Expert advice needed

[RyanBez]

Alright, until I get my copy of Restoring Sprites/Midgets next
week, I need some help...what is this hole for? I fear it is
for an antenna and it seems my '62' isn't actually a 62? I've
looked online and could not find any info on this hole!

Is this number the chassis number? What does this tell me?

 

[JPSmit]

almost certainly an antenna hole - almost certain radios were a dealer installed option.

 

[RyanBez]

Hmm, I was under the impression it wasn't an option until the MK III

 

[JPSmit]

Hmm, I was under the impression it wasn't an option until the MK III

dealer option not factory option, the antennas are mounted all over the place on our cars.

 

[Millrat]

Mine is HAN6-691 an early MKII. I also have the antenna hole
in about the same spot. The guy that did my body work seemed
to think that it was not drilled but pressed. as far as he
could tell there is nothing to indicate that this is not the
original fender...

 

[RyanBez]

Mine seems to be pressed too. Oh well, looks like I can either weld a patch or put up an antenna...

 

[Gerard]

That size hole is usually done (if one uses the proper tool)
with a knock out punch tool, not a drill bit. They will make a
hole that looks just like it was machine stamped. Either way,
this is typically where the antennae would be installed.

I have a complete set of these.

 

[lbcfan]

After years of an antenna that poked through my car cover I
found one that retracts (read "pushes down") all the way but
doesn't take up passenger leg room- makes it really
unobtrusive. It was also cheap- $10 to $12. I think it was at
Advance Auto, but probably available all over.

Check your dashboard from the rear- you should have the pre-
punched space for the radio just below the grab handle.

Michael

 

[smaceng]

To answer your other question:

John Thompson Motor Pressings stamped and welded the chassis
in Woverhampton. The chassis was then shipped ~75 miles by
road to Pressed Steel Company in Swindon where they stamped
and welded-on the outer body panels. From there, the body was
shipped to the Morris paint shop in Cowley ~30 miles to be
painted and then they were shipped a short distance to
Abingdon for assembly, trimming, etc...How's that for
efficiency...The body had over 100 road miles on it before an
engine was ever fitted!

Anyway, the number on top of the footwell was either stamped
at Pressed Steel or at Thompson...We know this because the
number was painted over at Cowley. Likewise the Body Number
and Commission Number were stamped and affixed to the body
prior to painting as these too are typically painted in body
color as are the fasteners. The only number that was applied
at the factory (works) is the Car/Chassis Number.

This number thought to be from Thompson is not recorded by the
factory or by any paperwork ever found. Usually it will be
close numerically with the Commission, Body and Car/Chassis
numbers, but rarely ever the same.

Scott in CA

 

[Trevor Jessie]

Those punch tools that Gerard explained are VERY useful if you
do any customizing on cars. They allow for a very neat hole
for wires and cables to pass. They can often be found among
electrician tools at auctions/garage sales/flea markets. If
you find some in good shape and at a reasonable price do not
pass them by.

 

[aeronca65t]

My MGB had an antennae hole like that.

I just put a black plastic plug in it.
I thought about painting it to match
the car (white), but it looks OK as is.