10 replies to this topic

[VadGTI]

I'm seeing mention in older threads of the VIN on Japanese-spec Rover Minis being stamped into the scuttle panel somewhere near the wipers. Where is it on the panel exactly? I tried finding a pic of a random Rover Mini online for a hint as to the location is but failed. In fact, some posts seem to say that some JDM Minis didn't have any stamped VINs, and made do with just a riveted plate. Does anyone have a pic of where I should be looking? Am I looking for something that was never there?

Also, there's no VIN plate on the driver side inner fender. I've read somewhere that Minis with AC didn't get that plate, but just wanted to confirm.

Thanks!

Edited by VadGTI, 08 September 2021 - 08:01 AM.

[nicklouse]

Any mini made after mid 80s had it stamped in the rain gutter on the shuttle between the wipers. JDM or not they came out of the same factory.

[beardylondon]

I think it was put there to catch out ringers, as lots of people aren't aware of it.  I saw a 90s Mini a few years ago in the flesh that had that section actually cut out of the scuttle, they hadn't even bothered to weld a new bit in.

Edited by beardylondon, 08 September 2021 - 08:58 AM.

[MikeRotherham]

As previously stated located in the gutter below the windscreen behind the bonnet or hood as some call it.

 

I've also seen an information plate on the boot floor on some JDM minis

Edited by MikeRotherham, 08 September 2021 - 11:41 AM.

[some1158]

If the scuttle has been repainted the stamp may be less obvious (as is the case on my car) as the paint has 'filled' the letters/numbers slightly, but if you run your finger along that gutter (on the engine side of the scuttle, with the bonnet up), you should find it and then can check it.

 

If the scuttle has been replaced it may not be there at all. That's not necessarily a problem; it just means you can't check.

[cooperd70]

VIN on my 1990 UK spec car is located on the (UK) nearside slam panel. It's riveted on but painted over with body colour and so not immediately obvious.

[nicklouse]

VIN on my 1990 UK spec car is located on the (UK) nearside slam panel. It's riveted on but painted over with body colour and so not immediately obvious.

Dont that will be your VIN.

[beardylondon]

Have a look in the scuttle channel too, it is also stamped in there too, in additional the VIN plate.

 

VIN on my 1990 UK spec car is located on the (UK) nearside slam panel. It's riveted on but painted over with body colour and so not immediately obvious.

[Itsaminithing]

According to which AC system was fitted some Jap Minis had the riveted VIN Plate in the boot due to lack of room under the hood.

Place a piece of white paper under the middle of the rain channel in front of the wipers then rub with a dirty finger (or coloured chalk if you have any), makes the stamped Vin number easy to read.

[Cooperman]

The scuttle panel is one body part which rusts badly, particularly on the later cars.

The big question is what one is supposed to do if the complete scuttle panel has to be replaced - a common problem.

It has been suggested that the small section where the VIN No. is stamped could be cut out, a corresponding piece cut out of the new panel, and the vin-piece welded in with the welds ground back, or alternatively no number stamped in at all, or a set of stamps bought or borrowed and the number stamped in anew.

How any of those would reduce 'ringing' or theft is unclear. There is no formal process for pre-repair and post-repair official inspection and  it doesn't seem to be a problem with the MoT testers.

[beardylondon]

Well clearly Mini's were very easy steal back in the day, so for our younger members, check our this classic episode of the The Sweeney, just shows how easy it is/was:

 

Scroll to 8 mins 11 seconds...

 

https://www.dailymot...m/video/x3o9umx

Edited by beardylondon, 11 September 2021 - 07:28 PM.