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Ball Joints and Mini ID

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King_of_England

King_of_England

Freshman Member
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Hi,
Sorry I tried to search this but came up short other than I think it is from a MG Metro………………… I have a '72 clubman with a later motor and front end... When I order parts I am confused on what year parts I need.... Like ball joints....etc.... My engine number is 12HC04AA # 100936 ...Can anyone tell me what year car this came out of.....or any info would be appreciated?
Thanks bunches
Gary Maue
 
Basil doesn't like it when I refer people to other sites but in this case it is justified.

I believe you'll find a FAQ or pinned thread somewhere on MiniMania.com that will explain decoding cars by their VIN numbers. I think that same thread discusses engine numbers.

Unfortunately, if your front brakes/hubs are from a Metro the ball joints will be different and your Clubman VIN won't help you there. I wish I could tell you how to tell the difference between the two ball joints but I have only seen the Mini parts.
 
Yeah, the 12H had me puzzled, as one of my MG sources doesn't show an HC.
However, another source shows two 12H series in Minis, but it also shows a 12HC as Metro 1300 1275cc, series 12HB, 12HC, 12HD, 12HE,12HF.

Metro front end fit under your Clubman?

Metro 1300's produced 1982 - 1990

Didn't the Metro use Mini powertrain?
 
Powertrain... yes. Front hubs/brakes, no.

It's pretty common to find Metro engines transplanted into Minis and there was a time when it was very common for people to adapt the Metro front hubs and brakes to the Mini as well. I don't know the specifics, but there are apparently some significant differences that can lead to undesirable geometries when the Metro hubs are used on the Mini. Sorry, I wish I could be of more help.
 
Yep, I believe the metro front end is what I got... disc brakes and all....
But I'm not sure of the year????
Thanks bunches 4 your time
Gary
 
Thanks to all....
I have the complete metro set-up with all adjustable rods arms etc etc... I should have known that when the disc rotor was different.. When I bought it had 12" wheels... I switched to 13".... Just had it all aligned.... it drives beautiful...
Going a couple hundred miles over to coco beach for the mini spring thing next week....
 
Enjoy yourself at Spring Thing. I'm too much of a lightweight to consider driving my Mini that far. Several years ago a friend of mine drove from here to there... but he's the adventurous type! I can't stand the idea of 12+ hours in a car running 4k RPM.
 
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