Boot lid and number plate recess question

[welshrat]

Did the boot lids on older cars have a larger recess to accommodate the 3 1/2" number/letter plates. I am aware that my boot lid was repaced with one from a younger car, the original plate is slightly too big for the recess and overlaps at the corners. Am I right in thinking the 3" numbers/letters were introduced in the sixties?
Added a pic to show what I mean.[frame][/frame]

[LouiseM]

Standard digit size was 3 1/8 '' from '63 to '73. I don't think that the boot recess size changed. The problem is that you've got a rectangular number plate which isn't going to fit properly regardless of the size of the digits. You can get rear number plates specifically shaped to fit the Minor boot (with rounded edges) from the main Minor parts suppliers and companies such as Framptons, Jepson etc. Nice outfit by the way (if that's you!)

[welshrat]

So does that mean the plates never fitted within the recess, I am assuming that I have the original plates by the way. It is me doing a mates wedding, note the welding goggles!

[IaininTenbury]

The plate recesses were all the same size. It was just a matter of choice (probably the supplying dealers) if you got a plate shaped to fit the recess or not. 3 1/2" letters will fit on a plate small enough to fit in.
My own car has had the corners rounded off and a notch filed out to clear the number plate light - presumably from new and the plate sits on the edge of the recess. Its part of its history now and it will stay like that, but I did consider guillotining the border off and making it fit when I first got it....[frame][/frame]

[beero]

According to Jepsons website the rear minor plate is 10 mm shorter and 11mm narrower than normal.

http://www.jepsonclassicplates.com/car_ ... lates.html

[mike.perry]

My 52 Series MM was fitted with the rectangular rear number plate from new and I have no intention of changing it

[mbo145]

Your numberplates look like original "Ace" plates to me, so have probably been on the car since new! (mine are the same with aluminium letters) Jepson do make numberplates especially to fit inside the boot moulding for the Morris Minor, in their advert in the Dorset newsletter it tells us so! I would keep the "ace" ones!

[Neil MG]

Looks like an original front "Ace" plate. Although it sounds like some cars were fitted with incorrect rear plates from new.

My car also has its original "Ace" plates, but they are the correct sizes.

[welshrat]

Hi, You were very lucky to buy your minor back after all that time. I talk to people on a regular basis who would love to buy their old minor back, well not only their minor, when I tell people mine was my first car that I have had since I was seventeen (31 years ago) they start talking about their first car, mini, escort, anglia for example with real passion and how they wish they had stored it away somewhere. Mind if I had kept some of the motors I had in the early 80's I would be a rich man now, seen how much the escorts are selling for now.

[mbo145]

Well it was 26 years ago when I bought mine the first time, it does make me laugh looking at the old photos, the car looks the same, probably better, I have gone from spotty youth to larger middle age!!

[welshrat]

In total agreement, minor looking great, full make over several years ago and been living in a dry, warm garage ever since. Me on the down hill slide, the only grey in the village, blind as a badger, home re-mortgage for dental bills and suddenly have the memory of a goldfish. However still have the long term memories, thought I was dead cool at 17 driving around in my bright red ragtop. Happy days!!!!!!!!!!!!

[mbo145]

I hope you noticed mine was registered in Cardiff!
Sounds like the Minor has had more attention than you......
Still as much fun as when you were 17, I fitted a cigatette lighter it the traveller at the weekend, so I now have satnav! At least if I forget where I am I can get home again.......