19 replies to this topic

[Tornado99]

Can we get pics of that access hole and or the template for the benefit of the masses?

[Ell.s]

I really would suggest changing the front cones, I've just done all 4 on Mine, the fronts were half the size they should be but the rears were only around 20mm shorter. It drives so so much better, coupled with the Protech Adjustable shocks it's the best driving mini I've had.

[Tornado99]

Doing my rear shocks this evening.Stopped to ask these questions before proceeding. 

 

First job was to get the petrol tank dislodged.My car has the monza style tank cap, with the force-fitted, threaded bronze adapter ring. From most reports here, a bugger to remove. One tip was to use a two or three legged puller and some suitable spacers etc...this proved very easy to get done once puller/spacers were in place. 

 

Next step was to undo the tank strap. The hold down bolt was very tightly squashed up against the side of the strap, so trying to seat a 1/2" socket very difficult. Had to use persuasion (rubber dead blow hammer) to bash the socket onto the bolt hex using a long extension. This meant some bending of the strap hole area needed to happen...but eventually descent connection made and bolt off. Thinking to use a few washers/spacers under the bolt head when re-fitting to hold it well off the strap & body flange. Bolt is easily 1-1/2" long, most of its thread just protrudes through the flange hanging in space....so spacing it off seems reasonable.

 

Next I managed to wiggle the tank filler neck inboard of the body panel hole...tank shifted diagonally. Still needs to move more before I can get full clearance to the top of shock mount....can get one had on it at this moment. Any danger of affecting the fuel lines at front lower corner of tank? Hoping all I need is more swivel of back end of tank inboard.

 

Checking my new KYB shocks, I see they have included two hex nuts per shock but diagram only shows one in use at top end per side...guessing other one is for lower fixing point? Cannot see any torque spec for either end of the shock mounts in Haynes nor the KYB pamphlet. Just a good nip up or something more precise? Any reason not to use locktite blue on the upper to prevent it coming undone by itself? 

Edited by Tornado99, 06 September 2020 - 12:02 AM.

[nicklouse]

The 2 hex nuts I guess are plain nuts so should be locked together to stop the shock falling out. 

[Tornado99]

Welp...answered one of my own questions. Just moving the tank partially inboard lead to the fuel hose cracking nearly in half at the tank pipe. Lovely puddle in the boot and on garage floor. Luckily only a few litres in the tank beforehand, but enough to make a mess. Must have been a pretty brittle bit of rubber for it to do that without much forcing. Maybe pre-ethanol fuel grade hose. Car has been fully restored some 5+ yrs ago by another owner. Rubber hose looks newish. I cut through remaining hose to fully release tank and take it away. 

 

Lesson here is to fully empty tank prior to this procedure.. 

Edited by Tornado99, 06 September 2020 - 04:02 AM.