Unusual body number

General Chat with an emphasis on BMC Minis & Other iconic cars of the 1960's.
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sparetimetoys
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Unusual body number

Post by sparetimetoys »

I got a parts car its supposed to be a 61 but I think the glass code is for a 64. On the header pnl by the bonet latch the welded on body number tag is 2S089880N is this a normal number it just looks unusual compaired to me early 60s one. The car has no vin tag or FE number so I think this may just be a state issued vin number after a front end rebuild.
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woodypup59
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Re: Unusual body number

Post by woodypup59 »

I've seen that style of number but I doubt there are records that would help you.

No FE is interesting. The first ~1800 cars didn't have one - mine is the earliest '59 I've seen with an FE.

Is the chassis no stamped in the inner wing stiffener by the fuse box - mine was covered in paint but visible after careful paint removal.
sparetimetoys
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Re: Unusual body number

Post by sparetimetoys »

I m sure it's not a 59. It has the drip rails and drains on the gutters and its not flush windshield. What had me courious about the number was the video where the two guys are checking the body number because they found an old works car in a barn. It had an unusual number I remembered.
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Pete
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Re: Unusual body number

Post by Pete »

Quite a few later original Mk1s have turned up with no FE numbers on, it did happen. I've seen a couple of mid 60's original Cooper S cars recently also with all original panels on them with much earlier FE numbers still in place, that you wouldn't expect. Quite an oddity but FE numbers weren't always present and didn't always match the age of the car!
Nevsmini
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Re: Unusual body number

Post by Nevsmini »

I have got an unrestored 1071 all original panels full skirt, A number etc etc even the original ign coil etc etc and no FE number fitted!
Mudhen
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Re: Unusual body number

Post by Mudhen »

sparetimetoys wrote:I m sure it's not a 59. It has the drip rails and drains on the gutters and its not flush windshield. What had me courious about the number was the video where the two guys are checking the body number because they found an old works car in a barn. It had an unusual number I remembered.
I think the 13" wheels and fuel injection would give you a clue what year it is... :lol:

(kidding of course, STT! should have known you'd be kicking around this place)
sparetimetoys
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Re: Unusual body number

Post by sparetimetoys »

Mudhen wrote:
sparetimetoys wrote:I m sure it's not a 59. It has the drip rails and drains on the gutters and its not flush windshield. What had me courious about the number was the video where the two guys are checking the body number because they found an old works car in a barn. It had an unusual number I remembered.
I think the 13" wheels and fuel injection would give you a clue what year it is... :lol:

(kidding of course, STT! should have known you'd be kicking around this place)
Yep figured I would ask here cause these guys will answer with out the drama I get at mm. I think it would have been cool to be a lost works car. Either way its going up Dan on Saturday. He wants to try and save it and we worked out a deal good for both of us.
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mini5967
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Re: Unusual body number

Post by mini5967 »

Sounds like your parts car is definitely a '64 - my October '64 SDL's body number is 98*** (according to the Heritage Certificate anyway - the original body number plate bit the dust long ago alas). Does the body number look like the one on the 1965 Mini in this link?

http://www.gettyimages.co.uk/detail/new ... /102367935
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rich@minispares.com
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Re: Unusual body number

Post by rich@minispares.com »

Nevsmini wrote:I have got an unrestored 1071 all original panels full skirt, A number etc etc even the original ign coil etc etc and no FE number fitted!

I suppose the cost of stopping the line if the box containing the loose FE numbers was empty would be huge, so they would just leave them off, either that, or some bloke suddenly went 'ah shit, I forgot to weld them on' :lol:
should you wish, you can contact me on rich@minispares.com

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Re: Unusual body number

Post by Chalkie »

What is the FE number?

Never get a straight reply about it
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Pete
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Re: Unusual body number

Post by Pete »

It's the number attached to the Front End assembly at the factory prior to welding to the rest of the body panels.
sparetimetoys
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Re: Unusual body number

Post by sparetimetoys »

Chalkie wrote:What is the FE number?

Never get a straight reply about it

Here is the best understanding I have over the three main numbers. I'm sure someone can kindly correct me if wrong. The VIN is the primary ID number for the car it is on a data plate that is attached to the top of the fan shroud. The FE number is the number assigned to a front end as it is built. The front ends were made at a different plant than where the body was built and shipped over. The body number is on a plate on the slam panel next to the bonnet latch. This is more of an order number. You can find out the history of your car by going thru the heritage foundation and ordering up your certs
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