mini replica

[andrew.searston]

hi everyone
in currently looking at a 1982 mini thats for sale, some one restored it to looks like a completely standard mk1 mini replica.
the question i have is if i go in insure it would i have to class it as modified or standard??
thanks

[bmcecosse]

Depends - has the engine been modified in any way? Alloy wheels - anything that will make it more attractive to a thief? How far has the MK I modification gone - are the doors fitted with external hinges ?? Or have they just fitted a MK I grille with 'moustache' - and Mk I rear lights ?????

[andrew.searston]

hi has the original engine, its had its rear lights, grill, bonnet badges all changed, it has fake external hinges to replicate the look. i shouldnt think it would make much difference to be honest??

[autolycus]

If you were a potential thief, and this "replica" was parked next to a 1982 mini, which one would you be more likely to try to steal? I'd go for the not-messed-with one, but I'd guess that more thieves would go for the replica, if only to strip the bits off and sell on ebay.

Now let's say this thief does take the replica - or you just have a plain accident in it. Which would you expect a higher payout on? Would you be happy if the bodyshop said "I'm not going to copy all those fake bits, even if it does leave one side looking different to the other, because those fake bits all cost extra money"?

So, quite apart from considerations of whether the replica goes, or would be driven, any differently to the car it's based on, the insurance company might be open to higher claims for repair or replacement. I think they should at least be given the chance to reflect this in the premium they charge. They may be quite happy to cover it at the normal premium - you never know.

And if you do lie and say "no mods", they may just say "stuff you" if you do ever have to claim.

Kevin

[bmcecosse]

Good points above^^^^. Fake external hinges - well well But I guess it still has the large side and rear windows - and does it have sliding side windows? And the dash ?? Is it 'Mk I' ? I do hope it's on 10" wheels !!!! Do any of the Insurance Co's do a 'young driver' deal ? 10 years ago when i bought my daughter a Mini I had to insure it as mine, with me as 'main driver' - which meant I had to take it to work a couple of days a week so I could hand on heart say I drove it more miles than she did

[les]

Do they actually sell fake hinges?

[RogerRust]

yes they do!!!
http://www.geocities.jp/mini_nako_cc/exterior.html

[les]

Having difficulty reading that Roger, but I'll take your word for it! I might start looking into making fake split screen centre posts for the minor 1000!

[RogerRust]

and fake trafficators the possibilities are endless

[Dean]

Surely the fake 803cc would command a high premium!

[LouiseM]

Having difficulty reading that Roger, but I'll take your word for it!

Here you go Les. The hinges are fibreglass and self adhesive (and not cheap!) : http://www.the-arc-angels.co.uk/viewpic.asp?ImageID=210

[bmcecosse]

So - to get back to the origional subject Andrew - there seems to be so little actually changed on the car to make it look something like a MK I - I wouldn't bother to mention it.

[andrew.searston]

yeah think your right bmc, ive spoke to the owner and he says the car is mechanically standard, im going to view the car wednesday so will post some pics if i remember to take some.

[bmcecosse]

Lift the carpets - are they wet? Look under the back seat squab -is it wet? Look in the boot - right into the corners...... and the rear subframe - and the heel board..... and the sills of course, inside and out...... and only buy with a NEW MOT.

[chrisryder]

i'd certainly be interested to see pics. in my mind it sounds like it could look very good or very bad!

[DaisyMayFozz]

did you get any pictures?

[andrew.searston]

sorry forgot about this thread
i didnt buy this mini in the end and i forgot to take some pics
but i did buy a red one