23 replies to this topic

[sonscar]

I would have welded the full plate to the floot and bolted the mount through it.I did it this way following the examples of others.Steve..

[Sheep 1161]

Nice looking example mate :) I picked up a '91 cooper myself a few weeks ago, no idea what I am doing but never too late to learn.

[Maccmike8]

Great work, looking forward to seeing this progress.

[Cooper Mac]

Hi All!

 

Sorry for the lack of updates, work has been progressing nicely, but I've failed to keep you posted on my progress, so I'll do some updates over the next few days!

 

So the Solid subframe mounts were fully welded, test fitted, and then painted and finally fitted with Tiger Seal to keep out the wet...... 

 

I would have welded the full plate to the floot and bolted the mount through it.I did it this way following the examples of others.Steve..

 

I did think about this Steve, but I didn't want to move the rear of the subframe forwards and down, which is why I chose to weld the mounts within the plate. I know that in the grand scheme of things it's approx 2mm forward and 2mm down, but I didn't want to change the interface points that much. 

 

 

 

52mm Diameter penny washers were used on the inside of the toeboard to help with load spreading. These also had Tiger Seal applied to the underside:

 

[Cooper Mac]

With the rear mounts fitted, I could refit the subframe:

 

 

I'm using solid mounts all round on the front subby, with plenty of copper grease!

 

 

Then the Mini was on all 4 wheels again, if only for a week.

 

[Maccmike8]

Great work but wish youd have ground the welds down a bit smoother.

[Cooper Mac]

So, I've also been refurbishing other parts as I remove them from the car, that way they are all ready to just bolt them all back on when it comes to re-assembly!

 

The gear selector was grubby and the shaft bearings were completely worn, so these were replaced. I also fitted a cover to try and prevent grit getting into the front bearing and wearing it away. For this I just used a knuckle joint boot, which was the correct size for the shaft, and the larger diameter fitted over the selector casing. I had to make a folk to keep the boot in place:

 

 

Then this was fitted to the upper retaining bar with a hose clip:

 

 

I'll have to see how successful this is!

[Cooper Mac]

A couple of other small refurbs done:

 

The grille was bent and some of the pop rivets had failed, so I stripped it down, treated the rust from the steel backing, then straightened and cleaned the slats:

 

 

Then pop riveted it all back together, not perfect, but useable and much more presentable!

 

 

While the heater was out, I replaced the heater matrix and converted it to twin speed! The decals from Stickyfingers finished it off nicely!

 

[Maccmike8]

All looks really good!