hey folks

starting proper restoration of my '62ish Cooper. Going by the numbers in the register, it was built in the UK in late 62 and sold in Australia in '63. Smoke Grey/Cherry Red roof - that combo seems to have stopped at the end of 62. The other cars with that colour scheme all have a red interior, and since I don't know what mine should be, I'll go with that. The remaining problem inside then is what to do about the roof lining?

Searching back I found reference to a 'lizard skin' material - I've attached small photos - could this be that material? Does anyone have any details about it, or even still have it on their cars? Mine's quite grimy but worse, has a number of tears and rips and I expect it's fairly brittle by now. I'm going to see how it response to gentle cleaning and repairing from behind, but I might save myself the time if a new one can be had.




There's a wealth of info here, it's really great - thanks everyone.

_________________
cheerio,
Tom

CKD Cooper #984

Have you looked at the Newton Commercial (UK) website.
Sorry I can't be any more helpful but don't know much about early minis.
The good thing about headlining patterns is that few people even notice it once it's in the car.

thanks Bill, yes - I have; nothing remotely similar there. I suspect what I have is a local-content thing for CKD cars, was just wondering if anyone had seen anything like it before.

I'll replace it if I have to, but those little patterns are shiny and catch the light when it's just right - a nice effect.

cheerio

_________________
cheerio,
Tom

CKD Cooper #984

I just checked this place I've used a lot in the past for seat vinyls but they seem to be discontinuing the best lines for minis and other cars:

https://www.homeupholsterer.com.au/

It is the sort of thing you need to visit the warehouse to check their older left-over stock - hard to see detail patterns on computer screens. I found a headlining material for one of my minis that was vaguely similar to what you're after which was originally for an AMI assembled Toyota Corolla. It's all hit and miss now. Even big places like Newton Commercial find it hard to find accurate patterns.

Hi there,

The material you've shared is common with the Morris 850 of the same age (which quite a number of still retain in varying condition). Morris Major Elites of the same age also used this vinyl, though they are probably harder to find than an 850 headlining.

I haven't encountered an official name for this type of vinyl, however 'two squares and two dots' is an easy to understand reference that is sometimes used. I expect that it was exclusive to Australian production.

I suspect the 'lizard skin' material you've seen reference to may have been a description used for the patterned vinyl used on the seats of some Morris 850s.

Thanks,
Evan

Hello Tom,
Did you notice a two piece hood lining in the for sale section a little while ago?
Looked like it was in good condition although I think it had been painted .
Regards
Glen

Thanks Glen, I hadn't. I've PMed and will see if I'm lucky. It is painted black, will have to see whether cleaning might be possible.

_________________
cheerio,
Tom

CKD Cooper #984

thanks Evan, Bill - information is out there ... I'll check on that upholstery place if I can get to it anytime soon.

_________________
cheerio,
Tom

CKD Cooper #984