18 replies to this topic

[pete l]

Hi all,

 

My mini is currently on it's side, I'm working on the underside, new sills, removing paint and rust, welding etc.

 

In each corner there is a thickish little plate welded to the floor.

 

What are they ?

 

Should I remove them, treat the rust that will be under them and then replace them ?.

 

Thanks.

 

Pete.

Edited by pete l, 05 January 2017 - 12:20 PM.

[nicklouse]

Without pictures we can only guess what you are on about.

So I guess the slinging pads. Outersills don't come close to them.

[mab01uk]

The plates were used for locating the bodyshell in the production line process. They often get bent up by being used as jacking points by tyre fitters, etc......

Edited by mab01uk, 05 January 2017 - 12:55 PM.

[GT Jimmy]

I ground mine off when I cut my sills off because I think they're a rust trap

[jamesquintin]

I'm putting mine back on when I replace the floor...

[Marco1972]

Hi Pete

As stated they are slinging brackets only used in the factory
They serve no purpose and frequently get used for jacking up the car ( not good )
Chopped mine off as most others do but if your going for concourse then keep them

Mark

[pete l]

OK, thanks all. 

 

But they look quite tough and as though they strengthen something, especially the rear ones which are welded to the floor and go back up the rear panel.

 

Are they a rust trap ? 

Edited by pete l, 06 January 2017 - 09:06 AM.

[Marco1972]

Hi Pete

Rust tends to form under them as they trap road dirt
They don't add strength to the shell in any way but yes they are welded on quite well especially the rear ones
I guess if you wanted to keep them then ensure they and the surrounding floor are rust treated and protected with a suitable underbody protection

Mark

[panky]

It looks like someone has tried to lift my car on them in the past as both sides are squashed and the floor dinged up slightly. So even though they may look strong they are not up to supporting the weight of a complete car, I'd take them off  to remove the temptation of tyre fitters etc using them as jacking points

[pete l]

So how exactly were they used in the factory then ?

Edited by pete l, 06 January 2017 - 12:48 PM.

[Marco1972]

The cars were transported around the factory on slings and then onto the tracks for final assembly
The shell sat on these on those brackets
If you do a quick google search on mini production you'll see what I mean

Regards Mark

[sonikk4]

The external slinging brackets serve no purpose at all on a road car, none at all. Now if the car is going to be concourse then yes fit them but if its your daily driver then bin them off.

 

Personally i always remove them. The internal bracket is another rust trap and although they offer a modicum of strength again they are only held on with a couple of spot welds so not that needed. Again only really there for moving a bare shell around the factory. 

[midridge2]

So of no use for mounting on a body alignment jig?

[sonikk4]

So of no use for mounting on a body alignment jig?

 

Would you use those as an alignment point?? If they were accurate from the factory and had been replaced whose to know if they are in the right position??

[midridge2]

So were on the floor pan is the alignment points?