14 replies to this topic

[dean_chad]

alright, just a quick 1 how difficult is it to remove and replce the cross member on a mini? is there any good advice about as by the looks of mine the original mini seats had collapsed onto the box damaging its............

[dean_chad]

[dean_chad]

:grin:

[miniboo]

i spy another z cars mini.

I think it is possible to get a new crossmember, not sure how hard it is to fit tho

[dean_chad]

yeah im in the very early stages though tryig to find some different trick styles so that there aren't no zcars the same!

[marc]

Can't see it being too difficult as long as you good with a welder and angle grinder. Possibly just replace the top and not the sides of the x-member?! Just an idea.

*eg. cut the old top out and fully seam weld a new one on, or use some u-section steel to creeate a new top, that way it will keep the strength but saves on cutting the sides off the floor pan.

Edited by marc, 01 December 2005 - 07:20 PM.

[dean_chad]

so is this a common thing has anyone seen it before?

[kada1980]

I think if your going to replace it you would have to brace the car significantly to stop the chassis twisting, i would have a go at taking back the metal to see how bad it is, it looks like its repairable from the pics and could be made stronger than it is.

[dean_chad]

good idea mark i spose the same method is used to lower the cross member too?!

[marc]

I would of thought so, i'm no expert on this so dont take my word for it! Lol.
As for bracing it, you have a point, i'd just have the shell sat flat on the floor if poss or sat on stands on each corner, then just cut the top off the x-member, at least then the sides are still there to offer a bit of support. Plus dont stand on the floor pan till you get the new piece welded in! Thats my thought anyway.

[marc]

Or...

Do it in like 3 stages, cut 1 3rd of the top off and weld a new piece in, then cut another 3rd off and weld a new piece in etc, then it'll prevent any twisting etc

[dean_chad]

yeah i think in sections sounds good! at £8 for the whole panel. cant be bad!

[Bluemini]

The cross member is only spot welded in. I would support the car lengthways with some decent wood, just enough to stop it sagging (not that UI think it would), then drill out the old spot welds and weld in a new cross member. Most of the strength is in the sills and tunnel anyway.

Failing that, just cut out the offending areas and seem weld in repare sections then grind smooth.

[markrally]

yeah i think in sections sounds good! at £8 for the whole panel. cant be bad!

£8 for the whole cross member???????? :saywhat: :saywhat: where from???

More like £80 i was gonna put a second one in mine to mount the seats on and add some support to the floor until i seen the price!!! R1MINIMAGIC has fitted 2 to his R1 mini but im putting 1" box section across the sill/tunnel for seat mounting.
A tip for you dean: Dont cut the box section out until you have got the z-cars fram installed and bolted to the floor as this will provide the best stiffness for the floor while you replace the crossmember.

Ps get a build thread started in PROJECTS ?????

Mark :wales:

[clubman katie B.F]

ahhh this is what has gone on mu car.....it's all rusty underneath...i feel your pain...my car is a basket case now