18 replies to this topic

[HiHo]

This may be a question that's been asked (many times??) but can anyone please let me know what the key differences between the standard Mk 1 shell and the equivalent cooper? My Mk1 shell is 1962 Austin, currently dry - which I think she was from build (but it is a standard saloon and I will be keeping it that way - wait to see the complete rebuild thread starting soon), but I would like to know how the models differ.

I'm guessing that there will have been some strengthening or beefing up of various parts, maybe the addition of the second fuel tank (and hence the filler penetration), but is there a definitive description anywhere that I could refer to?

Thanks in advance! HiHo.

[matty...]

The cooper shells had boot board brackets welded to the rear bulkhead and the boot hinge panel.

The location of the washer bottle was on the bulkhead instead of inner wing, and the voltage regulator was mounted on the bulkhead side of the cross on the inner wing instead of next to the washer bottle infront of the cross member.

They also had the additional cutout on the tunnel on the floor for the remote shifter alwell as the blanking plate for the magic wand shifter.

There maybe quite a few more, but these are the obvious ones.

[Cooperman]

Structurally the shells are identical. Just a few minor differences. In fact, I think on some cars the boot board brackets were rivetted in. THe hole in the floor for the gearshift was just a rectangular hole with the edges flanged and a plate was screwed over the 'wand-type' gear lever hole.
The washer bottle was, IIRC, moved from RH inner wing to LH side of the bulkhead for the 1961 model year when a plastic bottle was fitted.
The voltage regulator position was changed to allow for fresh air trunking on all models I believe.
The fuel tanks on the 997/998 Cooper and early Cooper 'S' were only the 5.5 gallon single tank. The RH tank was an option from 1966, but in practice all Cooper 'S' cars had this as standard. They were never standard on the 998.
All Coopers and the 850 Super de Luxe had the key start with no hole in the floor for the early starter button, although the place where the button was originally fitted always remained.
The Cooper shells were not strengthened or re-inforced anywhere.
Obviously some trim items were different.

[HiHo]

Matty/Cooperman

You guys are stars! Thanks for your informative responses! I feel sure mine was a standard 848 from factory but I remember that the (plastic) washer bottle was on the passenger side bulkhead and I think the voltage reg was under the master cylinders, both in the engine bay. There was also the large duct running over the bellhousing feeding the air to the passenger compartment.

That is testing my memory as it was nearly 5 years ago that I stripped this old girl and I have only just started the restoration. Pictures will follow (if only I knew how to add them here, I would put one as a thanks and taster of what's to come).

[HiHo]

OK, think this should confirm what you two have said. This shot was taken a LONG time ago when I first started stripping her.

[mk3 Cooper S]

Nice, original front panel too.

[HiHo]

Yeah, mk3, it was the state of the roof and the front panel that mislead me into taking this one on....... As I mentioned, I will be starting a thread in the rebuilds section, so you can see the state of the rest of her (or should I say, the state of the driveway underneath her, she is more holes than mini). But, I have now started, so I will continue......and it's of to work I go!

[HiHo]

This is a recent view.... Lots and lots of ventilation!

[matty...]

Any pictures of the rear bulkhead or boot area?

[Spitz]

"The RH tank was an option from 1966, but in practice all Cooper 'S' cars had this as standard. "

Perhaps a typo...but they were an option in the Cooper (and S ) until 66....then standard fitment on the S from that point.
Being a 62, dry suspension was the only type available. From 64 - 69 all saloons had wet...and the S kept it until 71.

I don't see the remote shift hole in your picture.
And, perhaps it was only the later S though, the Cooper would have a flat top ashtray .

Back to your original ?, I have a 66 S shelll. The only differences i can note have already been mentioned. My boot board brackets are welded I believe. Also has RH tank hole and proper support strap attachments on the seat back.

[HiHo]

Yeah, this was a '62 and thanks, I'd already sussed that it had to have been dry way back then!

This is the only pic I have of the boot area, but I will get some more tomorrow. However, definitely only one tank (and no penetration blanks or signs of there ever having been a bracket or retaining strap). No bulkhead reinforcement brackets!



With regard to the gear stick penetration, yep, well spotted, they only one is for the magic wand.

You guys are stars and your input is much appreciated!!!

[mini-luke]

Fred Flinstone style! Still, the boot doesn't look to bad.

[HiHo]

You kidding Luke, the boot is as well ventilated as the rest of her, except that front right corner!! However, Homebase have a brilliant offer on Harry Black (carpet tape) and I think I can fill most of the holes with a couple of wraps The only downside is you need flexible paint for the final spray job if you want her to look good!

[HiHo]

I think this pic says it all, but I really need to start a thread in the total rebuilds!

[Cooperman]

Wow, that's what might be called a major re-build. Do you have access to a body jig, 'cause you're going to need one!