33 replies to this topic

[gbt100]

Evening all

 

I finally made some more progress at the weekend. I've been quite busy the past few weekends so haven't really been able to get into the garage much.

I decided to strip down the rear subframe. As you can see in the video, it was well rotten! It actually didn't look too bad on the Mini but it definitely failed the old screwdriver test. I'm probably going to buy a refurbished one from ADO Equipment and drop that in. My radius arms are both OK and I'll rebuild the brakes before re-assembly.

I’m looking forward to doing the mechanical bits more than I was for the bodywork. I've still got a few little bits of welding to do on the body but I've definitely broken the back of it.

 

 

 

 

[gbt100]

Happy new year all. Two updates to post:

 

First, I tried to fit the valance. However, when cleaning up the lip I found some more rust which resulted in me having to make another patch for the boot floor. In the end, I decided not to fit the valance until I've painted the underside of the boot floor.

 

 

Secondly, I decided to clean up the passenger side rear wheel arch which was a job that I had been putting off for some time. It cleaned up well with plenty of solid metal! A couple of small holes needed patching but it was an easy fix.

 

[gbt100]

It has been a while since I last posted an update.

 

I've been struggling to find the time and motivation to finish the bodywork. There isn't much left to do other than cleaning and painting the boot floor and welding on the valance. Anyway, I decided to start working of refurbishing some of the mechanical parts so that I can get the subframe ready to bolt back on once the floor is done.

 

 

 

The rear hubs needed a going over as the wheel bearings were very grumbly. I was expecting to find taper roller bearings but instead found plan (ball) bearings. I don't think that you can even buy these any more for a Mini so they must have some age to them. Also, all of the grease had solidifed and was looking quite grim.

 

I cleaned and painted the hubs and put in new taper roller bearings. I was quite satisfied with the results, it is nice to start dealing with some of the mechanical issues.

 

[gbt100]

Another quick update. This time it was the radius arms turn to be refurbished. Luckily I didn't need to replace the bearings or the bushes, I checked before I dropped the subframe and there was zero play.

 

 

It is amazing how a quick clean up and a lick of paint makes such a big difference.