Hi I am in the process of restoring my 1970 S.

The rear parcel shelf has had a poorly cut hole in the centre i assume for a speaker.

I have a Mk1 shell with no speaker hole as shown in photos. And an 850 body that has the left speaker hole also. My Mk2 is the one coated in primer. Their is a 2-3 inch hole in centre of parcel shelf of the 850 and Mk1 Cooper. So I assume that the Mk2 had this also. Not sure what purpose it served.

I plan to cut and just replace the centre of the original shelf. Any clues before I weld a new section in?

Thanks Richard





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This post shows the engineering drawing for the rear parcel shelf.

viewtopic.php?f=3&t=95872&p=1024733#p1024733

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ex-NSW Police 1970 MK II Cooper S
VMCI #43

The is my 08/70 Mk2 rear parcel shelf. LH speaker hole is factory; RH is my addition. Same as your 2nd photo.

Mk1 didn't have any speaker cutouts - just the small off-centre hole, as in your 1st photo.
See also:
viewtopic.php?f=2&t=88462&hilit=rear+parcel+shelf

The homemade hole in your Mk2 might be the result of another owner wanting a second speaker hole but to locate the RH speaker symetrically to the LH one, either the rear window and/or the RH fuel tank needs removal for good access.

Thanks guys. Mine doesn’t have the stiffener fitted so body pre that addition.

Bill is your cooper still as photo shows or have you finished the resto?

I’m panel work stage at the moment. Engine machining all done ready for reassemble.


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That photo was taken yesterday, so a work in progress. Boot, interior, underside, rear and turret in primer; about to prime front section.
Colour coats a way off yet.

My 03/70 Mk2 S has no speaker holes. Was the LHS factory hole an option? or did some/not all get them ?

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1970 Mk2 Cooper S under restoration

A good question. Have a look at

viewtopic.php?f=2&t=88462&hilit=rear+parcel+shelf

In this topic, another 3/70 Mk2 S does not have any speaker hole. Something happen in March 1970?
But my mid-'69 K (9 months earlier assembly) does have the speaker hole. We ordered a dealer fitted Astor Diamond Dot Push Button AM radio for it, so the speaker hole was used. A 2nd speaker hole wasn't needed until stereo, cassettes and FM became standard.
Maybe the factory found a stash of earlier panels and had to use them. I know the factory wasn't really that disorganised but...... or perhaps some Special Production Order didn't need a radio speaker.

Thanks Bill for posting that link, its as clear as mud. Another anomaly. My previous 11/69 mk2 S didn't have one either, until I put two holes for speakers in it - late 70's. I know better now.

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1970 Mk2 Cooper S under restoration

Yes. "Clear as mud", as you say.
There are some who keep detailed records and may have insight here.

I wouldn't get too upset about modifying an old mini in years gone. They were a 'cheap and cheerful' car in their day, not intended to last as long as they have, nor become so expensive.

From some of your other posts you have an increasing interest in identifying and preserving originality so that there is a record of what these cars should be. I think a lot of people also try to do the same. Live with uncertainty.

Here is my early 1969 Mk2 parcel shelf.

Just to follow on from my earlier post, 3/70 Mk2 S parcel shelf.

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1970 Mk2 Cooper S under restoration