387 replies to this topic

[retrodan]

just one safety question on pic of rear subframe with coilovers shown the lower mount nut on shocker was not into the nyloc!!! should be but hey very cool mini

[Dan]

Hi,
just noticed your project and very impressed. Looking very cool but....

I wish I could have told you this a couple of months back as you aren't going to want to hear it now.

Did you put some steel back into the rear parcel shelf or is it just MDF?

The rear parcel shalf is a very, very important panel in the strength of a Mini shell. Even if you do have a cage in place. None of us wants to be in a crash but it would be foolish to ignore the possibility. In a heavy rear impact, the rear of a Mini pretty much collapses if that panel is removed and it pulls the sides and roof in with it. Even with it in place there can be some dramatic damage to the rear of the car in a collision. Check some of the photos of Mini races that regularly appear in the mags. A piece of MDF bolted in place won't add strength. Neither will some light steel bolted or rivetted accross the gap. You need to have either the proper panel welded all round or some serious bracing from the rear panel into the top of the rear bulkhead and a bar accross the top of the rear bulkhead to stop that bending under the load. If your cage is custom, maybe the maker can build you something up a a framework that can be bolted to the remains of the panel that you have left in place and maybe tag welded to the bootlid aperture frame 'because that panel remnant will tear out of the body no trouble. Just trying to think of a way you could get the strength back without damaging the paintwork.

The other consideration is that this panel forms part of the fire bulkhead and does a lot to keep fumes out of the passenger cabin. There are a lot of holes in it as standard though so this isn't so important as the impact strength issue.

Hey for all I know maybe you have put some steel back under there and all this is redundant but if you haven't I think you need to give it some very serious thought.

Very nicely put together car though, very impressive (once you do all the nuts and bolts up properly! ).

Edited by Dan, 06 July 2006 - 05:15 PM.

[steveobennet]

oops! the car current state means i am always taking things off and putting them back on! it has been tightened up now though! don't worry dan i have put some steel in the back, the previous owner did a nice job of it when they put hole for 6x9's in it using what looks like a drill and hammer! have looked into the actual mini shell and its strengths and weakness's (as i am trying to think of a way of strengthening the coilover brackets!). what does scare me is what might happen if i have a front end crash in it!

[steveobennet]

tada! re-named my title, up to now i have obtained some fully adjustable bottom arms and tie rods. poly bushed the lot! thanks has to go to the people on this forum for helping me choose the right arms, though i am far from finished............................ some pics for you all.

[Mincento]

Looking nice tahiti blue looks amazing in this weather and is that a perspex centre console?

wayne

[steveobennet]

gettin the car out in the sun makes this paint look superb! shame its going to be finished around christmas time! yep the center console is made out of perspex, did it myself to improve leg room around the pedals.

[Mincento]

Your gonna have to keep that car mega clean then or the perspex will look C**p when dirty :'( so good luck

Get going you NEED to use a mini in this weather its what they were made for to be fair youl hate it in winter, itll be too cold, wont like the weather as much when running, road grit will trash the paint so youl be scared of driving it due to that and black ice+other numpty drivers and seems a shame to leave it till next summer

havent you got a few mates who can help you build it up a bit quicker? few cans of lager trade etc?

wayne

Edited by Mincento, 22 July 2006 - 12:03 AM.

[steveobennet]

more hands is not what i need, its the money side! (hint hint) the earliest this is going to be ready by is november, which will allow me to adjust to the mini and bed in the engine, brakes etc, find any problems, or replace anything that breaks. all before next summer comes along!

center console 50% complete

Edited by steveobennet, 23 July 2006 - 03:36 PM.

[neil_g]

nice work..

one observation, have you tied down the rear braided brake lines? if not i strongly recommend you do, if they wave around rubbing against stuff they will wear through and youll lose brakes.

[steveobennet]

superb advice neil g, it did cross my mind that i'll need to tie them to something......... right what have i done so far. put some gas struts on the front end so it wont hit the floor if i let go. they are from a 3000gt(only 99p!) but do the job.







finally got some wheels for the bugger! i was set on the minispeed black ones but a change of heart (and rubber choice) sent me the way of the trusted superlites!







experiencing problems with the front coilovers too. at the moment its as low as it goes and it hit the subframe! i've going to make some new bottom mounts to bring it away from the subframe and give me some more movement and lower height!



finally i might have in my hands what could be a 1430! got it for free, but it is in bad condition, hopefully some spit and polish will get it looking better!

[supermotolee]

isnt there supposed to be a chain tensioner there? sorry if its a stupid question

[steveobennet]

ain't got a clue! the engine was given to me like you see it. i may end up exhanging this for an engine kit, maybe a 1380. i'd love to find out what this is but to be honest i'd prefer a brand spanking new one to go in, just need to sort out the gearbox side then!

[Baldspeed Racing]

Looking good mate, nice touch with the old strut to open and hold the front end.

[Lund]

Keep that duplex timing chain Stu, they are alot quieter and hence more comfortable, will have to pop round again sometime to see it in the flesh, all is looking good! But as I say, the ^under wheel arch pic^ confuses me, specially that bump on the subframe, should it be there? How low is it set now then?

I still think... Silver roof!

[sean bean]

looking good and the colour is hellova nice!!

Edited by sean bean, 14 August 2006 - 03:28 PM.