I thought I might put this one out there, sorry but it's a bit of an anal retentive one....It's not usually my thing to be this pedantic with panel pressing holes, but I want to be sure before I go cutting anything.

It's about my rear seat squab in my 5/69 Cooper. I have to consider the replacement of this panel, but i find that the hole pressings differ for this panel (excluding the right hand tank and vent holes). I've included three example photos below in chronological order to show how it changes as time goes on.

I know I could simply ignore it, but it shoes no real evolution as you would expect (going from 1 to none and then 2 holes in the panel). So I am wondering if this is a random thing, were there a multitude of presses to do the same panel or sources, or is the pressing unique to the time frame of the car? I had always assumed that panels were simply modified from standard for the Coopers, is this so?

In the pic below is my 5/69 Mk2, it has one hole in the center of the panel:



This is my previous 4/70 Mk2 with no hole:



And this is my sacrificial shell, formerly mick's 10/70 Baltic Blue Mini K. Note the two holes:




cheers

Mick

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SooperDooperMiniCooperExpertEngineering

All garage work involves equal measures of enthusiasm, ingenuity and a fair degree of irresponsibility.

I believe the 2 holes on Micks are in the position for the rear seatbelts when fitted.
Later cars had a plate welded there with captive nuts on.

The single hole I have never seen there.

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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.

I think the single hole would be a dealer fitted seatbelt.

They started fitting holes in anticipation of the ADR for seatbelt mounts.

Ok, so the holes did not exist before mid 70'ish, and if they are there, it(or they) is/are for dealer fitted seat belts (Which would fit, as the rust bucket came with a set of Britax rear belts but not bolted in).

cheers, I've never really paid attention to the rear seatbelt details before.
The Britax belts if I can rechrome them might just go back in.

Mick

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SooperDooperMiniCooperExpertEngineering

All garage work involves equal measures of enthusiasm, ingenuity and a fair degree of irresponsibility.

Mick ...if you have a look at at what we did to repair my K shell you can see the purpose of the the two holes....Clubbies had this reinforcement panel to provide a decent lower mount for seat belts...they also had the diagonal braces under the parcel shelf.



Ohhhh! so to be authentic...you will need to decide whether you drill the centre hole to replicate yours and plug two others or source a Clubby reinforcement (plate like I have) IF you want to fit rear belts

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"Show me the Mini!"

I might fit belts in the back on this one. I used to be like "you're on your own, just try to hang on" but now it will be my kids back there.

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SooperDooperMiniCooperExpertEngineering

All garage work involves equal measures of enthusiasm, ingenuity and a fair degree of irresponsibility.

Would fitting just a triangular sheet steel (3-4mm say) plate over there to reinforce the seatbelt mounts produce the same result essentialy? I mean without welding it on or anything, just passing the seatbelt mount bolts through it.

Dunno...I've seen it done a few times on race cars...but you should be getting advice from an authorized seat belt fitter or an engineer

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"Show me the Mini!"

The rear firewall in my 2/70 MK II has no holes in the area of interest. I can provide a photo if you would like.

I did arrange for installation of rear seatbelts at an RACV fitting centre (in Fairfield) for the very same reason you are; restraining the 5yo seat monkeys.

http://www.racv.com.au/wps/wcm/connect/Internet/Primary/road+safety/child+safety/child+restraints/3.+install+the+restraint+correctly/

If you would like more information about the work they did, cost etc ... I'm happy to answer any questions.

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-- Simon // VMCI Member 2674 --

Cheers Whiteski,

I wouldn't mind seeing the reinforcement RACV put in place for the belts if you could describe or photograph what they did. The idea of grabbing or replicating a clubman triangular plate also appeals to me. If it looks factory fitted, and it is built to factory standards, then there won't be any issues i reckon come time to roadworthy it.

Mick, do you reckon you could show me the diagonal reinforcement you have put in place under the parcel tray? I will have to do that as well.

cheers

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SooperDooperMiniCooperExpertEngineering

All garage work involves equal measures of enthusiasm, ingenuity and a fair degree of irresponsibility.

Police Cooper Ss had rear seatbelts (and there were a lot of them have now learned), but I've not found any details about how they were fitted - one hole or two, plated, etc.

It might be worth a few of the people with known police Minis having a gander at their own and see what they come up with.

Just an idea.

Cheers,
Watto.

PM sent.

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-- Simon // VMCI Member 2674 --