Dates for shell changes please

[Bart Smith]

I know this info is somewhere but I can not find it sorry,

1. When did the shells get the extra roof rain gutters/reinforcements on the sides?

2. When did the shells get the recessed front and rear panels.

3. When did the shells loose the full front valance and get the cut out one?

Thank you.

[Pete]

I'd be guessing if I said I knew the answers to the first two (both in '60 though) but the front panel cut out arrived around the time of hydrospasmic suspenders, so we're talking August ish 1964 at the earliest. Some late dry cars were still in early 'wet' shells complete with all the clips , cut out, and reinforcing around this time.

[rich@minispares.com]

hydrospasmic suspenders,.

sounds painful!

[mab01uk]

The answers to 1 & 2 are listed on the 1959 Mini Register below under 'Build Variations'
http://1959miniregister.com/

1960 drip rail, these were added in May 1960.

Recessed front screen showing the seat for the rubber. Post October 1960.

[Bart Smith]

I think I saw Hydrospasmic Suspenders at the Buffalo Bar.

Thanks guys, I thought those dates were real early.

[rich@minispares.com]

I think I saw Hydrospasmic Suspenders at the Buffalo Bar.

.

I think dolly parton wears a pair..................

[Mini4Ever]

The change in the front panel was earlier than the introduction of the hydro suspension. Reason was the lack of cooling of the brakes. An exact date for the front valance change is not know but most report it to be May-July 1964.

[Pete]

The change in the front panel was earlier than the introduction of the hydro suspension. Reason was the lack of cooling of the brakes. An exact date for the front valance change is not know but most report it to be May-July 1964.

As mooted in my previous post some late dry cars had the later front panels often associated with the switch to hydro (timeline wise) but from May '64?? I personally think that's way too early and am sticking with August , I've lots of images of original cars in period with full skirt front panels that are late July and August built. In fact I'd be interested to see any to the contrary. I doubt there'll be a precise change date but I suspect they didn't drag the introduction of new body panels on at the factory for four months.
I'm quite interested in this as a mate is restoring a July '64 car, anyone got any firm evidence that early/mid '64 cars had later front panels?

[Sceptre123]

I have an early Dec 1960 car with non resessed windows, if that helps. Numbers all match the heritage certificate.

[bill773mini]

The December 60 date is only when the car was put together not when the shell was built. Your shell was built before October 60 if you have none recessed screens.

[dklawson]

I have a Mini built in late June '64 and it has the full front panel and dry suspension.

[Red Mist]

You learn something new every day! My car was first registered on June 29th '64 so guessing it should have a full front panel instead of the cut out one on it.

[Pete]

Yup!