1961 Austin Mini Seven

[monkey]

Hi guys,

I've bought a 1961 Austin mini seven. Genuine bodyshell it seems with the seat brackets welded on the cross members. In a bit of a state at the moment. I just have a few questions

What colour should the speedo be? Theres a black on in there at the moment, but it came with a white/silver faced one, does anyone have a picture of the correct one it should have?

It has a floor start, would it have had the dim/dip switch too? Or a 3 setting switch on the centre panel (off, dip, main)

Should the steering wheel badge be an Austin type (makes sense but just making sure )

Also a questions on Mk1s as I've never owned one before, what functions does the indicator stalk have, does it act as a flasher for the headlights or just an indicator?

Thanks

[cheleker]

Speedo. Not black. I don't know when the change from cream to silver was done with the Austins. You'll have to wait for an answer on that one.

The control of the main to dipped beams was done by a foot operated switch on the floor. The switch on the dash was off, running lights, headlamps on.

Badge, Austin crest.

Turn signal stalk only operates the turn signals and the little green light on its end. Nothing else.

[ivor badger]

Since most shells of that age have foam filled sills, be careful if welding the shell as the fumes given off by the burning foam are toxic.

[mk1]

Hi Monkey!

Sounds like you have an interesting early car there.

Most of your initial queries have already been answered, I am sure the speedo one will be answered soon. All my early cars have been Morris's so I'm not sure about the correct answer myself.

Re the horn push, yes you should have an Austin coat of arms on the centre, repros of these are available.

I look forward to following your progress.

Mark F

[RockIslandMini1961]

this is what the speedometer out of my 1961 Austin Seven 850 Countryman looks like. I have owned the car since 1968 and am very certain it is the original.

[nick rogers]

Agree. Cream faced speedo with red needle. I am trying to determine when Austins changed over to the silver speedo with clear plastic needle as used by Morris. I think it is later than 1961.

[RockIslandMini1961]

Here is a supposed 1963 Countryman on Ebay. It still has the red needle. One needs to be careful because cars were sometimes registered as the year they were sold. But this car is later than my 1961 because it has the underfloor gas tank. It could be a 1962.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Austin-Mini-Cou ... 36?vxp=mtr
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Austin-Mini-Cou ... 36?vxp=mtr