34 replies to this topic

[Medusa]

Just picked up 1973 Mini Cooper. Had three in the past. Glad to be new member.

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Edited by Medusa, 15 May 2025 - 09:24 PM.

[beardylondon]

Hi Medusa, welcome!

There wasn’t a 1973 Mini Cooper, as production of all Cooper models ceased in 1971 and started again in 1990.

Post some pics and we will help you identify the model of your Mini.

You can upload here and post links to the pics:

https://imgbb.com/

Edited by beardylondon, 09 May 2025 - 07:35 PM.

[Medusa]

I might be opening a can of worms here, if DMV people read this forum, so be it, I'll deal with it, just want to know what I'm driving.

[beardylondon]

By those 2 photos looks like a 1996 - 2000 Cooper, BUT please post pics of engine bay and interior, as it could be an earlier car, with a new paint job.

I might be opening a can of worms here, if DMV people read this forum, so be it, I'll deal with it, just want to know what I'm driving.

[beardylondon]

Thanks for the photos.

My basic observations are:

Engine and running gear look like 1990 Mainstream Cooper.
The door cards, steering wheel, clocks are from that era for instance.

So possibly that’s the base car, with 1996 onwards sport pack arches added.

The shell could be 1973, with later running gear, someone with more knowledge than me will be able to identify that.

Is there a VIN stamped in the top rail here:

Edited by beardylondon, 16 May 2025 - 08:49 AM.

[Medusa]

No vin stamped where you indicate. (No VIN stamp anywhere I can find.)

Paper work VIN has only eleven (11) numbers not customary seventeen.

Thanks for your observations.

[beardylondon]

Just to confirm I mean stamped inside the rain channel, also could be opposite side on LHD vehicle, unsure.

Example here:



Mini shells pre 1986 (someone correct me?) did not have any stamped in VIN number, only the VIN plate as yours has on the slam panel.

Also older VIN numbers for minis were not 17 digits, see here:

https://www.theminif...21-vin-numbers/

Edited by beardylondon, 16 May 2025 - 04:43 PM.

[Medusa]

Dang, rubber gasket glued in channel,

[imack]

Just looking at the roof gutter shows it's not a 1970's shell.
Can you lift the front carpets get a photo of floor/toe board area? The position of the subframe bolts will show whether it has single or twin bolt front subframe.
Looks nothing older than a late 80's shell to me.

[mab01uk]

Dang, rubber gasket glued in channel,

 

If the original number is still there it will be under the glued in rubber gasket (on the brake servo side). However the number was only stamped in the channel from around 1980 onwards or could be missing if the windscreen scuttle panel has been replaced.

 

As you probably know many later Minis were imported into the USA on older Mini registration documents to allow import as an older classic car over 25 years old, often known as a 'Re-VIN'.

 

This video below showing the sad destruction of a late Mini was posted by US Border Control a few years back to discourage the importation of later Minis and Land Rovers, etc.

 

Edited by mab01uk, 16 May 2025 - 04:13 PM.

[Blumeanie]

 

Dang, rubber gasket glued in channel,

 

If the original number is still there it will be under the glued in rubber gasket (on the brake servo side). However the number was only stamped in the channel from around 1980 onwards or could be missing if the windscreen scuttle panel has been replaced.

 

As you probably know many later Minis were imported into the USA on older Mini registration documents to allow import as an older classic car over 25 years old, often known as a 'Re-VIN'.

 

This video below showing the sad destruction of a late Mini was posted by US Border Control a few years back to discourage the importation of later Minis and Land Rovers, etc.

 

 

That is just cruel!

 

@MEDUSA - I've sent a message to your inbox

Edited by Blumeanie, 16 May 2025 - 05:57 PM.

[Medusa]

Where do I find my inbox?

Found itl

Edited by Medusa, 16 May 2025 - 11:34 PM.

[Medusa]

What gas and oil are you guys putting into these 1275 engines? Premium gas and 10-40 synthetic oil?
PO is not helpful.

Edited by Medusa, 17 May 2025 - 06:28 PM.

[imack]

Millers oil is my go to choice.
In the UK I use super unleaded 99 octane millers especially or astrology valvemaster plus fuel additive for added octane and lead substance as I don't have hardened valve seats.

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Edited by imack, 17 May 2025 - 06:47 PM.

[Medusa]

Thank you