305 replies to this topic

[zeeve]

Keep the good work running

I am learning alot from your project.

[cptkirk]

Still watching - some really good fabricating.

Keep up the good work.

[Chris C]

Thanks guys, today I started work towards the new steering system. I decided that if I'm going to put in the effort to completely change the shift linkage, I might as well deal with the steering as well. The column is going to be cut and the wheel itself will be moved to the left and angled more, to make it feel less like a bus. I thought that I should keep the lower dash rail because I like the way it looks for some reason.

Started building the framework, which all is hidden behind the dash. Needs more trusses but I ran out of welding gas.



There is a bar that runs directly behind and is welded to the dash rail, here's a picture through the hole in the firewall:



Another advantage of this is that the brake/clutch assembly will be bolted through a piece of box that is tucked back behind the dash rail, which should make it much stiffer as well.

[Chris C]

Bracing is done, time to start building the steering linkage.

Edited by Chris C, 14 May 2009 - 03:47 PM.

[kcchan]

Top notch, one of my favourite conversions.

[Mymini'saretopless;)]

Nice project
Currently restoring a mini myself, and talking of importing parts from UK if
theres anyway you could ship some parts over to me
Couple of bits an pieces that would look gorgeous on a cabriolet mini
vtec wise z-cars are brilliant.. thinking of doing a similar conversion with a 1.6 ek9 type r turbo engine? (might be abit nippy , 400+ bhp)
Got another mini cabriolet for that one

[spiceisler]

Nice project! One of these days I'll do a project like that. On a side note........I have a Civic with the same motor that I've turbocharged. I used the stock Honda computer with a programmable chip that I've also done myself so I have some exerience in that area. If you need any help with the ECU later on please let me know.



Cheers,
Steve

[Chris C]

I appreciate the kind words from you guys. Mymini'saretopless;), I agree that the Zcars kits are absolutely stellar, I had the privilege to see PhotoGuyUSA's car when it was in primer before they built the bodykit and the Zcars setup looked fantastic. However, I don't really understand putting a Zcars frame and roll cage in a convertible, that would look rather odd. spiceisler, the ECU has been treated by Minitec so hopefully it should work correctly, if I have any hiccups though I'll be sure to get ahold of you.

Anyways, been doing a bunch of little things not really worthy of pictures. Steering column is almost done, just waiting on the universal joints and steering shafts. Also welded up a mount for the turn signal. The indicator stalk needs to be altered but I'll get to that when I have the wheel mounted.

[PhotoguyUSA]

Chris,
Car is looking fantastic.

FYI my car is now complete if you want to come take a look feel free. Its in Ventura now though.

[Chris C]

I'd love to come out and take a look at the finished car, I was actually just reading your project thread before I checked mine this morning.

How does this coming saturday work for you?

[Chris C]

Steering is basically done, upper shaft needs to be cut to length and the lower shaft needs to be ordered, right now it's just a steel tube being held in place by set screws. Also my reasoning for using the original mini indicator was simply because I already had one, it had the easiest mounting ever, and it did the four functions I wanted it to. Plus, if it ever breaks, I could just go out and buy another one. Anyways, time for what you sparse readers really want to see:

I moved the bottom heim joint up about an inch to allow some more room between the upper universal joint and the brake masters.



Directly in line with the driver's seat. You can also get a better view of the new mounting of the bottom heim joint.



Side view showing the entire assembly.



What you get to see when strapped in.

[Jeffreypang911]

Looks spot dead center!

Impressive build!

Hows the clearance on the rack on the tranny/engine?

Edited by Jeffreypang911, 07 July 2009 - 07:28 PM.

[minimaff]

Looking forward to seeing it finished, keep up the hard work

[Chris C]

Jeffreypang911, I'm going to try to get the motor/front subframe mounted up again today and I'll take some measurements then.

[cptkirk]

Top Fabbing.

Shame about the ugly stalks, have you considered an alternative solution to stalks?

I am going for a 3 position rotary switch and momentary toggle (squirty motor) for the Wipers (mounted away from the steering column) and the main/dip, horn and inidcators are done on buttons on a plate attached to the steering wheel. Just an idea for you if you wanted something abit different.

Your project is going really well, I look forward to seeing it complete, as I am sure you do also......