4 replies to this topic

[Pataaa]

Hi, watched a Minispares video on YouTube where they build mini’s quick, looking at it a number of parts are pre-fitted or major assemblies complete but the part of interest is the use of a folk lift truck to lower the whole shell onto both subframes together.
Has anybody done a version of this at home, not using a folk truck but setting up with jacks, then subframes fully assembled on pallets can be slid under, positioned and the mini body lowered.
Anybody got experience, just looks like an interesting method, probably suits my limited covered workspace as it means subframe assembly can be done independent.
Any comments greatfully received.

[nicklouse]

I prefer putting the subframes on bear as they are lighter and easier to manipulate into place. 

[Spider]

I have a stand that bolts to the shell and puts it at a comfortable working height. This actually goes on when stripping the car and doesn't come off until it's almost complete. The shell gets blasted then painted, the complete inside is fitted out, the pipe work is run, steering rack fitted, then I lift the shell on the fork lift and take the stand off at that point, I have the Subframes fully assembled, then I bring them in under the shell on a Lifter Trolley and then jack them up using the lift feature in the trolley (one at a time), bolt them in place, then fit the wheels. Once it's lowered to the ground and standing on it's own feet again, the engine goes in.

[Pataaa]

Wow thanks, that sounds comprehensive and I take it you have done a few like that!

[Spider]

,,,,, and I take it you have done a few like that!

 

More than I should think about !

 

 

I also use the Lifter Trolley to build up the Subframes on. I do the Front one first, complete but leave the hubs off, then when that's built up, I find it's still well light enough to manage on my own and take it off the Trolley, then I do the rear one, which stays on the Trolley until it's fitted. I then fit the front one, then fit the front hubs ones the subframe is in the car.

 

 

Which way / order that it's assembled in to some degree depends on what you have to work with. The way I do them here while 'easy' does need a bit of space to move stuff around, you couldn't do it say in a single car garage.