Hello all,

If I wanted to identify the year model and type of a shell using the numbers stamped into the firewall, how do I go about it?

Is there a database?

Konzo

Hi Konzo!
I'm sure there is a list somewhere. But, for now this might help.
It's a list of numbers and dates for Cooper s models but you might be able to work it out from these. http://www.ozcooper.com.au/build_dates.htm
Rog.

I am looking at 2 different cars and trying to explain to the owners who owns them exactely what numbers I need ... the vehicle does not have compliance plates ... can anyone confirm exactely where he should look for the body/chassis number so I can confirm what year model and model type (ie cooper s, 850, mini k)???

radiator shroud im pretty sure should give you the numbers you need, then pm morris1100 with the numbers or check the ausmini database and you should get close to the model.

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'73 clubby s "cryo" - sold
Operation Evil Sesame Street!

Depending on the age of the vehicle, the numbers could be stamped in a variety of places.

If there are no plates - ID or Compliance Plates fitted - then there are a number of ways of determining the model type. Most helpful will be any model prefix stamped into the body, near the body number. However, this only appears to have taken place from about 1969 onwards. Prior to that, there is no prefix stamped beside or near the chassis number or body number.

First, are the Minis round-nose or Clubman type?

If you can get a basic starting point and come back to us, then it will be easier to narrow down the build date and where to look for identifying numbers and components.

Cheers,
Watto.

often they are printed in the bonnet drain channel at the back to the passenger side ( just to the left of the wiper motor in the channel your bonnet sits into) - not sure if early minis have this.

Clubmans have it printed to the fire wall just to the right of the brake master cylinder. If early clubman will be something like M2 23 XXX(body no) - all on three different lines (thats a GT no.).

easiers way is the radiator shroud though.

But as Watto ponted out best to give a few more details about roundy squary - sedan / van etc.

Because there are often other bits and pieces that can identfy a car apart from the number

Brenton

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Both round nose sedans ...

One has a number 28895

Other has number possibly 5256 or 763821XXX with the X being numbers that he cant read.

OK, you've narrowed it down a little bit.

Where are the numbers stamped on the bodies?

Does the floorpan have the recesses for the brake lines and hydro pipes - which had plates fixed over them with bolts?

The numbers certainly prevent either from being Cooper or Cooper S.

Comes down to whether they are Morris 850, Mini De Luxe or Mini K - the only three models likely to be produced in high enough numbers. Mini-Matic perhaps, but not sure there.

Any pics of the bodies, showing the numbers, the floorpan, doors, under-bonnet, would be a great help.

Cheers,
Watto.

Ok

Oops!

My Bad!

Actually, the second number, if 5256, could actually be a Mk1 Cooper S.

Sorry about that.

Would need to see more details to know what it is, but the number is OK, as 5486 was last chassis number for Mk1 Cooper S.

There were only around 3,880 Cooper built, so the number is too high for Cooper.

The other number, being almost 29,000 would indicate a Morris 850, Mini De Luxe or Mini K (possibly) as they would be the onbly three models likely to have gone to such a high chassis number.

Sometimes I could kick myself.

Cheers,
Watto.

My main question is ... how do I tell if it is a cooper s, 850, deluxe etc ??? can anyone confirm where the number will be stamped to confirm this (apart from ones given) ???

An 850 will only have the body number stamped behind the master cylinders , I think the morris mini minor and mini deluxe . Mini's from the later 1960's will have a body type number stamped on the radiator shroud (M26 for cooper s or something , I'm not quite awake yet) but not the early ones . Are there any dates stamped on the anciliiaries (wiper motor , voltage regulator , fuse box etc) and does it have the hole for the magic wand or floor mounted starter ?

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Check the boot lock too, that is stamped, as well as the high beam switch on the floor (if it has a floor mounted dipper switch) & the starter motor, dizzy etc.

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"In two years time your car will be like a lady's clothes, out of date, my car will still be in fashion when I am dead" - Sir Alec speaking to Pininfarina

A Cooper S will have , in addition to the body number stamped into the firewall , M2 over 06 stamped into radiator shroud panel , for a Mk1 . A Mk2 Cooper S will have the M2 06 stamped into firewall behind master cylinders . An 850 will have M2 over 15 stamped into radiator shroud panel

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1965 Morris 850
1966 Morris Mini Minor
1967 Morris Cooper 'S'
1977 Leyland LS

[quote=
The other number, being almost 29,000 would indicate a Morris 850, Mini De Luxe or Mini K (possibly) as they would be the onbly three models likely to have gone to such a high chassis number. [/quote]

Too high a number for Mini K, the highest I have is 13### which was 6/71

Steve