12 replies to this topic

[Mini-Mouse]

Hi all.

I've been considering buying a mini for quite a few months now and not knowing much about them, I'm doing lots of reading! I found a method in a book that's used to check the body for distortion. Basically, you park the car on a smooth, level surface and make chalk marks on the ground perpendicular to all the subframe mounting points. You then move the car and connect the marks as shown below, which should all converge at a single point if the body is true.

 

I was wondering if anyone has done this before and whether it is something that should be done every time you view a car or just if you are in any doubt about how true the body is after visual inspections, looking at previous mot failures/advisories etc.

 

Also, I've found a very nice 1993 Sprite with only 14,000 miles: 

http://www.ebay.co.u...=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

Paint and body work looks great, I just don't think I'm brave enough to take the first steps and arrange viewing!

 

Cheers.

 

(Apologies for orientation)

[carbon]

Don't know of anyone who does this 'chalk test' when buying a car.

 

It would need to be done very accurately if you are going to pick up any significant misalignment of the subframes, and would probably not pick up 'twist' in the shell unless this was very bad.

 

Best approach if you're planning to buy a classic Mini is to see if there is a local club in you area and join them, or find someone who is very familiar with Minis to come and view any cars you're serious about buying.

[mab01uk]

Mini bodyshells were often out of alignment when they left the factory.......

[robminibcy]

Mini bodyshells were often out of alignment when they left the factory.......

I was going to say that! The tolerances were lets say, generous from factory! The method shown could have so many sources of error I really wouldn't bother, I would just check for paint defects ripples, majorly off panel gaps or signs of repair. Do be aware though that its possible that repairs would have been made to repair rust rather than crash damage even at 14k

[Daz1968]

Maybe it's just me, but I don't like the look of the boot floor near rear subframe mount, the painted bolts, general unevenness and amount of sealant makes me think this, also I don't like the arches and wheels but then that can be changed, you need to look it over carefully as low mileage doesn't mean it's right, also see if the mileage claim can be bracket up

[1984mini25]

Maybe it's just me, but I don't like the look of the boot floor near rear subframe mount, the painted bolts, general unevenness and amount of sealant makes me think this, also I don't like the arches and wheels but then that can be changed, you need to look it over carefully as low mileage doesn't mean it's right, also see if the mileage claim can be bracket up

 

According to the direct.gov mot checks, it doesn't have a current mot, witch expired on the 10th. Could be slow to update, but mine have normally updated within a few hours.

 

And the mot history....

 

Check the MOT history of a vehicle

Registration number: K529NAP

 

• Vehicle make ROVER
• Vehicle model MINI
• Date first used 9 March 1993
• Fuel type Petrol
• Colour Red

 

MOT history of this vehicle

• Test date 11 September 2015
• Expiry date 10 September 2016
• Test Result Pass
• Odometer reading 14,675 miles
• MOT test number 9735 2079 8679

• Test date 18 September 2008
• Test Result Fail
• Odometer reading 14,042 miles
• MOT test number 5525 8206 8216
• Reason(s) for failure
  
  Direction indicators not working (1.4.A.2c)

  Nearside Stop lamp not working (1.2.1b)

  Offside Stop lamp not working (1.2.1b)

  Steering column top bearing excessively worn (2.1.2c)

  Nearside Front Sub-frame has excessive play in a pin/bush (2.4.G.2)

  Offside Front Sub-frame has excessive play in a pin/bush (2.4.G.2)

  Offside Front Sub-frame attachment bracket/mounting bolt missing (2.4.G.1)

  Nearside Front Subframe mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded (2.4.A.3)

  Offside Front Subframe mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded (2.4.A.3)

  Nearside Rear Subframe mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded (2.4.A.3)

  Offside Rear Subframe mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded (2.4.A.3)

  Rear Sub-frame corroded and seriously weakened (2.4.G.1)

