92 replies to this topic

[Stupot_1982]

So you haven't bolted the front of the subframe to the front panel, like with teardrop mounts? I just wondered if it was safe to leave the front end of the chassis as it's very flexible. As for tower bolts, they will stay same as. I think I might weld the floor mounts onto the frame

[M J W J]

No. My frame doesn't bolt to the front panel as my mini will have a removable front end. My frame hardly moves when it is bolted to the shell without the brace bars. Once the brace bars are added you can jump around on the frame all you like and the shell moves with it.

I have used solid mounts so there is no noticeable flex in the mounts. If you are building the mini so it doesn't have a removable front end then I would design the frame so that it connects to the front panel. I would still add brace bars (if possible) and reinforce the floor mounts.

As you are designing you own frame my suggesting is to lower your Vauxhall engine onto you mini frame and see where things need to be altered to get it to fit. Then offer the frame up to the mini and see if any of the alterations will clash with the body work. I think you are going to struggle to get a big block Vauxhall engine into a mini and not have to modify the inner wings at least

[M J W J]

I've just re read your build diary and notice you said you have cut the inner wings out. They are one of the bits that keep the front end from flexing. I would worry more about building brace bars that connect the front of the frame to what is left of your inner wings. Don't forget to reinforce where they join the body work.

If possible then make some brackets that bolt the front panel and frame together.