Removed the rear subframe and fuel tank from my 1973 Mini Window Van known as ROO. They look very much like long term survivors.

I prepped them for sandblasting before 2-part Epoxy Primer and paint. Loose/scrapable debris came off the subframe and tank. 2 yellow painted stars and a set of numbers in white paint appeared on heel board face of the rear subframe.

Am I correct in thinking that the rear subframe is original...49 years old this month??

I ask because, I am unaware of any Mini that was sold in Canada having a rear subframe that has survived that long. Of course, we have more severe winter weather, salt and sand on winter roads etc. However, even a lightly used 1980 Mini 1000, which almost certainly was never driven on snowy, icy, salted or sanded roads, that my son bought in 1995, needed a new subframe in 1999.

There’s some discussion on here. Search for ‘subframe stencil’.

Like this - viewtopic.php?f=2&t=100242

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ex-NSW Police 1970 MK II Cooper S
VMCI #43

I’d say it’s quite likely that is the original subframe, or at least one that’s been swapped from another car of a similar age

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The vast majority of minis in Australia would have original subframes.. my 3 minis all have the subframes they left the factory with, not rusty at all. Sometimes we get a little bit where mud sets caught between the webs on the rear, but not much and easy fixed

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did I tell you that I won a trophy?

The stencil was Common on 850s and mk1's. But have never seen it on a car that late.
The 71 and 72 Clubmans I have pulled apart didn't have the stencils (hydrolastic sedans though)

Very unusual for a mini in Australia to have its subframes rust away. Uncommon to have them swapped around also. Does happen though, I recently got a van that someone had put hydrolastic suspension on.

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