car

[Cooperman]

It is quite funny really that in the late '60's and the '70's we used to put later parts on our early Minis to make them look newer. Typically Mk.2 rear lights on Mk.1's, later instrumentation, later grille, etc.

Now the trend is to try to make a later car look like a Mk.1. You can even add fake external hinges and sliding windows. 

[johnyj]

It is quite funny really that in the late '60's and the '70's we used to put later parts on our early Minis to make them look newer. Typically Mk.2 rear lights on Mk.1's, later instrumentation, later grille, etc.

Now the trend is to try to make a later car look like a Mk.1. You can even add fake external hinges and sliding windows. 

And into the 80's when i had them first that was what we tried to do to make them look more modern and now i would prefer the older look although i would be partial to a clubman i have to say.

 

lots of later parts on that car

Thats what i thought too which is what put me thinking because it seems like an awful lot of work for a nun to be doing to change the interior!

[nicklouse]

 

It is quite funny really that in the late '60's and the '70's we used to put later parts on our early Minis to make them look newer. Typically Mk.2 rear lights on Mk.1's, later instrumentation, later grille, etc.

Now the trend is to try to make a later car look like a Mk.1. You can even add fake external hinges and sliding windows. 

And into the 80's when i had them first that was what we tried to do to make them look more modern and now i would prefer the older look although i would be partial to a clubman i have to say.

 

lots of later parts on that car

Thats what i thought too which is what put me thinking because it seems like an awful lot of work for a nun to be doing to change the interior!

 

but at the same time there are a number of things that are right for the year that a "Nun" or even most people would not change such as the brake MC, hard to be definite but looks like a 76-80 one. then there are other things that you can look at if you go to see it. date stamp on some parts. date codes on the glass etc. it has definitely had additions to it but....

[Hedgey]

The grille and bonnet badge are also correct for '78. Obviously these could have been changed at some point

 

Elliott 

[Boycie]

Anything bolt on can be dismissed because, you know, you can just bolt it on!  But, for me, the windscreen washer bottle is in the later (1983ish?) position.  A 1978 car would have had it on the bulkhead, wiper motor side and the internal door grab is in the wrong position.  A 1978 car would still have the early horizontal/ swinging door handle.

Both of those changes are significant because they mean the doors are later and the engine bay wiring loom etc is also later to cater for the washer bottle swap.

 

But... it's a 40 (ish!) year old car.  Things are swapped/ modified/ upgraded over the years.  The problem is, all 1976 onwards cars have fixtures and fittings that can be quite easily chopped and changed.  If you view, make a note of the FE number spot welded on the inner wing behind the rad (if it's still there).  A 1978 car should have a number in the region of around 2200000.

 

More important on a mk4 Mini is condition of the 'shell.  IMO, it looks like a lovely car.

[CityEPete]

Yeah tricky one that, personally I'd get an unmessed with one from the mainland for less money or spend the same and get a better one.

[johnyj]

Anything bolt on can be dismissed because, you know, you can just bolt it on!  But, for me, the windscreen washer bottle is in the later (1983ish?) position.  A 1978 car would have had it on the bulkhead, wiper motor side and the internal door grab is in the wrong position.  A 1978 car would still have the early horizontal/ swinging door handle.

Both of those changes are significant because they mean the doors are later and the engine bay wiring loom etc is also later to cater for the washer bottle swap.

 

But... it's a 40 (ish!) year old car.  Things are swapped/ modified/ upgraded over the years.  The problem is, all 1976 onwards cars have fixtures and fittings that can be quite easily chopped and changed.  If you view, make a note of the FE number spot welded on the inner wing behind the rad (if it's still there).  A 1978 car should have a number in the region of around 2200000.

 

More important on a mk4 Mini is condition of the 'shell.  IMO, it looks like a lovely car.

I agree, changing the windscreen washer bottle from an early car to mimic a later car is hardly worth the hassle or expense and for what gain. The 1979 mini i have has the washer beside the wiper motor so ya it is hard to know. 

[johnyj]

Thanks all the input and advice, it was invaluable and i think i will leave it be. Thanks again.

 

John.