14 replies to this topic

[JonnyAlpha]

Hi,

 

I need to install a Weber Box in my 1982 HLE 1000 Mk4 Mini.

 

There are a couple of threads on here, like these two:

https://www.theminif...d-box-pictures/

 

https://www.theminif...ng-a-weber-box/

 

But I thought I'd ask fresh to get some more detail. 

 

I am using a bespoke weber box very similar to theses ones that used to be sold by Avonbar Racing. 

In the second thread I linked, user Udo posted up a diagram, re-produced from here:

 

 

 

This diagram shows that the centre line of the Weber Box should be 1" closer to the passenger side of the car, which he mentions in this thread.

 

Looking inside the cabin, the bottom dash rail appears to sit above the same level as Master Cylinders, so, does the Weber box sit on top of the bottom dash rail, meaning that it is only the Firewall / Bulkhead that is cut?

 

Looking at where the wiring loom currently comes through the bulkhead I guess I need to cut a new hole?

 

To fix the weber box, I intend to drill holes along the edge and plug weld it in place. The to of the box looks like it will sit quite high up under the scuttle, getting to the top of this to weld seems like it will be a difficult task - any tips? 

 

 

So before cutting out and welding in my Weber Box, I just need to confirm:

 

1. The centre line of the box should be 1" to the right of the centre of the bulkhead, when viewing from the front. I.E. Closer to the passenger side of a RH drive car.

 

2. The bottom of the weber box should sit on the lower dash rail above the heater.

 

3. Cut a new hole in the bulkhead for the wiring loom or should I cut a hole in the side of the weber box?

 

4. Plug welding in place with sealant should be a suitable way of fixing.

 

Any other advice would be most welcomed?

 

P.S. Imagur is playing up, so I'll post up some pics later. 

 

 

 

 

 

[nev100]

Jonny.

I fitted a Weber box.

What I did was sit the engine on subframe, mount the Weber onto the inlet manifold.

You then know exactly the position of it and can work out position of box.

I cut out a hole in the bulkhead only and it sits on the engine bay crossmember.

I just plug welded all round and seam sealed around, inside and out.

Hope this helps.

[nev100]

Jonny.

I fitted a Weber box.

What I did was sit the engine on subframe, mount the Weber onto the inlet manifold.

You then know exactly the position of it and can work out position of box.

I cut out a hole in the bulkhead only and it sits on the engine bay crossmember.

I just plug welded all round and seam sealed around, inside and out.

Hope this helps.

[Tones61]

Hi,

 

I need to install a Weber Box in my 1982 HLE 1000 Mk4 Mini.

 

There are a couple of threads on here, like these two:

https://www.theminif...d-box-pictures/

 

https://www.theminif...ng-a-weber-box/

 

But I thought I'd ask fresh to get some more detail. 

 

I am using a bespoke weber box very similar to theses ones that used to be sold by Avonbar Racing. 

In the second thread I linked, user Udo posted up a diagram, re-produced from here:

 

 

 

This diagram shows that the centre line of the Weber Box should be 1" closer to the passenger side of the car, which he mentions in this thread.

 

Looking inside the cabin, the bottom dash rail appears to sit above the same level as Master Cylinders, so, does the Weber box sit on top of the bottom dash rail, meaning that it is only the Firewall / Bulkhead that is cut?

 

Looking at where the wiring loom currently comes through the bulkhead I guess I need to cut a new hole?

 

To fix the weber box, I intend to drill holes along the edge and plug weld it in place. The to of the box looks like it will sit quite high up under the scuttle, getting to the top of this to weld seems like it will be a difficult task - any tips? 

 

 

So before cutting out and welding in my Weber Box, I just need to confirm:

 

1. The centre line of the box should be 1" to the right of the centre of the bulkhead, when viewing from the front. I.E. Closer to the passenger side of a RH drive car.

 

2. The bottom of the weber box should sit on the lower dash rail above the heater.

 

3. Cut a new hole in the bulkhead for the wiring loom or should I cut a hole in the side of the weber box?

 

4. Plug welding in place with sealant should be a suitable way of fixing.

 

Any other advice would be most welcomed?

