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License Plate [rear] Mounting Location?

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memphis

memphis

Jedi Hopeful
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Hello!

I have a question on the location of the rear license plate for a "65 BJ8. Should the plate be located under the rear bumper? Also should the lic plate light be mounted on the inner bumper?

My plate and light is mounted on the rear bumper like on the picture of "the last Healey" rolling off the line in '67.

Thanks,
Bob
 
This is BJ8L 41778, a 1967 model.

IMG_1284.jpg


Aren't the reflectors supposed to be above the bumper?

There are a great-many details that I will be correcting on this car in the next month or so...

Stay tuned: https://www.rfdm.com/gallery/album201
 
Randy Forbes said:
... Aren't the reflectors supposed to be above the bumper? ...
Click to expand...

I believe so. Don't recall seeing it documented anywhere, but early photos show them above the bumper. They're certainly more visible there.
 
Phase 1 had the plate under the bumper and light mounted on the inside of the bumper. I THINK Phase 2 got the bumper mounted plate. The number seems high for a 65. Is there a "year plate" on the fire wall?
Wait. Who's car is shown in the picture? The green car in Randy's post is the later car. If that is your car, Randy, it's very nice. Glad to see you got a REAL Healey.(Hee, hee)
 
Oh no Randy, you've gone over to the "dark side" and got one of them
convertibles ! Your BN6 is probably very jealous right now !!!

Nice BJ8 and my 66 had the reflectors over the bumper, not below.
Regards,
Mike BN6 964
 
tahoe healey said:
Phase 1 had the plate under the bumper and light mounted on the inside of the bumper. I THINK Phase 2 got the bumper mounted plate. The number seems high for a 65. Is there a "year plate" on the fire wall?
Wait. Who's car is shown in the picture? The green car in Randy's post is the later car. If that is your car, Randy, it's very nice. Glad to see you got a REAL Healey.(Hee, hee)
Click to expand...
Nah, rollup windows are for sissies... :wink:

It's a customer car, but it's in for some pretty extensive work, though the body will remain on the chassis, so to speak.

The BN6, being the Big Brother, can have its way with this car; especially since, as it sits, the thing won't run (rear carb froze up__but I'm dealing with that) and the brakes are nearly locked up. The burgundy car is still king of the roost!

In Clausinger's book, it shows the reflectors above the bumper but with no mention of it; if it were wrong, there'd be a comment.
 
Thanks Guys!

This is a great forum! Really appreciate your help, comments, advice, etc....

Bob
 
My contribution.
 

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The position of the rear license plate and light depends on the body number of the car. At BJ8 body number 79900, the license plate and light were moved from under the bumper to the bumper itself. Body 79900 is approximately chassis 35000 (HBJ8L/35000). Since body numbers did not track chassis numbers in strict numerical sequence, it's possible for lower VINs to have the later configuration, and vice versa. Also, some owners prefer one or the other and have changed the mounting position themselves.

It's never a good idea to try to determine what is correct for a particular "year" of a Healey, since the registration years are all over the place.
 
Randy Forbes:

As BJ8 Model Registrar, I have a record of three previous owners of 41778. I would like to discuss the car with you if you would contact me at sbyers@ec.rr.com.

If you are going to be correcting some "mistakes" on the car, don't change the Phase 1 style dash mirror. I believe it is original to that late Phase 2 car.
 
BJ8Healeys, my '67 is #41329, a few before Randy's, I bought her from original owner, interior& most things are original except Robbins cloth top,what is the difference in mirror? Is my '63 BJ7 the same or different? haven't looked, what is change between Phase 1&2? cheers Genos2
 
memphis said:
Hello!

I have a question on the location of the rear license plate for a "65 BJ8. Should the plate be located under the rear bumper? Also should the lic plate light be mounted on the inner bumper?

They were predominantly located there when the cars were exported to the US.

My plate and light is mounted on the rear bumper like on the picture of "the last Healey" rolling off the line in '67.

This plate frame and location is unique to the US and could have been installed by a dealer or a previous owner of the car.

However IMOP,This later location is the safest location for the plate and insures that you do not inadvertently bend the rear shroud when backing up--Fwiw--Keoke

Thanks,
Bob
Click to expand...
 
That is why I have installed my plate on a spring hing (as in door closing hing)that can flip up when pushed (if you are going forward). Difficult to spot as not original. I like the look of the plate behind the bumper as mine BJ8 is a phase 1.
TH
 
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