Morris Minor Owners Club

Mark Wilson wrote:

POMMReg wrote:Wrong chassis plate, if unable to replicate 100%, don't replace it!

VERY difficult to find correct sized stamps, you need 2 sets for Adderley Park Traveller's!!

I intend to replace the plate on my AP Trav (Chris, you've got the details). I still have the original, which has no paint or printing, presumably a result of media blasting in the past. I'd recognised the need for 2 stamp sizes, and might even be able to replicate the random stamping style. On my small screen, though, I can't see what else is wrong with the chassis plate they've used. Anyone care to enlighten me before I commit a serious error?

Mark

Early chassis nos. (I think?) machine stamped at Cowley (saloons still in production) which is why early AddPk Trav's have a "J" suffix (the old BMC factory designation letter for err.. AddPk) prior to the BL "F" for FX4 Taxi chassis - then prefix stamped using the AddPk "wobbly's".

This should only have one " Cell" (Car No.), no Cell beneath stating "SEE ENGINE".

ALSO (Oh GAWD not more boring info from POMM man),
the chassis number will be stamped neatly to the right - don't forget to leave a little bit of space for the final "F" - within the 'Cell" (unique to Cowley only). Abingdon central.

The OTHER worry is the typeface, original had "flat-top" "5's" & "3's", closed "4's"....VERY difficult to do!

Phew!

Thanks Chris. I've still got the original to copy the erratic spacing from, and I've now found that I had a picture of an Adderley PK plate, kindly supplied by Panky, when I asked about this some time ago (sorry, I'd forgotten about that).

I've now found where to buy a very nearly correct printed blank (tiny alignment inaccuracy). I also know where to buy 5/16 and 1/8 letter and number punches. What I don't know is where to find the £70 or so these all add up to!

I don't suppose anyone on here has a set of punches they would be prepared to hire out, or would like to take on the job for me?

Mark

Cannot help thinking in this that the MG Owners Club have their own adaptation and version of their '5 voluntary condition ratings' (the original formulated content of each catagory I understand was agreed in consultation with their club members for use in the clubs own classified ads ) It is requested that this is used honestly and fairly by members and used in all ads if possible, to provide some general expectations to would be purchasers.
True some seller may always wish to enhance the condition somewhat with perhaps, some may feel, a 'percieved' inflated asking price that has been made and considered to be when the vehicle is actually seen.
However stating this condition rating in their own club ads at least makes some commitment by the seller as to a claimed catagory of its true condition. This could help to be a clearer starting point for more expectation of price/value when checking the vehicle on viewing perhaps.

Mark, how about scanning Panky's plate onto vinyl - stick it on yours - then cut out his Trav's chassis number.

Won't have to faff around with finding correct 4/7mm's, I'd go for this option - MAW5D all over the shop, but the chassis number needs to be both even AND stamped with the same amount of force.

That's a good idea

panky wrote:That's a good idea

Panky, you happy with copying yours - ideally do a few just in case the razor slips?

Would think this is a better alternative, less hassle and probably less expensive too.

How about a picture of the plate, so as to make out the digit form, cover some up so you're not giving too much away.

Thanks, some good creative thinking here I have a friend with a vinyl sign business, so next time I see him I'll run this past him.

The alternative is not being too fussy about the stamping and buying just one set of cheap punches, possibly 5mm. I'm not trying to fool anyone and will keep the original in the car, just don't want my defaced plate sticking out like a sore thumb in my nice shiny (for now) resprayed engine bay.

Mark

5mm on a new repro plate WILL stick out like a sore thumb - I have to put up with a blue BL plate on my '70 Mailvan - should be BMC red MAG5,GVW 1.14 with a "•" not a "-" separator.

Latter LCVs are a nightmare as there's 5 colours and around 20 type/weight combinations to get right - the only way is to find another exact spec vehicle to copy - saving grace is only one sized stamp was used!

Go for the vinyl option, much better an original spec one, even if it is slightly tarnished.

POMMReg wrote:

panky wrote:That's a good idea

Panky, you happy with copying yours - ideally do a few just in case the razor slips?

Would think this is a better alternative, less hassle and probably less expensive too.

Ah now I see, I thought Chris was light heartedly suggesting cloning mine
Yes I'm happy with you copying the plate then removing the body number

Sorry, no, what I meant was that get a copy of an AddPk Trav chassis plate on vinyl - with all the paint & wording intact (Mark's plate is bare alloy), stick the vinyl ON his plate, then carefully cut out YOUR chassis number to reveal his own.

Apols if I didn't make that clear!

No problem, it's just me miss-reading. I can see perfectly what you mean now and I think it's a brilliant idea