7 replies to this topic

[dragenzo]

hi i removed my rear subframe ages ago and have put it back together as a rolling shell to get painted without not puting them felt pads thing inbetween body and subframe does it matter should i have put them on thanks

[Carlos W]

Just to prove I used the search facility......

 

I take it people don't put these felt pads back on the rear subframe when they refit them?

 

If they don't replace them, is there any vibration?

 

Do people recommend replacing them with anything else? Rubber for example?

[Dan]

They are just a rust trap. I've never refitted them and have never had the frame hit the body. If you want to have something there use some closed cell foam of suitable thickness.

[Carlos W]

They are just a rust trap. I've never refitted them and have never had the frame hit the body. If you want to have something there use some closed cell foam of suitable thickness.

 

Cheers Dan, if there's no need I wont bother!

[sonikk4]

I'm with Dan here never refitted them and also removed the little plate as well. That in itself rusts nicely

[tiger99]

If your subframe and shell are at opposite ends of their normal tolerances, and the gap looks as if it is small enough to allow metal to metal contact as the subframe mounts flex, think about fitting poly bushes in the mounts. I don't advocate their use anywhere else on a Mini, for very good reasons, but in this instance they are ideal and will stiffen things up nicely, to prevent it knocking, and worse, abrading the paint and causing corrosion.

 

But as said above, don't fit the original pads under any circumstances, unless you have a valuable 1959 car that must be kept truly original.

[Carlos W]

I do have poly bushes for the rear subframe as it happens, and solid mounts for the front subframe!

[tiger99]

Good, so you will have a Mini that handles the way Issigonis intended, or even slightly better, not some rubbery mess  as introduced in 1976.