4 replies to this topic

[Rog46]

Is it possible (easy) to convert from the old radiator bottom bracket (rear bolt very difficult to access) to the later one with a single bolt accessed from the front?
I hope I've got the descriptions right I remember the new bracket from years ago, and have just stripped an old style one !

[tiger99]

I suggest browsing the Somerford Mini web site, and looking specifically at cooling system, engine mounts and transmission casings, to see what parts fit. I can tell you that the subframe and the rubber engine mount are always the same, except on automatics, so it is the transmission case end extension and adaptor block, the engine mounting bracket which goes between that and the rubber mount, and the radiator that are of most concern. I can't check right now as I am at work and the Somerford site is blocked, but from memory I think that you need the adaptor block for the transmission end case, and of course some new bolts, and the mounting bracket, but without seeing a picture I can't remember what there is on the bottom of the radiator, and whether it attaches via the cowling or the radiator itself.

 

What I can tell you is that, whatever the cost in parts, it is a mod worth doing, for ease of maintenance. I have had Minis with each type of mount, and I would never have the old style again.

[Rog46]

I also seem to remember once reading about converting the bottom fixings to slots so the bolts can be just slackened and the radiator lifted up!

 

Has anyone any experience of that?

[tiger99]

People have slotted certain holes, but there is always the risk of things coming apart, and the fan chewing the radiator.

 

I am now at home so I can access the Somerford site, The diagrams there will confirm what I said. Here:

 

http://www.somerford...page=page&id=94

 

you can see the bottom of the radiator, and its bracket, pre or post 1974.

 

Here:

 

http://www.somerford...age=page&id=121

 

you can see the bits that attach to the transmission case. The good news is that most of the bits will already be there if yours is post 1969, so you may only need the radiator bracket and cowl plus bolts etc. You will have the transmission case alloy adaptor block etc already fitted.

 

I have never found it necessary to seperate the radiator bracket from the engine mount bracket.

[Rog46]

Many thanks. Mine is a 1972 850cc and as far as I can tell completely standard so I'm a bit reluctant to make any major mods, but that back bolt is a real pain so I'm very tempted! I suppose that it could always be returned to standard spec if I kept the bits, maybe I should just lift the body next time?