22 replies to this topic

[Wrenchpuller]

Hi everyone,
To do work on the rear suspension, I once again have to remove the gas tank. 73 Mini 1000
Not a job I enjoy. I know I have seen on the forum, photos and a description of how to cut an access hole in rear panel. But I cannot find the posting. Would someone please point me towards it ? I figure if I cut and cover the access hole this time then I will never have any reason to pull the tank, Having said that watch the thing spring a leak on me sometime.

Cheers and thanks Ric

[Bungle]

in the rear seat back rest just about the wheel arch

[david@skeggyminis]

by the time you get in the back and remove the seat you could have the tank unbolted and moved to the side to get to the shock top

[minisilverbullet]

I think it was Cooperman who described it. But isnt has car a rally car, requiring a lot of maintenance and thus regular access to the rear dampener.

The tank takes all of ten minutes to move

[Wrenchpuller]

Many thanks to all for the replies, and info. Just seems to be every time I have to remove the tank, I have just filled it. Removal is not such a pain, except the 2 bolts through the rear parcel shelf. And the fact I have just topped the tank up. Dislike messing around pumping it into gas cans. Oh well, job for tomorrow, going to fit coil springs to the 4 corners.

Cheers Ric

[Cerberus]

What are these two bolts in the parcel shelf? Whenever I'm removing the tank, I just undo the bolt at the bottom that holds the strap on, and then just pull the tank out carefully, and the strap just moves/bends with it.

[bmcecosse]

Coil springs ?? Not a great idea.... You would never do that anyway working through a flap in the rear panel - it's ok for access to the top damper nut -but for modifying turrets to take coil springs you will need full access. Be sure to remove the battery before touching the fuel tank!

[samsfern]

I think he means coilovers.

You can get the rear ones with the offset top mount bolt, thus not needing to modify the Turrets, but im not keen on the idea of those type.

[bmcecosse]

The shell is not designed to take loads like that - BMC fitted a subframe for good reason....... And yes - many many moons ago I removed most of the rear subby and formed turrets to take coil springs with suitable bracing to the rear seat back. But this was an ultra lightweight autocross car - not a road car which may be loaded up with fat mates!!

[Carlos W]

Or fat lasses! They're always more greatful tho!

[Wrenchpuller]

Whoa guys, don't kick me so hard..............LOL

cerberus...It's a North American Mk3 (Canada) the 2 bolts through parcel shelf hold and attach a fuel tank restrraing bracket

bmcecosse.....It is a coil spring conversion (from Rubber) Still have to drop LHR shock to fit........Any reason you want to give as to why the coil conversion is no good ?? Any input will be great..thanks

samafern.....No not coil over, as said above...coil conversiom from rubber

bmcecosse....As said not coil over , so shell load n/a

[Cooperman]

Here is a photo shaowing exactly where to cut the rectangular hole in the rear seat panel.Make up the cover plate about 3/4" bigger all round and seal it with bathroom sealant when fitting it.
I hope this helps.

[samsfern]

Or fat lasses! They're always more greatful tho!

in my 3 and half years of driving, ive never actually had the pleasure of transporting a "large turkey", dont think im missing out on much though

[Wrenchpuller]

Thanks Cooperman,

That is "Magic". I plan on cutting that while I have the gas tank out, Will cover wiith a plate and self tappers, and sealant.

If only our tanks were held in place by just the strap clamp, but alas there are 2 restraining brackets as well (upper and lower).

Would be tempted to leave them off, but the insurance company would leap at the excuse to refuse payment if ever needed.

Thanks for the info and pic
Cheers Ric

[bmcecosse]

BMC designed the Mini with clever progressive rate rubber cone springs - I don't see any reason to go away from that for a road car........ and what does your insurance co think about the idea. As for 'coil overs' - where do you think the suspension loads are going - if not into that top damper mount ?? Which on a 1973 car may not now be in tip top condition??