  Nearside Outer Front constant velocity joint gaiter split (2.5.C.1a)

  Nearside Rear Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm (4.1.E.1)

  Offside Rear Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm (4.1.E.1)

  Horn not working (1.6.2a)
• Advisory notice item(s)
  
  Nearside Headlamp damaged but light output not reduced (1.7.5a)

  Oil leak

• Test date 21 August 2007
• Expiry date 9 September 2008
• Test Result Pass
• Odometer reading 13,057 miles
• MOT test number 7007 6363 7256

• Test date 24 August 2006
• Expiry date 9 September 2007
• Test Result Pass
• Odometer reading 11,854 miles
• MOT test number 3409 4643 6243

• Test date 24 August 2006
• Test Result Fail
• Odometer reading 118,547 miles
• MOT test number 9430 7663 6222
• Reason(s) for failure
  
  Front Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)

  Horn not working (1.6.2a)

  Nearside Front Direction indicator incorrect colour (1.4.A.2f)

  Offside Front Direction indicator incorrect colour (1.4.A.2f)

  Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content excessive (7.3.B.1a)

  Brakes imbalanced across an axle (3.7.B.5b)
• Advisory notice item(s)
  
  Nearside Front Brake pad(s) wearing thin (3.5.1g)

  Offside Front Brake pad(s) wearing thin (3.5.1g)

  Nearside Front brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (3.5.1i)

  Offside Front brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (3.5.1i)

• Test date 23 August 2005
• Test Result Fail
• Odometer reading 10,728 miles
• MOT test number 4923 6543 5281
• Reason(s) for failure
  
  Nearside Front Front position lamp(s) not working (1.1.A.3b)

  Offside Front Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings (6.1.B.2)

  Drivers seat insecure (6.2.A.1)

  Nearside Rear Registration plate lamp not working (1.1.C.1d)
• Advisory notice item(s)
  
  Offside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)

[mab01uk]

For example.......

As the factory bodyshell tooling became worn in later years the front panelwork and wings on Mini's varied more and more from one side to the other.......these shims below were added, often several more on one side to try to even up the gaps from wheel to wheel arch each side and prevent tyres rubbing on full lock.

 

"Fitted to rubber mounted subframes from 1976 on this packing piece goes between the front panel and the subframe mounting points. You might be surprised how many of these were fitted to your car when it came out the factory. When replacing the front panel or mountings you should repack them accordingly. They are open end shaped to slide in over the bolt."

http://www.minispare...sic/2A4292.aspx

 

 

"A set of 8 Mini front subframe shims (2A4292) in stainless steel exact reproductions of the original Rover ones fitted.

These are a must when you are renovating the mini shell to get the front panel and subframe to align correctly, they fit between the subframe and pear drop mount.

Made from stainless steel."

http://www.minisport...eel-2a4292.html

Edited by mab01uk, 15 October 2016 - 09:02 AM.

[mab01uk]

Vertical & Subframe Alignment Diagram.

"When used in conjunction with the diagram below you can make absolutely certain that your Mini is "Square & True" an essential starting point for any sort of performance work or restoration."

Scroll down for diagram:-

http://mk1-performan...hnical_body.htm

Edited by mab01uk, 15 October 2016 - 09:08 AM.

[Mini-Mouse]

 

Maybe it's just me, but I don't like the look of the boot floor near rear subframe mount, the painted bolts, general unevenness and amount of sealant makes me think this, also I don't like the arches and wheels but then that can be changed, you need to look it over carefully as low mileage doesn't mean it's right, also see if the mileage claim can be bracket up

 

According to the direct.gov mot checks, it doesn't have a current mot, witch expired on the 10th. Could be slow to update, but mine have normally updated within a few hours.

 

And the mot history....

