243 replies to this topic

[paulrockliffe]

I must admit I would've thought spreader plates on those rear front subframe mounts would be needed - metal shells suffer enough from cracking in that area. Unless the shell is already strengthened within the fibreglass?

why ???

the shell is made to a worked out spec layup does not need spreader plates

fibreglass does not bend like steel you cant compair the two

dont know why people have to question the strength of the shell

have done this job for 22 years think i know what am doing by now

Cool, thats a good enough answer for me. My question was because I was wondering if the shell is designed to use spreader plates or designed just to be bolted as Charlie has done, you've answered that for me. Thanks.

[THE STIG]

I must admit I would've thought spreader plates on those rear front subframe mounts would be needed - metal shells suffer enough from cracking in that area. Unless the shell is already strengthened within the fibreglass?

why ???

the shell is made to a worked out spec layup does not need spreader plates

fibreglass does not bend like steel you cant compair the two

dont know why people have to question the strength of the shell

have done this job for 22 years think i know what am doing by now

Cool, thats a good enough answer for me. My question was because I was wondering if the shell is designed to use spreader plates or designed just to be bolted as Charlie has done, you've answered that for me. Thanks.

i hope you mean by you need to speak to minus

i am talking about the layup of my shell not minus's dont know what lay up they used

[GraemeC]

I must admit I would've thought spreader plates on those rear front subframe mounts would be needed - metal shells suffer enough from cracking in that area. Unless the shell is already strengthened within the fibreglass?

why ???

the shell is made to a worked out spec layup does not need spreader plates

fibreglass does not bend like steel you cant compair the two

dont know why people have to question the strength of the shell

have done this job for 22 years think i know what am doing by now

OK, OK hold your wig on - not need to get so defensive.
It was a comment made that was backed up by a general train of thought of a few people that just needed politely confirming or denying maybe with a little explanation to give some clarity.

Nobody doubts your 22 yrs experience but it was an observation made by many - it could well've been that the shell does not require anything but then it could just as easily have been a temporary fix that was to be finished later. With a new product that people show so much interest in there are bound to be questions and observations that need clarifying - a polite response and explanation goes a long way to making potential future customers happy rather than just citing how much experience you have.

I think the shell is excellent from what I have seen but that doesn't mean it is perfect and there is no development to come.

[CharlieBrown]

Fair comment GraemeC.

Stiggy is just defending his lovely shell.

[paulrockliffe]

i hope you mean by you need to speak to minus

i am talking about the layup of my shell not minus's dont know what lay up they used

Yeah, don't worry, I realised after I'd written that you wouldn't know if I realised the shells are different or not, I do. I think it would be easier for me to plate them than to find out from Minus though!

Anyway, can you go into a bit of detail on how you lay the glass fibre for a mount like this? I'm not after any trade secrets or anything, just interested in how you would do that area differently to just a normal area of the car. Is it thickness, or how you lay the fibres?

Cheers

[ferrox_666]

many MANY people have reshelled their car with either new simialr completely different shells and used the same reg no.
no need to get picky and loose yourself your tax exempt status lol

[biggav]

many MANY people have reshelled their car with either new simialr completely different shells and used the same reg no.
no need to get picky and loose yourself your tax exempt status lol

Yes.. we know that, but it is illegal*and not a practice which Theminiforum can promote or support. Nor is it something that anyone should be saying "i did that" on a public forum or in a magazine!!!! (like many seem to do!!)

* unless the car has passed the necessary Vehicle identity check etc.

[CharlieBrown]

Well it's been a while since the last update, things like work and BH2NRetro have got in the way.

So finally managed to get a chance to head up to work on the Sprint.

Some shiny new trunnion pins (I actually know what they are now) were waiting for me (Cheers Simon@minispares) as the old one's were stripped of thread. Oh and I learnt that there are two types of bushes and old type (consisting of 4 bushes) and new type (2 big fat bushes), as I'm using the MkI rear subframe it was the old type for me.

I'll stop rambling now........So I managed to get the rear suspension all sorted, the wheels were then on and as the engine had been pre-attached with the manifolds it was dropped straight in, cheers Mr Stig.

Also then tried the front end for size (just placed on for now).....

Awesome.

Oh and the Sprint will be at Castle Combe for those who are going.

[The Matt]

Yaay, good to see progress Charlie!

Where is the beast being kept at the moment?

[THE STIG]

Where is the beast being kept at the moment?

well after being in my unit for over 14 months both the mk1 shell and the sprint are now in there own unit out my way

now if only charlie could make up his mind what he is doing engine wise me might get this do for thr ring ( not saying which year though )

[minimadjonesy]

come on charlie! Pull ya finger out and get this thing moving! looking forward to seeing it done!

[CharlieBrown]

Yikes, it seems an update is needed (and Mr Stiggy will be please).

Engine has been decided on.

Parts have been ordered for fitment of engine and should be ready by the end of January, just need an engine now (I better do some overtime).

Thanks to Stiggy for moving everything to the new unit, especially in Snow!

Hopefully things will get sorted this year as it would be great to actually have a drivable mini for the 50 celebrations, I best get pulling those socks up

[THE STIG]

Thanks to Stiggy for moving everything to the new unit, especially in Snow!

dont thank me yet not

you not had the bill yet

[Retro_10s]

No front valance?

Looks grrrrreat charlie, nice work stig.

[CharlieBrown]

The front valance isn't bonded on yet, but dont worry it will be on there.