14 replies to this topic

[Slackda]

So I started doing the silks on my mini , the front was really bad and as I cut away I noticed the back was looking pretty rotten too, so cut the rear section out, this was due to me finding a large amount of filler and having the spare panel already I though what the hell... have now exposed the rear And not sure what to make of the rear subframe https://i.imgur.com/4lVm5FO.jpg

[sonikk4]

What you have done there shows damage to the inner sill stiffener, heelboard end, rear arch closeout panel and or course the inner sill as well.

 

Subframe off time i'm afraid.

[Slackda]

Do I need to jig the body when I take it off? And where about a do I support the body with axel stand to get it out? Or is it all covered in the Haynes?

[sonikk4]

For subframe removal i use a thick piece of timber the width of the car. I place this right under the heelboard so its flush with the edge of the heelboard. Then use two axle stands, one at each end to support the beam and the car. Now take the subframe off.

 

Once the subbie is off you can reposition the the beam carefully to allow you access to the are to be repaired.

 

What you do need to do on the wooden beam is to add a notch in it for the battery cable conduit or you will crush it.

 

Now providing you do one corner at a time you can use the subframe as your jig. I would remove the radius arms to lighten things up though otherwise things will get a tad heavy.

[tiger99]

And no, it isn't covered in the normal Haynes, although you should always reference that or the downloadable Rover manual, or both, for mechanical and electrical work. Every body restoration is unique, sort of, although the rust tends to happen in the same places.

 

Haynes do a Mini Restoration Manual by Lindsay Porter, but I do not recommend it, as it misses completely several important areas, amongst other things. You will learn far more by looking at some of the rebuild threads on this forum, Save your 20 quid or so. There are plenty of pictures of rot and corrosion being turned into nice solid vehicles here, and plenty of people to answer your inevitable questions.

 

Another place that you may find useful for general information, but not Mini-specific stuff, is the MIG welding forum.

 

http://www.mig-welding.co.uk/forum/

 

Have fun!

Edited by tiger99, 25 June 2017 - 03:58 PM.

[Slackda]

Thanks guys , got it partially removed last night only sheared one bolt.... was hoping i wouldn't have to take the whole sub frame off as looks pretty good, but may was well take it off now and fully restore/blast/respray.

 

Result is hopefully going to replace the heelboard rot, either with a chunk of 1.2-1.5mm steel or will buy the blank from minispares..http://minispares.com/product/Classic/MS51L.aspx?ReturnUrl=/catalogues/classic/Classic~Body~Parts~Manual/Bodywork/Saloon~Floor~Panels.aspx?3~23~225|Back%20to%20catalogue 

 

Cannot seem to find the rear inner sill Stiffener as a apart though..

 

Have both the Restoration book and the Haynes manual gifted as presents, it is outlined the Haynes manual. but not very well......the restoration book, is a bit of a waste of time IMO, 

[tiger99]

Try the Somerford Mini web site to see a better presentation of the parts catalogue, with everything including sill stiffners shown in its appropriate place.

[Slackda]

Got the frame off the mount is only tatty at the end, can tack a little bit on here ore just replace the end... the subframe is a different story, not sure wether to restore or buy a new/refurb one what's people's options on non heritage subframes ?

Edited by Slackda, 05 July 2017 - 08:22 PM.

[GT Jimmy]

Don't bother with that frame, looks just like mine I binned the other day, save the trunnions though, mine were good enough to re use

[Slackda]

to be honest I had a closer look this morning and a lot is just surface rust, only parts that really concerns me is the front to back brace that is above the cone, that is very flaky round the edges

[Steve220]

Replace.

[dyshipfakta]

Hi it with a hole finding hammer afew times and you will change your mind lol.

[Slackda]

It took a beating to get it off, thanks to the dirt welds..

Edited by Slackda, 06 July 2017 - 01:09 PM.

[Slackda]

Think I found a decent replacement 79 clubman will fit An 87 Mayfair ?

[sonikk4]

Think I found a decent replacement 79 clubman will fit An 87 Mayfair ?

 

Yes is the answer.