5 replies to this topic

[EToner]

Hello, I recently purchased a 1964 Morris Mini Cooper 998cc. After putting the car on stands i discovered one 3/4 inch wheel spacer on the rear. With this spacer the wheels align just about perfect to the front. I am wondering if a radius arm got bent and replaced with something someone had on hand. Do different radius arms exist? If not i suspect either a bent rear sub frame or a bent body. Wheels sit evenly in wheel wells as well. There is no visible bends or damage to the car to cause this. Car has front disk brake upgrade and larger rear drums.  Any input would be greatly appreciated.

 

[robminibcy]

are you sure it hasn't just got a drum with the built in spacer on one side and a standard drum and spacer on the other. I'm pretty sure it would be obvious when you drive it if one of the radius arms was that bent!

[nicklouse]

Something it wrong. Either miss matched drums. Or bent or failed parts on the rear subframe.

[EToner]

I will have to check further into rear bushings and other components only took a glance. Drums are exactly the same size. Car was bought after it rear ended an MG Midget...the spacer issue was done before the front fender got crunched.

[EToner]

Being not road legal I have not been able to drive it...fender is pushed out awaiting the new, waiting to solve the spacer issue first.

[Spider]

Originally, the early Cooper from 61 to 69 had a 'half' width spacer type drum on the rears. Off hand, these were about 5/8".

 

The wheels however were only 3.5" and so could be fitted without the spacer drums. It appears that these were fitted to help 'balance' up the track with the front wheels.

 

These drums are a little thin on the ground these days. By the sounds of things, it would seem that one of these drums was replaced with a stock drum.