1446 replies to this topic

[The Matt]

Not yet Mike. Probs going to go with a custom one in the long run. But in the sort term it'll be a case of whatever fits.

I've played with the dimensions of the Corsa one that you posted up and I reckon that's going to be a tight fit, but just about achievable.

[Bec]

Ohh Matt you are amazing, I wouldn't have to clue where to start with the subframe and you've quite clearly owned it, yeah Boiii.

I thought you said it'd take you ages, looks to be going really well!

[dn89mini]

Looking good.

I need to get my hands on your flange (heheheheh)

Where did you get that from, I have to make myself an exhaust manifold too. tHanks

[The Matt]

There are a few peopleon ebay that sell the flanges. But you can also get them from places like Demon Tweeks.

to be honest the best way to do it is to get a drawing off to a LASER cutter and ask them to do it as a one-off for you.

[The Matt]

Done a bit more grinding and welding tonight.......

Now both side braces are made and ready to be welded into place

Still not too confident with this kind of work, but it seems to be coming together OK.

In the photos the O/S brace is too far outset, it needs to be about 10-15mm further in, but it's only resting there at the moment. I've also got to weld some caps onto the radii on the braces too. I'm thinking I may draw up some proper plans when I've finished it, so anyone can have a go.





I've made the box section pretty well overspec really. It's 40x40x3, which is overkill. But, I've also made the frame big enough to take phase 2 of the engine plans!

[RacingGreen]

I've made the box section pretty well overspec really. It's 40x40x3, which is overkill. But, I've also made the frame big enough to take phase 2 of the engine plans!

Oh do tell more!

[Deathrow]

Sorry Matt, I just popped in for a quick drool.

Keep up the good work sir .

[The Matt]

I drool a lot too!

Sooo, parts (bends) are ordered for the custom manifolds, they should be here tomorrow. Frame should be finished by the end of the weekend too. So, next week I'll make up the manifolds, get them as tight to the engine as possible and I can then work out (with the engine temporarily mounted in the frame) how much room I'm going to be left with.

I'm undecided whether to go steel front, GRP front or CF. to be honest I'm thinking that CF or GRP will be easier to modify than a steel one. I just feel that a steel one will be more of a proper job. I'm planning to have the front mounted on my frame, so it tilts forwards (as most do), but so that there are no external releases (like rubber hooks, bonnet pins etc). The intention is to have an internal release mechanism on the inside of each A-panel, but it'll depend on how wobbly that ends up being! I kinda like the idea of the front being a one-piece job too, but that'll depend on whether I go for steel or composite.

[Juju]

Steel.
Do it properly.

[1984mini25]

I’ve found with the 2 piece steel removable/flip front I’ve been doing on the project that once flipped the wings do seam a bit wobbly, so might have to a brace between them nearer to the scuttle I can get without it getting in the way.

And would think you would have the same problem with a GRP one without a bonnet, the only problem then is if you have a full flip front with a bonnet, once flipped you can’t direct get access to the front of the engine without having to go to all the hassle of removing it first.

[The Matt]

Juju, shurrup, i never do ANYTHING ploply!

Karl, yeah I am thinking of making it so that the hinges are actually quick release on the inside, just a pair of pip-pins on the hinge mount (or even instead of hinge pins).

[1984mini25]

Well the hinges I’ve made for mine because I’m a cheapskate, out of 4 normal sized garden gate hinges (about 50p from screwfix), 2 lengths of threaded bar, 2 lock nuts and a bit of welding latter they do both.

And I’ve got the front end held down with the 2 bolts through the standard front teardrop stubby mounts and at the back for the a panels 4 Allen head m.8 bolts, I had thought about a hidden locking system for the a panels, but couldn’t work out a way that didn't look messy.

[The Matt]

I'm going to make a 1 piece steel front, with the bonnet fixed into place with fasteners, rather than welded. The hinges will be quick release to make things easier!

Aaaand, I've now got a 6 point roll cage for her!

Going to do some more fabricating tomorrow and might do a dry fit of the roll cage too.

[kcchan]

I demand pics! Also hows the subframe coming along? Im doing a Swift conversion and I should be finishing mine soon enough. I get the feeling this is going to be an awesome build.

[The Matt]

I demand pics! Also hows the subframe coming along? Im doing a Swift conversion and I should be finishing mine soon enough. I get the feeling this is going to be an awesome build.

Haven't really got any pics of the roll cage to be honest, I'll get some tomorrow though. CBA to work on it today, been working on the Rocco instead for a change.

Going to have to put some more effort in on weeknights this week methinks, plus I need to buy steel front end panels.