6 replies to this topic

[RobG295]

Evening,

Does anybody know the size of the thread inside the front cones on an '88 mini....going to make myself a cone compressor using studding and some other bits and bobs.

Rob.

[MRA]

I can see how this looks like a good idea however the materials used for this type of tool are of a higher tensile capacity than studding from B&Q or even from a metal supplier

Now normally I would say go ahead and make one, and try it out, but the loadings involved could quite easily snap the studding lust as your little pinkies are fishing the parts out of the way.......

The resultant mess would not be very condusive to a potential mechanic, manicurist or anyone else who likes their fingers, also you wouldn't then be able to "simply" wind it off your fingers

Seriously if you want to make one look in to the materials, manufacturing processes and stresses involved

There are some pretty horendous things being made at the moment and the best one to buy is the Sykes Pickavant unit which comes with both threaded adapters and is of a suitable construction.

[RobG295]

Thought that might be the case.....shall see if i can borrow one from somewhere!

[minidaves]

for 30quid or so buy a sykes cone compressor, or borrow, one from someone, Dont try and make one, because the old saying comes to mind, dont put you fingers where you wouldn't put you willy.

[taffy1967]

Yes borrowing a good example is a wise move and you'll be wanting the coarser thread for your later (post 1976) rubber springs.

[wemendum]

My 1986 mayfair cones are metric M14×2
I made mine from studded rod and plates and washers.

Make sure the studding is wound in to the rubberdoughnut at least nine turns, as a bolt is only as strong as its width, so 9 turns will give 18 mm inside the thread.

Was told this applies for any cones made from 1976-on (including all new cones).

Old thread was 1/2 inch UNF
If you have a pre-1976 Mini, you can’t be sure it has the UNF threaded cones, because they may have been replaced.

I put a blanket over the top of the compressor as i was using it, so if anything did let go the blanket would catch it.

[minidaves]

My 1986 mayfair cones are metric M14×2
I made mine from studded rod and plates and washers.

Make sure the studding is wound in to the rubberdoughnut at least nine turns, as a bolt is only as strong as its width, so 9 turns will give 18 mm inside the thread.

Was told this applies for any cones made from 1976-on (including all new cones).

Old thread was 1/2 inch UNF
If you have a pre-1976 Mini, you can’t be sure it has the UNF threaded cones, because they may have been replaced.

I put a blanket over the top of the compressor as i was using it, so if anything did let go the blanket would catch it.

it it let go a blanket would not stop it