Number plate brackets

[arnie]

Hi from newbie
I have noticed that mini front number plate brackets have 2 different widths ,can anybody tell me the change over dates from narrow to wide.
regards Steve

[Nick W]

..my mk1 and mk2 where 16" wide so l guess they changed to narrow at mk3

Nick

[dodge44]

..my mk1 and mk2 where 16" wide so l guess they changed to narrow at mk3

Nick

Suspect the OP means the width of the bracket itself, not the spacing distance apart? Original brackets were 7/8" wide and later considerably more. Replacement front panels all seem to be supplied with the much wider variant.

[Nick W]

some of the smaller brackets here

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMC-Austin-Mo ... Sw9NdXwaIQ

Nick

[arnie]

I did not explain properly it is the width of the brackets I referred to. Not sure of the model and date they changed ,would like to know the type for a 65 mk1 cooper s.Thanks

[Hipwell]

They are the narrow type you need for 65.

The new front panels have the wider ones as standard which is always a giveaway.

[Daz1968]

Just get a modified front panel from m machine as they are fitted with correct number plate brackets, then also purchase the correct indicator plinths from them as well. I have recently fitted one to my car and the fit is pretty good. Saves the hassle of altering things yourself.

[dodge44]

Ok, so whilst we have established narrow brackets are correct for a '65 vehicle, can anyone identify the actual changeover point - Was it possibly with the other changes in late 1966 or was it as Mini Machine imply at the introduction of the Mk2 in late 1967?

[Daz1968]

If I had to guess I would think the changeover was when they went from solid to rubber mounted in 1976,

[mini_surfari]

Is there other any opinions on this topic?

Will be doing the indicators on the 72 van, so will do the number plate brackets too if this is the case.

[mk1]

I agree with Daz's guestimate. Sometime in the mid 70's or later.

[Simon776]

April 1970 cars had the fat brackets, I've seen original BMC front panels with fat brackets wide spaced.

[mk1]

Thanks Simon.

Sorted.

[mini_surfari]

Hmm,

Just came across this, 1972 shell ... may or may not be the original front panel

s-l1600.jpg

Edit: I know its a trivial issue, just spent so much time on the shell up to now, the extra time to sort a potential easy job wont hurt!

[Simon776]

Probably not the original front panel on the blue car above; judging by the welding shown in the images on the eBay listing. Image below shows a very original 1970 Mk 3 S with wide spaced fat brackets

Plate bracket early.jpg

[mini_surfari]

Thanks for the photo Simon!

I was doing some further digging last night, and found both these early 70's cars with the wind skinny brackets too. (all be it spanish built, and export)

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1971- ... mini-1000/

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1973- ... mini-1000/

Obviously, no idea how genuine the cars are like the one you've shown.

Better get on with widening them either way. Thanks for the replies!

[TECH396]

Better get on with widening them either way. Thanks for the replies!
[/quote]
I'm not sure if this helps.
My 68 is a North American Export, and is very original. The brackets are the narrow ones, Not the fat ones like the mk3s

[AndyPen]

Hmm,

Just came across this, 1972 shell ... may or may not be the original front panel

s-l1600.jpg


Edit: I know its a trivial issue, just spent so much time on the shell up to now, the extra time to sort a potential easy job wont hurt!

I suspect that is a genuine Rover replacement for earlier cars. I have an identical one - from around 1990.