184 replies to this topic

[micraminiman]

Spent Sunday cutting and welding some box-section. Happy with how its going so far. Trimmed the rear section away for the diff so the engine can sit better, and there's now some decent clearance.

Next up are the bottom bars so I can get it out of the jig and try it out on the car with the engine in and arms fitted before doing any more.

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[McMini 22]

I see you have cut away the bottom of the towers already.  How are you going to align the bottom arm mounts - the front mounting that you are going to weld in?

 

I made an alignment pin and bush as part of my jig.  I'm glad I did as it has shown up a problem with my subframe!

 

Subframe is looking good.  How is your clearance for the speedo sensor?

[micraminiman]

Hi, I will fit the bottom arms and tie rods in place and line the front mounting plates from that as the tie bars will locate them properly. Shouldnt be an issue to be honest. If it is, I have spare frames to measure, and can turn a jig to fit through the remaining hole with a big flange on one end to keep it square.

The speed sensor fits nicely under the rear bar, and will plug in afterwards, or I can cut the plug moulding and solder wires onto it to give more room to manouver as it is tight when passing under the bar.

Edited by micraminiman, 08 August 2016 - 03:51 PM.

[micraminiman]

What thickness of plate will I need to buy to make the engine mounts out of?

[Artstu]

What thickness of plate will I need to buy to make the engine mounts out of?

 

I think most people use 6 mm thick plate.

[micraminiman]

Ok, thanks for that, will go and buy some 6mm.
Want some 3mm or 4mm for strengthening the rear lower area between the floor mounts too.
Not easy to get steel up here, postage is unbelievable when yer postcode says you live on an island but are definitely a mainland dweller... :-(

[micraminiman]

Progress!!

 The subframe is made and removed from the jig!

Still a lot of work to do on the frame yet, but that will come next....

It fits the Mini, and the engine fits nicely into the frame with room to play in every direction to fine tune when I make the mounts.

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[micraminiman]

Double post....

Edited by micraminiman, 23 August 2016 - 11:37 AM.

[micraminiman]

The original bottom arm bolts have been cut and turned on the lathe ready for making up the new front plate mounts. The bent piece that used to go under the drive shaft was cut off, and cleaned up on the lathe. Need to find what thread they are now so I can order new nylock nuts for them. I know its UNF, but the diameter is the unknown part to me. Found new regular nuts in the workshop that will do for just now.

 Waiting on a set of Polyurethane bushes and sleeve coming home now. Made a turned jig to help locate the front mount plates correctly using another front subframe.

Edited by micraminiman, 23 August 2016 - 02:22 PM.

[micraminiman]

Have also ordered some uprated adjustable tie bars and poly bushes, and one of those nice Fusion Fabrications alloy Inlet Manifolds with trumpets. Happy guy tonight!!

 

What type of fuel tank and pump is required, as all I have is the standard old style tank.

 

Thanks.

[l_jonez]

Easiest option is to find an mpi fuel tank and pump

[McMini 22]

I couldn't find an MPI tank at a reasonable price so I bought an SPI tank and was hoping to change the pump for the Micra one.
I still can't get my head round having 12v power inside a petrol tank!

[micraminiman]

Will keep an eye out for the mpi tank then, but there is always the spi and modify it like Mc says. Thanks.

[Archived2]

I couldn't find an MPI tank at a reasonable price so I bought an SPI tank and was hoping to change the pump for the Micra one.
I still can't get my head round having 12v power inside a petrol tank!

I have one for sale. Spi has lower pump pressure

[micraminiman]

Have been making up the plates to hold the bottom arms forward mount. I used the original bottom arm pins.
I'm now ready to weld these onto the frame using the pin jig that I made to locate them.
The modified pins will have a tab welded onto the side yet to "key" the pins to prevent them turning. It will fit into the slot that I milled off the side of the hole in the plate. Getting there!
I also sent away my Inlet Manifold to Fusion Fabrication, to get a nice shiney new trumpet Manifold made up. Happy lad here!

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Edited by micraminiman, 27 August 2016 - 08:24 AM.