 

Check the MOT history of a vehicle

Registration number: K529NAP

 

• Vehicle make ROVER
• Vehicle model MINI
• Date first used 9 March 1993
• Fuel type Petrol
• Colour Red

 

MOT history of this vehicle

• Test date 11 September 2015
• Expiry date 10 September 2016
• Test Result Pass
• Odometer reading 14,675 miles
• MOT test number 9735 2079 8679

• Test date 18 September 2008
• Test Result Fail
• Odometer reading 14,042 miles
• MOT test number 5525 8206 8216
• Reason(s) for failure
  
  Direction indicators not working (1.4.A.2c)

  Nearside Stop lamp not working (1.2.1b)

  Offside Stop lamp not working (1.2.1b)

  Steering column top bearing excessively worn (2.1.2c)

  Nearside Front Sub-frame has excessive play in a pin/bush (2.4.G.2)

  Offside Front Sub-frame has excessive play in a pin/bush (2.4.G.2)

  Offside Front Sub-frame attachment bracket/mounting bolt missing (2.4.G.1)

  Nearside Front Subframe mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded (2.4.A.3)

  Offside Front Subframe mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded (2.4.A.3)

  Nearside Rear Subframe mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded (2.4.A.3)

  Offside Rear Subframe mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded (2.4.A.3)

  Rear Sub-frame corroded and seriously weakened (2.4.G.1)

  Nearside Outer Front constant velocity joint gaiter split (2.5.C.1a)

  Nearside Rear Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm (4.1.E.1)

  Offside Rear Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm (4.1.E.1)

  Horn not working (1.6.2a)
• Advisory notice item(s)
  
  Nearside Headlamp damaged but light output not reduced (1.7.5a)

  Oil leak

• Test date 21 August 2007
• Expiry date 9 September 2008
• Test Result Pass
• Odometer reading 13,057 miles
• MOT test number 7007 6363 7256

• Test date 24 August 2006
• Expiry date 9 September 2007
• Test Result Pass
• Odometer reading 11,854 miles
• MOT test number 3409 4643 6243

• Test date 24 August 2006
• Test Result Fail
• Odometer reading 118,547 miles
• MOT test number 9430 7663 6222
• Reason(s) for failure
  
  Front Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)

  Horn not working (1.6.2a)

  Nearside Front Direction indicator incorrect colour (1.4.A.2f)

  Offside Front Direction indicator incorrect colour (1.4.A.2f)

  Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content excessive (7.3.B.1a)

  Brakes imbalanced across an axle (3.7.B.5b)
• Advisory notice item(s)
  
  Nearside Front Brake pad(s) wearing thin (3.5.1g)

  Offside Front Brake pad(s) wearing thin (3.5.1g)

  Nearside Front brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (3.5.1i)

  Offside Front brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (3.5.1i)

• Test date 23 August 2005
• Test Result Fail
• Odometer reading 10,728 miles
• MOT test number 4923 6543 5281
• Reason(s) for failure
  
  Nearside Front Front position lamp(s) not working (1.1.A.3b)

  Offside Front Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings (6.1.B.2)

  Drivers seat insecure (6.2.A.1)

  Nearside Rear Registration plate lamp not working (1.1.C.1d)
• Advisory notice item(s)
  
  Offside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)

 

Wow thanks for this. I didn't know this kind of information was available for free! Very interesting and helps to piece together the history of the car. I'll definitely be using this website in the future! 

[Mini-Mouse]

Vertical & Subframe Alignment Diagram.

"When used in conjunction with the diagram below you can make absolutely certain that your Mini is "Square & True" an essential starting point for any sort of performance work or restoration."

Scroll down for diagram:-

http://mk1-performan...hnical_body.htm

Crikey that's a lot of measurements to make! I will be there all day!

[pete l]

• Odometer reading 118,547 miles   ???????

[MacGyver]

• Odometer reading 118,547 miles   ???????

Think it was an error as it says 11,854 miles just above it...
Or At least I hope so... 🤔

[MacGyver]

Yay! My first double post! 😎

Edited by MacGyver, 17 October 2016 - 10:53 AM.