I'm working on my first project car, a 1976 Mini 1000 and I'm finding out things it needs etc as time allows. My current question is what are the forward subframe teardrop mounts for? The former owner switched out the tower ones for rigid pieces, I get that, but he gave me Minispares solid front tear drop mounts still in the bag. There is currently nothing up front except a gap of 5/16 -1/2" or so, guess he removed them at some point. I see in minispares that they mount with one 5/16 bolt about 3/4 to 1" long that goes through the teardrop and then the subframe. But then what? they just bolt to the subframe? do they actually mount to the sheet metal too? Just doesn't look like they do anything in the pictures on their web site. I can see how they can be used as a stiffener for tow hooks, is that their reasoning? Please help
New And Confused, What Are The Front Subframe Tear Drop Mounts For?
#1
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Posted 30 November 2013 - 12:42 AM
#2
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Posted 30 November 2013 - 02:10 AM
Yes, one the centre hole bolted to the hole near the end of the front member. The "tear" bolts to the front panel , hole to the top.
#3
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Posted 30 November 2013 - 02:24 AM
Having a hard time understanding your reply, the 5/16 bolt goes in the tear drop spacer/mount at the TOP and THAT attaches to the cars sheet metal? the painted parts? Then a larger bolt, I'm guessing 3/8" bolt actually bolts to the subframe throughout the tear drop mount center or lower larger hole? Any idea where to find this bolt listed in minispares, etc?
#4
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Posted 30 November 2013 - 02:31 AM
The only thing I see on mini spares web site that seems to use the tear drop's large hole is a tow hook. Is the mini supposed to have 2 tow hooks?
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#6
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Posted 30 November 2013 - 10:02 AM
Does this help?
http://item.mobilewe...Id=111122447530
Yes, that is a good pic, the poly bushings are backwards from what is in the drawing on mini spares, I assume there is only one piece that has a hole for the nipple on the mount? Plus, any idea where to find the length/buildup of the 3/8 bolt that goes through it? So 3/8' bolt goes into subframe, and the 5/16" bolt goes through the cars front sheet metal, yes?
#7
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Posted 30 November 2013 - 11:18 AM
There are two fixings for the teardrop...
The first fixes the teardrop at the top to the front valance. There is a captive nut in the valance which a short 5/16" UNF bolt screws into and secures with a spring washer.
The second fixing goes through teardrop and connects it to the front subframe. This will either be a 3/8" UNF nut and bolt or a towing eye can be installed...
The important thing with a teardrop is the bolts should not be used to pull the valance to the subframe, but rather special packing shims, 2A4292, are available to take up the gap... Pulling the valance/wings in with the bolts will cause fractures in the joins, most commonly experienced where the wing adjoins the scuttle.
#8
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Posted 01 December 2013 - 01:40 AM
There are two fixings for the teardrop...
The first fixes the teardrop at the top to the front valance. There is a captive nut in the valance which a short 5/16" UNF bolt screws into and secures with a spring washer.
The second fixing goes through teardrop and connects it to the front subframe. This will either be a 3/8" UNF nut and bolt or a towing eye can be installed...
The important thing with a teardrop is the bolts should not be used to pull the valance to the subframe, but rather special packing shims, 2A4292, are available to take up the gap... Pulling the valance/wings in with the bolts will cause fractures in the joins, most commonly experienced where the wing adjoins the scuttle.
Thank you for the great info. I didn't realize the bit about the shims so I ordered them today. I ordered 8 so I'd guess I'll have enough to spare. I'll see how long my order takes to get here from minispares. It was hard for me to see from the top view on the car, but does the nipple on the tear drop go into a hole in the subframe, or is there a hole in the front valence for it?
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