18 replies to this topic

[boulton6868]

Started this project the begining of jan and just started the subframe so decided to show you guys how im getting on.

Some pics of the build so far
A few pics when i got to car.




A few of the shell now after a little bit of work had to replace inner and outer sills front ond some of the rear floor pans and rear valence.




Also had a spending spree at bingley hall.





Also got these two delivered the other day.



And finally the start of my subframe.
Just welded round the top of the tower mounts this evening.



Rest of my pics.
http://s339.photobuc...roject/?start=0

[*franky*]

looking very good mate looks like you have been spending quite a bit of time and cash on the car. good luck

[CharlieBrown]

Good luck with the build.

Not seen a TKD rear beam before, looks pretty sturdy!

[boulton6868]

Thanks guys. Yea the beam is probablly one of the sturdiest ones out at the min, very good quality id say if your looking to get one this is the best one to go for.

[boulton6868]

Bit more progress last night with the frame.





Hopefully in the next couple of days i will be able to finish the tubing underneath the frame and cut most of the original one away.

[boulton6868]

Went out in the garage again tonight, wasnt gonna cause ive got grinding dust in my eye and gotta go to the hospital to have it scrapped out tomorrow.

Here are some pics.



Nearly ready to cut the original frame out.

[tattooguy08]

MORE PICS!!!!

[boulton6868]

Got out in the garage again atlast been on lates last week got all the old mini frame cut out and mounted it up on the car ready for the engine drop.
For those of you that have given me some advise on the rails to the rear i am gonna put the engine in and see where they will need dropping and any other little tweeks as im sure there is lol.

Still gotta brace the towers with yet.



Got the engine all stripped down of its manifolds, pipework and alternator aswell.

Some more pics here didnt want to clog it all up.
http://s339.photobuc...30mini/project/

[boulton6868]

Been busy today got the bulkhead cut out, frame mounted to the floor, engine sat in place using jacks and wood and all the little bits sorted like the bottom rail to the rear. Oh and sat the front on just wanted to see what it looked like.
Just got a few questions do you all leave the oil filter in the original place?
And anything you can see that may look out of place?, i think the engine might need to go back just a little.
Gonna lift the box up a bit think it needs it.






More pics

[mk3 Cooper S]

How much steering lock are you going to have with the brace bars fitted where they are?

[boulton6868]

How much steering lock are you going to have with the brace bars fitted where they are?

You still get full lock, it doesnt look it i thought that as i was building the frame but its full lock with about 2 maybe 3 inches of room so should be fine with the wider wheels.

[boulton6868]

So this evening i have been busy making my two front engine mounts and sizing up the rear gearbox one pics to come for that soon hopefully.
Here are my engine mounts, have'nt tidied them up yet but this is the basic shape of them.
Im gonna leave the extra looking bit of metal on this as i might make a rad mount off it.


Bit on the large side but will be trimmed down.

[boulton6868]

Other two mounts made on the rear of the engine now and all sitting there with no jacks or hoist.
This one come off the old alternator mounts.


And this is off the original rear gearbox mount adapted to mount in the new place.


And the last pic the engine sitting there with no support.

[THE STIG]

only thing i would worry about is the engine monuts, as normally engine mounts are at 45% angles so are in compression aganist each other not flat as yours are at the front of the engine

the mounts wont stop the engine moving as well like that as the mounts can shake backwards and forwards together

if angled one is trying to stretch while the other is beening compressed

like in pic

Edited by THE STIG, 24 February 2009 - 05:09 PM.

[boulton6868]

I see what you mean, ill try it for the mean time as i now of some other vauxhall minis that are the same as mine.