BJ7 interior back panel difference

[KTS]

Hi All; I have two "original unrestored"1963 BJ7s, one I've had since 1969, and the other since 1974. Their serial numbers are 234 apart. Lower numbered one has the pleated single piece back panel as it should, the other has the complete folding panel and the under panel with the holes for the slide bolt handles to recess in as supplied with the BJ8 cars. My question is how likely is the BJ8 style back panel to be found in a BJ7 car, or is it more likely that someone went through the trouble of fitting the BJ8 panel to the BJ7 for some reason? Anyone else have this BJ8 in a 7 setup? Thanks for your thoughts!

 

[KTS]

In answer to my own question, investigation has found that the BJ8 parts were probably fitted by a rebuilder back in 1974 when this car was in fact "refurbished" prior to my purchase. I have found the flanges with the rubber clips into which the BJ7 back panel snaps into intact behind the BJ8 parts, which had a mix of hardware holding the bits in place. I can only conclude the proper parts were not available, so contemporary to the rebuild date, eg BJ8 parts were used. Fortunately I have an intact example to replicate.

Cheers, KTS

 

[grimes6]

Hi All; I have two "original unrestored"1963 BJ7s, one I've had since 1969, and the other since 1974. Their serial numbers are 234 apart. Lower numbered one has the pleated single piece back panel as it should, the other has the complete folding panel and the under panel with the holes for the slide bolt handles to recess in as supplied with the BJ8 cars. My question is how likely is the BJ8 style back panel to be found in a BJ7 car, or is it more likely that someone went through the trouble of fitting the BJ8 panel to the BJ7 for some reason? Anyone else have this BJ8 in a 7 setup? Thanks for your thoughts!

I don't have a solution to your question but another question!!! The two hinges which are at the bottom of the assembly look to be held on by 8 setscrews - four through the floor and 4 through the squab - are the nuts washers etc. used on the squab visible or covered by the vinyl covering?

Regards,
Greg

 

[Patrick67BJ8]

BJ7 door panels were not available in the '70's and BJ8 door panels were substituted for replacement panels. I dealt in parts for Healeys back then so I do have some knowledge of what was available.

 

[KTS]

Hi Greg, sorry to be so long replying. I've been busy in my spare moments doing a complete re upholstery of my BJ7. Slow going. The Moss kits are a good start, but need a lot of tweaking to fit. Struggling with how to do the rear quarter panels right now . . . But to your question, the original BJ7 back squab I disassemble had the bolts and nuts on the side of the wood frame that was covered with the pleated upholstery, with the heads on the hinge. The Nuts/washers are covered by the padded pleated upholstery, which was just wrapped under the board, over the rear vinyl, and tacked on to the edge with short upholstery tacks, about 1/4" i'd say. Hope that helps!

Cheers, Koke TS