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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

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

Nick

Nick W wrote:..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.

some of the smaller brackets here

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

Nick

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

They are the narrow type you need for 65.

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

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.

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?

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

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.

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

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

Thanks Simon.

Sorted.

Hmm,

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

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!

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

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!

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

mini_surfari wrote: ↑Wed May 12, 2021 2:18 pm 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.