[Healeys] BJ7 or BJ8

[Randall Hicks]

There is some evidence that the stamping of chassis numbers started with late BJ7’s but no start date or body number has been determined. Regardless, the number would indicate a BJ7 or BJ8.

Randy

> On May 13, 2018, at 9:24 AM, Bob Haskell <rchaskell at earthlink.net> wrote:
> 
> One possible tell might be if there is a VIN number on the right hand shock tower.  Weren't those just on the BJ8s?  All, or after some point in time?
> 
> Cheers,
> 
> Bob Haskell
> AHCA 3000 MkI registrar
> http://www.ciahc.org/registry_3000mk1.php
> 
> On 05/13/2018 08:23 AM, BJ8Healeys wrote:
>> Brian, I have seen a car recently that was advertised for sale by Beverly Hills Car Club as a BJ7.  It had a wood dash, BJ8 "short tail" center console (but no armrest), BJ8 front seats and door panels, BJ7 rear seat upholstery and BJ7 backrest.  The external features were either BJ7 or Phase 1 BJ8.  The car had a BJ7 VIN.  It was not possible to determine whether the car began life as a BJ7 or Phase 1 BJ8.
>> I am aware of one other car that was created by Fourintune out of two junked BJ8s and they put a BJ7 VIN plate on it and sold it to someone in New York state.  This car later came to North Carolina and was sold after the bond period expired.  The new owner had some problems registering the car with the NY BJ7 number because of the discrepancies.
>> Steve Byers
>> HBJ8L/36666
>> BJ8 Registry
>> AHCA Delegate at Large
>> Havelock, NC
>> *From:*Healeys [mailto:healeys-bounces at autox.team.net] *On Behalf Of *Brian Drab
>> *Sent:* Saturday, May 12, 2018 7:55 PM
>> *To:* Healeys at autox.team.net
>> *Subject:* [Healeys] BJ7 or BJ8
>> I currently manage the AHOABC monthly newsletter and website. In that capacity I received a request to list a new members car for sale.  He lives in another town about 400 kms from Vancouver where I live. When he joined the club, he listed his car as a 1963 BJ7.
>> This is the car he wishes to sell. He has owned it since 1975. He advised that he had the car restored several years ago. He sent me a number of high quality photos of the car. The car is beautiful example of a big Healey and looks gorgeous.
>> The first thing that stood out to me was the car had a wood BJ8 dash. In addition, it has a BJ8 exhaust system. The interior pictures showed a BJ8 style armrest. Under the hood, the horns are mounted BJ8 style.
>> There is no voltage regulator to check whether it is new or old style as the car has been equipped with an alternator.
>> The car is badged with a 3000 MKII badge above the grill. The car has all BJ7 style lights. The rear seat, which on a BJ8 unfolds to make a luggage carrier, is BJ7 style.
>> When I emailed back that it appeared to be a BJ8 and not a BJ7 he emailed me a copy of the heritage certificate. The certificate definitely lists a BJ7 with a manufacturing date of the 1 - 7 June 1962.
>> Other than the car being a hybrid formed from two cars - BJ7 and a BJ8 I am at a loss to explain it.
>> Anyone experienced anything like this?
>> Brian Drab