Thanks.

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You're only supposed to blow the BLUDDY DOORS OFF!!

We have had our Mini K from brand new and it has a vertical brace,
think the build date from memory is 4th month 1970.

My MiniMatic went down the same production line on 3/70, it had the vertical brace until I modified it to fit a cooler.

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DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.

Mine is also 4/70.

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You're only supposed to blow the BLUDDY DOORS OFF!!

hmmm i dont know then, maybe some had them and some didnt, or maybe the ones that do have em have had the panel replaced.......

Wheres watto?

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As far as I am aware, only Cooper S's with front mounted Oil Coolers had the diagonal brace. All others had the straight vertical.

The diagonal one is available a spare part, so could have been retro-fitted or as others have said, front panel replacement.

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Why do all my threads turn into a production changes debate.

Don't take it personally - it's not just your threads.

Most of the records on production numbers and change points for the introduction of new features that were kept by BMC and BLMCA have been destroyed. Any that do exist are sometimes conflicting or are proven to be incorrect. Enthusiasts of Ford and Holden vehicles (and other marques) are very lucky compared to we Mini enthusiasts as they have reasonably accurate factory records to reference.

I have every Australian Mini factory parts book that was published and, whilst there are many references to parts change points the actual body number of the change is mostly not listed. Similarly I have most of the BMC Australia Technical Bulletins for the Mini and they list some change points but not all. So the only way to determine what actually occured on the production line is to discuss and debate it on forums like this one. It's far from ideal but better than nothing.

I'm waiting for someone to publish an accurate chronology of Australian Minis with references to the source of their information. This could be a 'stake in the ground' that further debate would start from. It could perhaps use a Wikipedia style format so others could update it as facts are verified.

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

because you ask interesting questions!

it sounds to me like you have the ideal starting point for your own dream mini - it's already been changed far enough away from original that no-one would blame you for doing whatever you want with it

I'd be setting it up like a Group Nb race car, ready for when I have the funds to race it

My dream mini is already well under way,
This was just meant to be a daily. Ill take out the rear tanks and check for spot welds instead of rivets and get some chemical paint stripper to see if that can unearth the elusive rad cowl number (again is the cowling number stamped on all minis?)

It really could go either way, sliding windows and 850 speedo but with twin tanks and oil cooler style strut.

Id hate to find out its a cooper shell and have modded it for daily comfort beyond recognition.

On the other hand wihtout matching engine numbers, whats the point?

I believe so, certainly on all Cooper S'



Cooper S' were the only ones with twin tanks, not non-S coopers. Also, post '65 S' were the only ones that had the slanted bonnet support.



if it turns out to be something special, surely daily comfort modifications are generally reversible...

Is the carpet out of it? A good way to tell is via the hole for the magic wand gearstick. If it's a cooper (non-S) they had the hole neatly covered from the outside.

It has a magic wand gearstick....

Best check if the other hole is there

There are numerous stories of Ss being "de-Sified" in the late 60 due to insurance issues. Some of the well known Mini workshops almost ran production lines....

There are probably more than a few "ordinary" Minis about that began life as Ss.

Mind you I have seen one K with a diagonal brace. Did it actually come from the factory as a K - who knows...

Cheers, Ian

Back then the NRMA didn't like insuring Cooper Ss. But neither did they like Alfa Romeos...

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DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.

Ill be damned if I can find this radiaotr cowling number,

It should be on the top of the radiator cowl yes?