27 replies to this topic

[Mini_Magic]

Would I be wrong in thinking a MK1 front end is slightly smaller than say a MK3 onwards?

Yes you would be.

There were many changes over the years, but the shell itself didn't change in the 41 years of production. The biggest changes were the Clubman, the Traveller/Countyman, the Pickup and the Rover Cabriolet. One thing to note is that the Mk1 shell had a smaller rear windscreen and external door hinges. Most of the changes to later cars can be modified fairly easily, such as the lip on Mk2 onward bonnets and the larger gap for Mk2 onward rear lights.

[Q_M]

Ok then....what about a Morris Mini? (1975 for example).

[Ethel]

It's a 's a Paradox, Minis stayed in production, with only minor changes, longer than almost any other car. Yet there can't be any other car that's had so many different models or special editions. It's mostly down to marketing - with most of named models Rio, Sprite, Equinox etc having little more than different coloured paint and a few bits from the optional extras catalogue as standard.

[Ethel]

It's a 's a Paradox, Minis stayed in production, with only minor changes, longer than almost any other car. Yet there can't be any other car that's had so many different models or special editions. It's mostly down to marketing - with most of named models Rio, Sprite, Equinox etc having little more than different coloured paint and a few bits from the optional extras catalogue as standard.

Things were simple in the old days when and 850, 1000 or clubman badge on the boot actually meant something but the difference between an Austin or a Morris would be only the badges.

[Bean]

Click Me!

[landy andy]

Click Me!

thanks for that link. thats good info there!

[THE ANORAK]

Would I be wrong in thinking a MK1 front end is slightly smaller than say a MK3 onwards?

Yes you would be.

There were many changes over the years, but the shell itself didn't change in the 41 years of production. .

not actually true, the Mk3 shell was very different in detail to the Mk1 and Mk2, in fact the whole of the side panels were changed, the doors are different and the rear side window is different.

Click Me!

i wish that topic would be edited, the first post is so wrong.

take a look here.... click

and dont get confused by the manufactures name, its all the same company just the name changed. the city and mayfair are just different trim specs, the body is still the same. coopers are also much the same with only a few minor differences for different component fittings.

flames, red hots etc etc are limited editions, they are all based on the city or mayfair but just have "special paint and trim"

[mk1leg]

Mk1 shell external hinges, sliding front windows, dry suspension untill late 63 then went hydro, front grille and rear lights differ from mk11, shell different grille set up and rear lights and wet (Hydro) susp, Mk3, shell differs from previous mks new side panels and internal hinges, wind up windows and wet susp till 73-4 then dry susp,then very little bodyshell changed till 98 when mk5 with front rad was introduced with new front panel................

[THE ANORAK]

Mk1 shell external hinges, sliding front windows, dry suspension untill late 63 then went hydro, front grille and rear lights differ from mk11, shell different grille set up and rear lights and wet (Hydro) susp, Mk3, shell differs from previous mks new side panels and internal hinges, wind up windows and wet susp till 73-4 then dry susp,then very little bodyshell changed till 98 when mk5 with front rad was introduced with new front panel................

actually... front rad minis are Mk7


Mk 1: 1959 - 67,

Mk 2: 1967 - 69,

Mk 3: 1969 - 76,

Mk 4: 1976 - 1984,

Mk 5: 1984 - 92,

Mk 6: 1991 - 96,

Mk 7: 1996 - 2000,

[Q_M]

Mk1 shell external hinges, sliding front windows, dry suspension untill late 63 then went hydro, front grille and rear lights differ from mk11, shell different grille set up and rear lights and wet (Hydro) susp, Mk3, shell differs from previous mks new side panels and internal hinges, wind up windows and wet susp till 73-4 then dry susp,then very little bodyshell changed till 98 when mk5 with front rad was introduced with new front panel................

actually... front rad minis are Mk7


Mk 1: 1959 - 67,

Mk 2: 1967 - 69,

Mk 3: 1969 - 76,

Mk 4: 1976 - 1984,

Mk 5: 1984 - 92,

Mk 6: 1991 - 96,

Mk 7: 1996 - 2000,

So....would I be right in thinking....(prepares to be slapped)....that the Mk4, 5, 6 and 7 bodies are identical? And its just the interior/colour thats different? Annnnnnnnd if I bought a Morris Mini shell I'd be able to put Rover Mini parts on it? Like the panels/new suspension etc?

[THE ANORAK]

almost identical !!!!

you will find that there are a few holes in different places, new brackets here and there etc and Mk7 are the most different.

to be honest you would be better off worrying about getting a sold rust free mini.

there are very few parts that are hard to find, no matter what mini you have.

i would say go for anything mk5 onwards (1984 on), this way you will get the 12inch wheels and disc brake set up as standard, be be warned, minis rust from the inside out so take your time and find a clean one

[Q_M]

almost identical !!!!

you will find that there are a few holes in different places, new brackets here and there etc and Mk7 are the most different.

to be honest you would be better off worrying about getting a sold rust free mini.

there are very few parts that are hard to find, no matter what mini you have.

i would say go for anything mk5 onwards (1984 on), this way you will get the 12inch wheels and disc brake set up as standard, be be warned, minis rust from the inside out so take your time and find a clean one

Thanks mate. Yea I'm just after a bit of a shell really thats solid underneath. Most of its mechanics are going to get changed anyway, engine, gearbox, etc. Just didnt want to buy a car that looks like another Mini to me but dosnt have interchangeable parts.

I was looking at a 1989 Mayfair or something like that.

[flamejob]

I went for our current mini (Carb Sprite) for a few reasons:
No fuel injection nonsense
No Catalyst- MOT nightmares over due to emissions failures
Lovely factory fitted electric radiator fan

So basically it is the most 'modern' variant with a carb.