How Do You Remove the Body Number?

Post any technical questions or queries here.
Post Reply
User avatar
cobolman
850 Super
Posts: 107
Joined: Sun Dec 24, 2023 5:46 pm
Location: Plymouth, Devon
Has thanked: 10 times
Been thanked: 3 times

How Do You Remove the Body Number?

Post by cobolman »

My 1960 Mini has the body number attached just above the radiator surround. I'll probably have to replace this part of the inner wing and so I'm wondering: How do I safely remove this body number so I can attach it to the new inner wing repair panel?

I'm guessing it's spot welded and so would do well to drill it out from behind without damaging the front?
BodyNumber.jpg
You do not have the required permissions to view the files attached to this post.
--
Cobolman. Conservator for:
Marty - 1960 Mk 1 Austin Seven Mini De-Luxe
User avatar
Peter Laidler
1275 Cooper S
Posts: 6133
Joined: Sat Jul 15, 2017 5:35 pm
Location: Abingdon Oxfordshire
Has thanked: 27 times
Been thanked: 29 times

Re: How Do You Remove the Body Number?

Post by Peter Laidler »

Unless I am mis=reading the question Cobolman, then I'd cut away that part of the wing WITH the number and carefully remove the backing part from the numbered plate. Then you've got the original number to attach to the new panel.

If you're like me...... Being foortunate enough to live near Morris and Cowley, MG and Abingdon, I asked 'someone there' if they get me new engine, body and commission numbers to replace the ttat attached to my heap of a car, They did and during the restoration I attached the new=made but genuine BL plates. But kept the originals, firmly fixed into a scrap book that details the complete restoration and stuff!!
Fanfaniracing
1275 Cooper S
Posts: 1289
Joined: Sun Feb 19, 2012 11:11 am
Location: Somewhere west Switzerland...
Been thanked: 3 times

Re: How Do You Remove the Body Number?

Post by Fanfaniracing »

Isn't the body number attached on the front panel, near the Bonnet Lock Pin?
I promise i won't buy another MkI...
User avatar
Hipwell
1275 Cooper S
Posts: 1370
Joined: Sat Aug 08, 2015 3:02 pm
Location: Solihull, UK
Has thanked: 1 time

Re: How Do You Remove the Body Number?

Post by Hipwell »

Given where the spot welds are, just drill them out and use the two holes to weld it in place again on the new panel.
User avatar
mab01uk
1275 Cooper S
Posts: 8230
Joined: Thu Jun 24, 2010 7:08 pm
Location: S.E. England
Has thanked: 85 times
Been thanked: 63 times

Re: How Do You Remove the Body Number?

Post by mab01uk »

Fanfaniracing wrote: Wed Oct 23, 2024 3:11 pm Isn't the body number attached on the front panel, near the Bonnet Lock Pin?
Quote:
"From 1959 to late 1970’s the FE number lives above the radiator cowling on the inner wing just above where the chassis number would have gone on a Mk1/2. By the end of the 1960’s the body number was usually (but not always) on the left hand side of the slam panel as the Chassis and Commission plates were then mounted on the right hand side of the slam panel."
More details in the MiniMail PDF file (scroll down) here:-
https://www.minimail.co.uk/chassis-vin-plates/
Post Reply