29 replies to this topic

[1968andyf]

Yes of course the 74 cars are rod change. Could the difference be between stocks at different factories as one had new parts before the other

[biff]

Re Rotodip holes in mark 3s:  is the bulkhead pressing the same in the later cars without a hole?  Ie did they just stop cutting a hole or did they redesign the bulkhead?  From the photos it looks the same design to me.  Also, what material is used to blank off the hole?  Is it card or steel?  Can't see that part sold by any of the usual suppliers.  

[imack]

I don't know if there are any other differences between rotodip and non rotodip rear bulkhead but the rotodip hole has one squared off corner. The covering panel is a textured cardboard/fibreboard type material painted body colour and secured with 4 plastic push fit clips.

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[roughneckin]

Hey Biff

My 72 that was exported to Canada has these brackets too. Not sure if that helps but possibly adds to the confusion.

Anyone, what are rotodip holes you keep talking about?

[biff]

Hi Roughneckin

 

Thanks, that's interesting.  What model is your 72 exactly?  So far seems to be clubmen that have these brackets.

 

The rotodip hole is the oval hole with one squared off corner in the rear bulkhead (also one in in the front bulkhead)  You can see it in the pictures of Imacks green car in this thread.  I think at the factory the shells were put on a spit and roll-dipped in a tank of anti rust  treatment (not that it worked that well!).  I believe these holes had gone by the time of the Mark IVs - not sure if they gave up with the anti-rust treatment or did it another way.  

[imack]

I think the rear bulkhead roto dip hole went with the introduction of the square tunnel rod change mk3'b' at the very end of 72.
My car was built in the last month of production of the round tunnel.

[Curley]

What year did the UK make seatbelts a requirements? I remember my dad's car only had belts in the front. Could this be an original Mk3 that's had an 'original' 90's kit fitted later on? 

[imack]

I think rear belts became mandatory in 1986

[biff]

All the minis with rear seat belts i have seen have the shoulder belt brackets attached to the B pillars, not the parcel shelf - which was what originally got my puzzled about the brackets fitted to my car.  I guess the parcel shelf brackets were for some shells destined for overseas markets

[roughneckin]

Hi Roughneckin

Thanks, that's interesting. What model is your 72 exactly? So far seems to be clubmen that have these brackets.

The rotodip hole is the oval hole with one squared off corner in the rear bulkhead (also one in in the front bulkhead) You can see it in the pictures of Imacks green car in this thread. I think at the factory the shells were put on a spit and roll-dipped in a tank of anti rust treatment (not that it worked that well!). I believe these holes had gone by the time of the Mark IVs - not sure if they gave up with the anti-rust treatment or did it another way.

Hey Biff

My model is somewhat hard to tell, most likely just a standard 998/1000 saloon but the VIN is hard to decipher but definitely not a clubman. I would think it had to do with increased safety standards in Canada but from what I understand in my research our government really didn’t ask for changes till the mid 70s so can’t see it being that, or they were just getting ahead of it. I can for sure say though that it wasn’t an add on by a previous owner cause I’m the first one to really do any sheet metal work besides a couple riveted in pieces to cover some holes so this came factory. I also have no B pillar holes for a different spot to attach the belts to if that helps. I’m more than likely not going to use them either as I don’t believe we had 3pt belts till much after this.
Thanks for the rotohole explanation. I appreciate it. I’ll attach some photos of my brackets and inside for comparison once on a laptop again.

[Curley]

All the minis with rear seat belts i have seen have the shoulder belt brackets attached to the B pillars, not the parcel shelf

 Do you mean the C pillar?

[biff]

 

All the minis with rear seat belts i have seen have the shoulder belt brackets attached to the B pillars, not the parcel shelf

 Do you mean the C pillar?

 

Yes sorry - the brackets are on the pillars between the back window and side windows (not the parcel shelf)  is what I meant, 

[Curley]

If you have the early style roof gutter, a twin bolt front subframe, round tunnel and your bulkhead is correct its likely the original Mk3. It's a lot of work to change the roof, bulkhead and floor from an early car onto a late car. Have you got a photo of the front lower valance?

 

You could try getting a heritage certificate, If you have the VIN and/or engine number it's possible that BMM may have the original build sheet (https://www.britishm...ge-certificates), however documentation for the Mk3 is incomplete.

 

Is it a Cooper S? Do you know if the 2nd tank is original or a repo? post pic of the tank if you're not sure. If you take the rear C pillar trim off can you see evidence of a new rear end? Is it only the inside of the boot that has been repainted? Is there any evidence inside the cabin to suggest the seat back has been replaced?

[62S]

It could well be a factory replacement bodyshell from the early 1970's. They had that type of rear seat belt fixings on cars for some export markets and as there was no knowing where a replacement bodyshell was destined for they covered all the bases when making them.

[roughneckin]

Pics as promised...

 

and inside

 

Don't worry about the floating steering wheel...hope this helps