Re-making my D-sereis subframe

[MINIMAD30]

Well iv decided to build another subframe for my mini 30, not sure what to do with my other frame but it may go in another mini some day...

Here is some pics of the progress so far, i started it last week and its almost finished now but iv only had 4 days working on it so i think its coming along quite well. Made from 30x30x3 box section

http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm154/minimad30/Box%20Section%20Subframe/P1000716.jpg

http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm154/minimad30/Box%20Section%20Subframe/P1000715.jpg

http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm154/minimad30/Box%20Section%20Subframe/P1000714.jpg

http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm154/minimad30/Box%20Section%20Subframe/P1000713.jpg

http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm154/minimad30/Box%20Section%20Subframe/P1000712.jpg

This top arm did not work as my damn engine hit at this angle, so iv had to change it since i took this photo

http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm154/minimad30/Box%20Section%20Subframe/P1000709.jpg

http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm154/minimad30/Box%20Section%20Subframe/P1000708.jpg

Cut out the rear of the frame to clear the gearbox, anyone got some pictures of how they have dealt with putting some strength back in to this section?

http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm154/minimad30/Box%20Section%20Subframe/P1000717.jpg

I know these engine mounts are overkill but i got a 2 meter length of 80x80 angle for 3 quid so i just used it lol!

http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm154/minimad30/Box%20Section%20Subframe/P1000742.jpg

http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm154/minimad30/Box%20Section%20Subframe/P1000743.jpg

http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm154/minimad30/Box%20Section%20Subframe/P1000736.jpg

http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm154/minimad30/Box%20Section%20Subframe/P1000731.jpg

http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm154/minimad30/Box%20Section%20Subframe/P1000729.jpg

http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm154/minimad30/Box%20Section%20Subframe/P1000728.jpg

Frame is not quite finished yet but i have started gusseting pretty much every ange on the frame just for piece of mind.

http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm154/minimad30/Box%20Section%20Subframe/P1000730.jpg

http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm154/minimad30/Box%20Section%20Subframe/P1000744.jpg

http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm154/minimad30/Box%20Section%20Subframe/P1000735.jpg

Tie rod mounts will be getting reinforced, just a wee weld on them to keep them square at the moment.

http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm154/minimad30/Box%20Section%20Subframe/P1000734.jpg

http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm154/minimad30/Box%20Section%20Subframe/P1000732.jpg

The tube joining the two halfs of the front crossmember is just temp to keep the box section inline untill i decide what to do for a permant cross member.

http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm154/minimad30/Box%20Section%20Subframe/P1000739.jpg

And thats my progress so far, this frame is not how id like to build my next one as im making it to use the origonal driveshafts from my last frame.

The next frame is going to be made from 1.5"/1" tube as my pipe bender has arrived so will be posting pics on here soon, im definatly in favour of tube frames after building this frame.

[Mini fab]

hi, mate looking at your frame, I can see that your engine is leaning more on the right side, remember that the tie bar will hit the oil sump. And I don't think you have a balance mount of your engine, more heavier at the right side.
I suggest get the total length of your engine get the half and mount centered it as you reference.

[MINIMAD30]

Thanks for the advice mini fab, as I said earlier there isn't much I can do about it being further to one side as I'm using driveshafts from the previous frame and my bulkhead is modded for it's current possition. The sump is also modified to miss the tiebar on that side, yet again not my work.... My next frame will be like yours and will definatly be more central i.e. Clear the tierods without sump mod and I will be doing a customised intake like you so I don't have to cut my minivans bulkhead.

[Mini fab]

More power MimiMad30. !!!! hope to see your new frame soon. Cheers!

[MINIMAD30]

right an update atlast! frame is still almost finished but i have just managed to sucsefully modify my honda loom from the donar car to run the engine!! finally got it started!!! yay!!