Easy to cut out the one piece front panel with integral grille and screw in a moustache and grill...
Someone's gotta look at the gutters!
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| Identification and advice https://www.ausmini.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=96619 |
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| Author: | Humphrey78 [ Fri Jan 12, 2018 1:07 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Identification and advice |
I am currently trying to buy a Minimatic found in a blokes shed, it has been sitting for around 25 years but had a respray not long before parking it. He is a retired mechanic and had rebuilt the engine and gearbox also around 25 years ago that hasn't ever been fitted back on the car. I only had time for a very quick look (unfortunately no pictures) but couldn't see or feel bad rust, the interior is like a tomb and was original and looked great including the original vinyl floor and a funky looking heater. It was painted bright yellow which I don't think is original but looks pretty cool. The main question is how do the automatics drive and are they fairly reliable? Given it was over 20 years since the engine was rebuilt would seals and gaskets still need to be replaced? I now wish I had spent more time looking over it and taking pictures... Part 2 is there was also a smooth roof van rotting away, I couldn't open the bonnet as it was stuck so would like some help identifying it. I'm thinking it's an early British van? It was sitting on the ground so the floors would be cactus, is it worth salvaging? I love the roof racks! |
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| Author: | Fallingbrick [ Fri Jan 12, 2018 1:25 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Identification and advice |
I love the roof racks too; although if they're actually rowlocks... |
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| Author: | timmy201 [ Fri Jan 12, 2018 1:38 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Identification and advice |
What makes you think it's a UK built van? They normally have the metal one-piece front end without the detachable grille and have different drain holes on the gutter |
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| Author: | Humphrey78 [ Fri Jan 12, 2018 2:05 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Identification and advice |
timmy201 wrote: What makes you think it's a UK built van? They normally have the metal one-piece front end without the detachable grille and have different drain holes on the gutter It was only that it seemed like a pretty early van and the wipers were facing the opposite way to my van, given we started producing mini's in the early 60's it is more likely Australian built. I am fairly new to the mini scene so am learning as I go. Cheers |
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| Author: | 9YaTaH [ Fri Jan 12, 2018 2:23 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Identification and advice |
Looks like an early English smooth roof, sliding windows, van with added rear windows and rollicks to me... |
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| Author: | drmini in aust [ Fri Jan 12, 2018 2:45 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Identification and advice |
Looks like an early Oz van to me. With windows added. As said above most all UK vans had the one piece front panel with integral grille. It doesn't look like a traveller. |
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| Author: | timmy201 [ Fri Jan 12, 2018 2:45 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Identification and advice |
The vans were assembled in Australia from 1964. They had sliding windows, smooth roof, Australian assembled 8Y engine, driver's side park wipers, standard passenger windscreen visor, separate 850 style grille etc. Many of these features changed during production This is an early smooth roof van my grandfather worked on viewtopic.php?f=2&t=93048 |
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| Author: | 9YaTaH [ Fri Jan 12, 2018 2:53 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Identification and advice |
Easy to cut out the one piece front panel with integral grille and screw in a moustache and grill... Someone's gotta look at the gutters!
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| Author: | Scoop [ Fri Jan 12, 2018 4:40 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Identification and advice |
Sliding window smooth roof vans in oz were up to early 1965, only about 7 or 8 months of production and then they got wind up windows with the introduction of those. Definitely worth saving. |
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| Author: | peterb [ Fri Jan 12, 2018 6:13 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Identification and advice |
maybe the rollicks are left over from when it was rowed out from the UK. |
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| Author: | Humphrey78 [ Fri Jan 12, 2018 8:25 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Identification and advice |
Not a traveller otherwise it wouldn't be still sitting in the paddock. When I am back in the country hopefully picking up the minimatic I will prize the bonnet open and try and get some more information. Not a project for me but would be happy to get more information for some one handy with a welder. Thanks for your comments. |
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| Author: | 9YaTaH [ Sun Jan 14, 2018 8:04 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Identification and advice |
Humphrey78 wrote: When I am back in the country hopefully picking up the minimatic I will prize the bonnet open and try and get some more information. Take some WD40 with you  
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| Author: | Humphrey78 [ Mon Jan 15, 2018 10:24 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Identification and advice |
9YaTaH wrote: Humphrey78 wrote: When I am back in the country hopefully picking up the minimatic I will prize the bonnet open and try and get some more information. Take some WD40 with you WD40 will definitely be packed and a strong resolve.. I ended up getting a price for the MiniMatic but will go and inspect it again more thoroughly before pulling the trigger and also check out the engine. I found another photo of the Van which I now hope to get thrown in on the deal which I am fairly confident will happen. |
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| Author: | winabbey [ Mon Jan 15, 2018 10:29 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Identification and advice |
Worth getting the van just for the period door handle protector plates. |
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| Author: | deluxe67 [ Tue Jan 16, 2018 7:51 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Identification and advice |
If the van bonnet release is stuck/ seized, use a large screwdriver and give it a whack with a mallet. It should pop open... |
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