I've decided to pass and keep looking, it doesn't seem right. I'd be content with owning the original block even if it was stuffed just to show people, if the car was ever sold.

I've got to say, it's opened my eye's to people who say the car is 100 % original because of matching numbers. A lot of LEGAL way's around it.

So let me get this straight...

Your car currently does not have matching numbers (engine and chassis)
You are worried that people will question you about originality (ie matching numbers)
So you want to restamp your engine to a new number so you can fool them all???

Isn't that the whole point???



Well I am sick of going to look at an "original car" when it really isn't! If you restamp the block, no matter what you say or do, it isn't original... So what is the point that you are trying to make? Fake originals? fool the masses?

Pretty much if we all restamped blocks, ALL minis, esp Cooper S's would be under suspcicion wouldn't you say???

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Lillee - 1969 Morris Mini K

I guess morally it's wrong, but Legally it isn't . You still have a genuine Cooper s with genuine engine. If you sold the car to someone with matching numbers, morally it's wrong, but is it legally? Like I said I have paperwork with my current number, with the RTA going back many years. I would hand over all reciepts if I ever intended to sell, which I'm Not. If I changed the number Legally with the RTA to the new number, what crime has been committed ? I think dr trim pointed out the procedure with the Police records anyway. I just thought this subject was a eye opener and at no time did I say I was going to do anything Illegal to anybody.

I'm not having a go at you Figjam, I'm just asking: If it truly isn't the original engine, then the big question is, why try to make it out like it is?

The engine number that I have on my rego paper is the same one that I have in my car, but I know for a fact that the engine is out of a clubman, not a mini K. What's the diff??? They are "matching numbers" but if you took out the historic records of factory numbers, the engine does not match the car. Big Woop! I can tell you right now that the engine that sits in Lillee currently is far superior to what the original 1100 would have ever been.

My point is, if you every did sell, if they ask you if it is original, just say no! who cares unless the car was completely stock? including the original spark plugs and cable hose clips? if it isn't it won't devalue the car much more. Unless you are aiming for a club plate registered car, or concorse condition then who cares?

As far as I am concerned, there are 2 types of minis, cars like Pops and all other minis. If your car is like Pops (stepped out of a showroom yesterday condition) then by all means, do what you have to do to get it back to stock inc numbers. But if your car is by the slightest means, modded, then don't bother! I would prefer and pay more for a modded car anyway, esp if it has a cooper head, electronic ignition, S brakes etc etc... If I had a car like pops or like any other totally original car, I wouldn't have as much fun as I wouldn't want to fang it around

End rant

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Lillee - 1969 Morris Mini K

Yeah , that's a fair call.
I'm looking at a collector car point of view ie, Cooper, XU - 1, GTHO. How many people and I'm included, look at if a car is genuine by the matching numbers ? It's not the only thing I look at, but it goes a long way in terms of if it's originality. If you really don't know the in's and out's of cars like alot of members here do, this would be a major selling point. I'm not doing it because morally I don't think it's right, but there is little doubt it can be done. I have no problem in suggesting it increases the cars value and I'm sure many other people realise this also. I knew very little about the subject at first and as I plan to buy other collector cars, I was interested in people's comments. Obviously it's a bit of a firey subject as people don't wan't to buy duds, but it goes a long way in showing matching numbers mean little and it's probably a good idea to have someone with you, who has more qualification than just a hobby.
Cheers

Cheers Figjam, you posted it, so we comment

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Lillee - 1969 Morris Mini K

Hi,
Just out of curiousity does the block engine prefix have a big A or little a. 9F/SA/-----
or 9F/Sa/Y-----. I have seen some blocks with a big A and other blocks with a small a.
Did they have different stamps or changed at a certain time.
Thanks

Little a.

Note that MK2 blocks are 9F/XE/Y... with a BIG `E' only...

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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.

why don't you buy a new aluminium body plate
and stamp your existing numbers on it then all numbers will match.
I have seen these blank plates for sale on ebay.
regards Felix

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1966 mustang coupe 289 auto
1970 mgb roadster auto
1970 cooper S mk2
1976 mini S
1964 wolseley 24/80
http://s160.photobucket.com/albums/t173/1966mini/

I don't think that's legal..

I don't think its illegal.
Your body number is still stamped on the chassis
and the new body plate numbers will only match your rego papers.
Your not changing any existing serial numbers that are on the car now.
Rgds Felix

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1966 mustang coupe 289 auto
1970 mgb roadster auto
1970 cooper S mk2
1976 mini S
1964 wolseley 24/80
http://s160.photobucket.com/albums/t173/1966mini/

HYPERTHETICAL; I have two engines One in the car doesn't match the plate (car is not registered so no complications there) I have the original engine sitting on the floor. I want to rebuild the original and put it back in the car so the numbers match. During the rebuild I stuff the block somehow and it's unusable. Who is to know if I get another block of the same type and vintage and change the numbers? It's my conscience I suppose

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David L


My greatest fear in life is that when I die my wife will sell my Mini and tools for the price I told her I paid for them!

Why bother changing the numbers??
If its not original its not original.
No point being dihonest just be happy with what you have.
If the truth comes out down the line you will look like a dickhead.
And personally i think if you do it you are.
unit

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Cooper S Mk 2