how to identify real minor convertable

[ducati]

hi i have been offered a g reg minor convertable in average condition how do i tell if it a genuine minor convertable i have wanted a miner for a while now hope this is the right one

[PSL184]

Start with the chassis number - The 3rd letter should be "T". After that look for triangular strengthening plates at the base of the dashboard to the A posts, both sides. Additional strengthening was also present in the cills although this is more difficult to spot. Convertible production stopped in June 69 so a G reg would (should) be one of the last ones made.....

[8009STEVE]

triangular strengthening plates at the base of the dashboard to the A posts

Should be spot welded in.

[d_harris]

This is a somewhat risky way of telling, but MOST convertibles never had the hole for the courtesy light switch (a few cars did - guess the line workers used whatever came to hand)

What this means - no hole = def original convertible (unless someone took the time to fill the holes )
hole = can't tell for sure but should be first clue that it might be a conversion.

[alzax3]

And we've got a 'T' as the third digit of the chassis number, so our new aquisition is definitely 'kosher'.... Hooray!

[PSL184]

And we've got a 'T' as the third digit of the chassis number, so our new aquisition is definitely 'kosher'.... Hooray!

Next check the chassis plate numbers match those stamped into the bulkhead....

[Birchall]

Hi,

Just bought a scruffy minor convertible, it has a fair amount of rust and some suspicious noises that sound like a cracked chassis or something (ouch) I will get under later and have another look.

BUT I wanted to check that it was an original convertible, so I thought "Clever me, I will check the chassis number and if there is a T in the third position it is original"
The problem is that it doesn't even look like the usual chassis number, it starts with FBB13 ?????

Is it because it is a 57?

It has the triangular plates under the dash/ parcel shelf area?

Fingers crossed, but the chassis number looks strange???

Cheers
Steve B

[PSL184]

FBB13 is a light grey 2 door saloon (RHD Home Market) bult between 1952 & 1958....

[Birchall]

FBB13 is a light grey 2 door saloon (RHD Home Market) bult between 1952 & 1958....

Oh dear!

So it is a conversion !!!!!

Apparently it has been a convertible for at least 15 years, so I was hoping that it was an original convertible, especially as it has the strengthening angles.

Never mind, I didn't pay a lot for it based on the possibility that it wasn't original, £1,500 and it needs welding (the noise was coming from a corroded and split front springhanger) and it needs some small bodywork repairs.
So no bargain, but it is still a nice car Good mechanics and a recent new hood.

I was hoping that in the 50's they didn't perhaps identify the convertibles in the same way, so it could have still been original.

Thanks for the reply.
Steve B

[PSL184]

Nothing wrong with conversions at all. Many convertibles on the roads today are in fact conversions and as long as the strength has been put into the cills etc you shouldn't have any problems. Only concern is if conversions are passed off as genuine and priced over the top but yours sounds OK price wise. Take the chance to check her structural integrity out whilst you are fixing her up and then just enjoy her

[mike.perry]

A convertible from 1952 - 58 would be FCx 11/xxxxxx.
A production trace certificate would show the original body