21 replies to this topic

[mab01uk]

The rear engined Hilman Imp had a hole in the rear crossmember for a starting handle, right up to the end of production in 1976, although I think the factory supplied starting handle,crank attachment and bumper strengthening bar kit were an extra.

[Jon937]

I know this thread hasn't been active for a few years but it seemed worth posting here instead of starting a new thread.

Does anyone have any photos of the starting handle kit for the mini or how this is braced onto the hub?

[mab01uk]

Found this on a quick search:-

"The starting-handle kit just referred to is made by Oselli Engineering, Industrial Estate, Stanton Harcourt Road, Eynsham, Oxon. It is ingeniously arranged so that the handle can be inserted when the left front wheel is turned to full lock. It is necessary to cut an opening in the wheel valance and to bolt two guide plates in place to position the inner end of the handle. A bracket, bolted to the front suspension, steadies the outer end of the shaft. The only other job to be done is to unscrew the crank shaft-pulley securing bolt and substitute the starting-handle dog bolt, which is also provided in the kit."

http://minicarcare.b...ing-handle.html

[Jon937]

Thank you mab01uk I had found that myself but was intrigued if anyone had and pictures of the supports so that I could replicate the kit.

The crank dog is easy enough as they are still available for the Minor, the handle maybe available also (with some slight mods).

But as you have said I need some pics of the support and how it goes onto the hub, to be able to try and replicate it.

[mab01uk]

You could try asking on the Mk1 Forum below as some of the members know a lot about the early accesories and may have seen the kit at some point.

http://mk1-forum.net...289b20dc7046a13

 

Oselli Engineering Brochures:-

http://mk1-performan...o.uk/oselli.htm

Edited by mab01uk, 05 August 2018 - 09:31 AM.

[Jon937]

Thanks again Mab01uk I posted on there the same time as on here but have a relpy here but nothing on there as of yet.

Thanks for the links, ive had a look through them afger you posted them but there is no real pictures of the starting handle kit without the wheel and wing in the way.

[mab01uk]

The November 2018 issue of Miniworld magazine has an interesting archive article about Oselli which mentions the Mini Starting Handle Kit, see below:-

 

Oselli Engineering - The Three Engineers

One of the first products was a starting handle kit designed to fit the BMC transverse engine layout. No major modification was needed to fit the device, customers simply added an alloy bracket (later versions were cast steel) that bolted on to the wheel hub, utilising the existing steering arm bolts. With the nearside front wheel on full left-hand lock this allowed the handle to be inserted and aligned with the nose of the crankshaft dog, which was supplied with the components.

"The kit was extraordinarily successful as it attracted publicity for Oselli  from Practical Motorist, Car Mechanics and other motoring publications" asserts David Oldham who started Oselli with Tony Toller and Dudley Gliddon in 1960 to supplement their poor apprenticeship wages.