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Newbie
Posted: Sat Jun 20, 2009 6:33 pm
by Stem
Hi everybody, i would like to introduce myself, the names Steve & my main passion is for Bond Bugs, please dont hold it against me
anyway i have always fancied a Minor convertible & i have come across one local to me in the Notts area, my question is how can i tell if its a genuine one or converted ? Thanks for any help , Steve
Posted: Sat Jun 20, 2009 9:00 pm
by moggie-tom
You can tell by looking at the chassis number. If it is an original convertible the third letter should be a T so an example would be M/AT5/123456.
That chassis code broken down would be:
M stands for Morris, A is for A series engine, T means its a convertible, the 5 means 1098cc then the rest is a number unique to the car.
Posted: Sat Jun 20, 2009 9:15 pm
by pao7psb
As a note of caution, the vin plates are simple screw-on jobs and are easily replaced, so I would imagine it is easy for someone to fake this if they were so inclined.
Apparently the VIN number for the car is also present elsewhere if you know where to look, but I don't know where this is personally (and I guess its probably night ideal for this to plastered across a public site anyway!!!)
That said I've always been led to believe that conversions are OK provided they have been properly.
Sorry to hear about the Bond Bugs, I gues everybody has their cross to bear (just kidding
)
Posted: Sat Jun 20, 2009 10:09 pm
by mike.perry
The chassis no. is also normally stamped on the engine compartment bulkhead alongside where the accelerator cable comes through. This however is only the car no. and does not have any of the code letters.
If the car was built between 1952 and 1958 it will have the code for example
FCA 11/567876. The C is the code letter which shows that it is a convertible. If the car was built between 1958 and 1969 when convertible production finished, ie J reg plate. then the chassis plate will be as previously detailed.
There is nothing wrong with a converted car provided it has been done properly with the correct strengthening plates added.
With any convertible it is important to check the body strength. Do the doors open and close properly? Is the panel fit around the doors good? Is the underneath sound?
Also is the interior in reasonable condition as this can be expensive to replace.
Is the price right for the condition of the car?