1057 replies to this topic

[kmol468]

Well I had a day off work today and managed to go over to the workshop: The intercooler and rad are mounted, the flip front needs trimming to fit, the rear coilover have arrived and work had started on the rear end. Also additional brace bars have been added diagonally around the front with a strut brace over the engine planned. Hopefully that will keep the front end from twisting too much.
I was also measured up for the drivers seat and the fuel tank is going to be positioned further back over the rear end. The thought behind that being that its better front to back weight distribution and it could then be panelled off and filled through the rear screen. All this is dependent on if it will fit around the new rear cage.
Yes you heard me right the new rear cage. Due to the rear set-up, coilovers and strut design, it means the mounts have to be moved and all the cage has been been removed. Not ideal but a requirement to make things better. Hey ho.
Picture Time:


















Also, just a quick question, what spring rates do people use on road/race minis?? As despite ordering some for the rear, I think the issue may have to be 'tweaked' when the car becomes driveable!

[Carlos W]

Also, just a quick question, what spring rates do people use on road/race minis?? As despite ordering some for the rear, I think the issue may have to be 'tweaked' when the car becomes driveable!

Driveable ??????

[kmol468]

Driveable ??????

Well at the moment I cant drive it as theres lots to finish off but when it moves under its own power the suspension will all need setting up, so I was just wondering what spring rates people use. This will give a bench mark to work from for final adjustments

Edited by kmol468, 15 March 2011 - 05:42 PM.

[charie t]

My fronts are 265lb 8" that won't be anything like what you need though

[Spud_133]

Just looking at your above picture, are you changing the position of the steering wheel, by adding a UJ joint you could have the wheel horizontal, and in my opinion, easier to drive at speed. (Than orginial mini/bus layout)

[kmol468]

More goodies arrived today: A big winged sump and baffle plate, hopefully to elimate the oil surge while out and about.



As for the steering, it didnt feel too bad when I was sat in the seat getting things lined up, but I will see what its like when it comes to driving it as i might need all the help I can get especially as its without power steering

[Pitcrew6464]

Wooooooo looking good! i wont ask £ !! bet you cant wait to drive her

[kmol468]

I've been having a few problems with the rear cage and alignment, along with the prop shaft, and the custom hub carriers. The rear floor wasn't welded perfectly square and the prop shaft bearing carrier puts too great a kink in the prop shaft. Also the hubs were designed for 15" wheels, which I don't have.

However these things are just 'minor' set backs, and should be resolved in the next couple of weeks. Picture time will be on Monday when I go visit it.

[Pitcrew6464]

cool and goood luck, look forward to the piccys

[kmol468]

Been over to see the mini, take a few pictures and talk how best to progress past a few issues that have cropped up. Im now going for a single prop with U/J's at both the gearbox and diff end, thus eliminating the need for the rubber gearbox doughnut, the centre prop carrier and to get rid of the angles that are now incorporated into them all.

The only problem with this is that the centre of the car needs cutting out to provide more clearance for the prop, as it will now be running nearer the body.

I will let this brilliant picture show you how the angles have worked out:
(please dont send me PM's asking me to autocad designs for pieces/ engine transplants, I just simply dont have the time)












I thought people could do with a laugh

Anyhow, the rest is coming along nicely with an actual completion date at the end of the week looking likely. The Rear cradle has had to be extended and you can see the extra 'add ons' if you look closely at the corners of the cradle. The floor bracing/pickup points are in and just the rear tubing, seat mounts and flip front to sort out.











Looking at the stance of the car the lowest point seems to be the rear of the gearbox.... as you can kinda see below. I just need to avoid speed bumps!



Anyhow thats all for now, I think its time to chat up the local college to see if they want practice with their spraying! (amongst other things)

[minidream94]

Approach bicester motorsport college, im sure they will be more than happy and no its not because i go there, ok yes it is but hey hoe :L

Looks mint though fella, i darnt ask but how long do u recon till shes on the road?

[minidream94]

Woops double post

Edited by minidream94, 18 April 2011 - 07:36 PM.

[kmol468]

If by one the road you mean running and driving, I think a couple of months. In terms of finished ....... a few more after that. (I mean do you really need wheel arches!!!)

The plan is to get it back strip it down and get things powder coated/painted. Then and only then will I be abit happier about it not rusting. The it will be a case of bolting it all back up and cleaning and assembly.

I think i might over look certain items just to get it on the road sooner. The only problem with that is that i fear things might never get done as i will be driving it!

Well you will have to put in a good word for me if I have a word with Bicester college!!

Edited by kmol468, 18 April 2011 - 07:48 PM.

[SukiDawg]

IVA?

[Burnard]

IVA?

Edited by Burnard, 19 April 2011 - 11:35 PM.