 

P.S. Imagur is playing up, so I'll post up some pics later. 

 

hi bill,message my buddy gavin on our facebook friends,we fitted same in his white mini, he can measure his for set/fit

[mab01uk]

Is it true this mod is no longer really allowed on a road car as it involves modifying the front bulkhead ?....best to check and be aware just in case an MOT inspector picks up on it.

Edited by mab01uk, 24 August 2022 - 05:38 PM.

[sonscar]

Technically you are right,go directly to SVA or whatever it is called.I would doubt any MOT tester would dob you in though,Just my view though,Steve..

[Tones61]

Is it true this mod is no longer really allowed on a road car as it involves modifying the front bulkhead ?....best to check and be aware just in case an MOT inspector picks up on it.

 

there is already a big hole in the bulkhead,

a welded/bolted in box will be stronger,

fine for an mot

[mab01uk]

 

Is it true this mod is no longer really allowed on a road car as it involves modifying the front bulkhead ?....best to check and be aware just in case an MOT inspector picks up on it.

 

there is already a big hole in the bulkhead,

a welded/bolted in box will be stronger,

fine for an mot

 

 

I agree but logic does not come into it.....a Mk1 Forum (and TMF) member is struggling to get his early 1960 Mini registered with DVLA converted to electric powertrain because a DVLA inspector says an extra hole has been drilled in the bodyshell chassis/monocoque for the conversion.....you could not make it up !

I think I just killed a 1960 850 Austin Mini

 

http://mk1-forum.net...php?f=5&t=34913

Edited by mab01uk, 25 August 2022 - 12:35 PM.

[Gaz66]

My mot tester is fine with bulkhead mods.

[stuart bowes]

 

 

I agree but logic does not come into it.....a Mk1 Forum (and TMF) member is struggling to get his early 1960 Mini registered with DVLA converted to electric powertrain because a DVLA inspector says an extra hole has been drilled in the bodyshell chassis/monocoque for the conversion.....you could not make it up !

I think I just killed a 1960 850 Austin Mini

 

http://mk1-forum.net...php?f=5&t=34913

 

 

that is pure jobsworth ridculousness

 

there's always one .. in my line of work it usually has a blue hard hat (i.e. doesnt do real work) a hi vis and a clipboard

Edited by stuart bowes, 25 August 2022 - 02:48 PM.

[beardylondon]

OPs car is 1982, so doesn’t need an MOT anyway!

[Gaz66]

If your tester is a bit arsey go somewhere else.
Best testers Ive found are mini enthusiasts or motorsport orientated.

[sonscar]

MOT is not to catch out modifications.You are more likely to be grassed up by another classic owning enthusiast who will gleefully have the correct dvsa phone number.A tale I heard,a person welded some bars to his chassis and fell foul largely due to his honesty.When he offered to remove these added bars he was informed that then he would have modified the chassis twice then.
My advice is be quiet and tell nobody of your modifications,honesty does not always pay it seems,Steve..

[Cooperman]

I have never heard of a Weber box offending an MoT tester.

 

When I fitted one to a Clubman GT a few years ago, I first measured the position of the engine in my Cooper 'S' and used the end manifold bolt in the head as a datum point. Then I fitted the Weber to the GT engine, which was on the bench and did a drawing of the position of the Weber from the datum bolt on the manifold stud.

I marked the bulkhead on the GT with the position of the Weber, after putting a lot of masking tape on the panel, and made up a cardboard template of the mounting face of the Weber box. That gave me a set of lines to cut using an angle-grinder with a 1 mm cutting disc.

I drilled the flanges of the box with 5 mm holes at about 25 mm pitch. The box welded in beautifully and I put a bit of seam welding along the edges except for the top edge which was a bit difficult to get to.

After linishing back and seam sealing, it was fine and on engine installation all was correctly positioned.

[JonnyAlpha]

OPs car is 1982, so doesn’t need an MOT anyway!

 One more sadly