32 replies to this topic

[EccentricToast]

Hi all first post here.

 

To bring everything up to date I built my mini with an A series at the start of this year. I love the mini but the reliability and power is just lacking compared to more modern engines in my opinion so I've opted to do the Micra engine conversion. I initially looked into a vtec build but i wasn't looking for serious power just usable power with reliability and good economy with a 5th gear as i look to make it a daily if all goes to plan. That is were the Micra engine came in, the 1.3 is very rare here in Ireland but I lucked out in finding one for a bargain after having settled for a 1l. The 1.3 I bought wasn't running when i went to view it but I got it running once home but with 150k on the clocks looks like the head gasket could be gone, Anyway no one likes reading on with the pictures.

 

Here is my mini

 2015-11-04 21.33.21.jpg   58.37K   8 downloads

 

Here is the Micra i bought its a 1993 so pre nats

 2015-10-26 16.10.00.jpg   64.84K   4 downloads

 

There was no hanging around in stripping the micra

 2015-11-30 14.11.53.jpg   48.56K   7 downloads

 2015-11-30 14.12.24.jpg   60.6K   11 downloads

 2015-12-12 15.21.54.jpeg   66.24K   14 downloads

Have a full spare subframe and front end to help in mocking up a frame

 2015-12-12 23.38.01.jpg   111.4K   21 downloads

 

That is as far as I've got. The Micra is completely stripped as i plan to use the entire loom to replace the minis.

 

I have got a few questions to ask to all the experts.

Is there anything people recommend taking from the Micra before i send it to its doom.

 

Now for the funny question I've never properly welded before and need some advice on a welder.

Currently looking at the Clarke 151EN would this be suitable for what i will need it for?

I do plan to practice before hand just to make that clear as i don't want to kill myself.

 

I do look forward to being apart of this community and have read a lot of the Micra threads so i know what I'm getting myself in for.

[thelegg]

What have you kept from the micra so far ?

[jackjewelljj]

From past experience don't buy cheap welders buy a decent quality one.

[EccentricToast]

@thelegg I've taken pretty much everything other than the brake servo and master cylinder. The inside I've taken all wiring, clutch and accelerator pedals. All that's left in the interior is the brake pedal and interior literally.

@jackjewelljj so the Clarke be no use? I've got a budget of about £250-350 on the welder.

[l_jonez]

I've got a Clarke 151TE (gas version, avoid glassless) and I can't fault it, they are decent bits of kit. Obviously there are more expensive "professional" welders out there but unless you're welding day in day out then there's no need to have anything more.

When it comes to the welding... Practice, practice practice. Then when you are happy practice some more.

Good luck with the build

[thelegg]

I'd say you've got all you need off the micra unless you want to mod the micra fuel pump to fit the mini tank (not sure if it possible tho )

[jackjewelljj]

As already said stay away from gassless

[Edwardj5858]

The Clarke welder will be fine like said before the only thing it may lose out on is its ability to weld all day everyday but that's probably not what your looking to do anyway.

[miniBrain]

I use a Clarke 135TE - I think its about the highest power welder you can get for a normal domestic 13 amp socket.

 

In the last 4 years, I've completed 3 major restorations as well as numerous fabrications - rotary jigs, etc. I've probably used at least 15Kg of welding wire and the machine has hardly faltered.

[l_jonez]

I use a Clarke 135TE - I think its about the highest power welder you can get for a normal domestic 13 amp socket.
 
In the last 4 years, I've completed 3 major restorations as well as numerous fabrications - rotary jigs, etc. I've probably used at least 15Kg of welding wire and the machine has hardly faltered.

The 151TE is 150 amp and runs on a 13amp domestic plug.

My first welder was their 90 amp which was used for bodywork it lasted 10 years of welding most weekends. God knows how much wire it went through but it never let me down. I only upgraded because I wanted more amps.

[EccentricToast]

Would I get away with using the 135TE to do the subframe/ as I'm on a bit of a budget.

[miniBrain]

Would I get away with using the 135TE to do the subframe/ as I'm on a bit of a budget.

 

IMO Yes. The subframe is probably around 3mm thick (?) and I've welded 5mm steel with the 135. Also fabricated my rotary jig with 4mm steel and its carried the weight of a Mini and a TR7 - although you will probably get much higher transient loads on a subframe.

 

Just need to get 0.8mm welding wire instead of the 0.6mm that comes with the welder. Wire speed and power settings both on "2" and fine wire speed around 5-6 and you will get good penetration with 3mm sections.

Edited by miniBrain, 17 December 2015 - 02:09 PM.

[Shingler4596]

We have a 135T wolfweld. Think it cost us £140. It's done everything we've asked of it with no problems. Welded 6mm plate for engine mounts. Would agree that it's a waste of time trying the no-gas wire, may as well super glue it together! lol. If your open to suggestions, i wouldn't use the whole micra loom. There's alot of crap on it you wont use. We just used the injection loom tied in to the mini loom on a separate fuse box. Good luck with the build and don't get daunted! there's plenty of help on here for you 

[EccentricToast]

I think I might get the 135TE seems financially the best choice.

I've read it a few times that it's easier to just use what you need off the Micra loom. I decided to use it anyway and I've already striped it back to essentials that are required for the mini, only part of the mini loom I'll keep is for the heater and I may get rid of that too. I'm going to try get the Micra steering column to mate to the minis knuckle joint meaning I'll have the stalks and key barrel from the Micra work the lights etc.

[EccentricToast]

Has anyone ever tried to incorporate and replace the entire mini wiring loom with the Micra including stalks and key barrel.

Just looking at all of it looks like it's going to be a lot of fun!

This all that I've removed that's not needed so far.