The MiniNut Mobile rebuild

[mininut]

As the big ends are now shafted because the oil pump failed, i thought i would use this opportunity to do some changes to the car that i've had planned for some time. I took some pictures of the cutting i've done so far...

http://www.themininut.com/downloads/rebuild/2007_0827mini_rebuild0001.JPG
http://www.themininut.com/downloads/rebuild/2007_0827mini_rebuild0002.0.JPG
http://www.themininut.com/downloads/rebuild/2007_0827mini_rebuild0002.1.JPG
http://www.themininut.com/downloads/rebuild/2007_0827mini_rebuild0004.JPG

All the lovely leather out...

http://www.themininut.com/downloads/rebuild/2007_0827mini_rebuild0006.JPG
http://www.themininut.com/downloads/rebuild/2007_0827mini_rebuild0008.JPG
http://www.themininut.com/downloads/rebuild/2007_0827mini_rebuild0009.JPG

The passenger side door has been reskinned...

http://www.themininut.com/downloads/rebuild/2007_0827mini_rebuild0011.JPG
http://www.themininut.com/downloads/rebuild/2007_0827mini_rebuild0013.JPG
http://www.themininut.com/downloads/rebuild/2007_0827mini_rebuild0014.JPG

The drivers side needs the same treatment but the frame is shafted and i need another...

http://www.themininut.com/downloads/rebuild/2007_0827mini_rebuild0015.JPG
http://www.themininut.com/downloads/rebuild/2007_0827mini_rebuild0016.JPG
http://www.themininut.com/downloads/rebuild/2007_0827mini_rebuild0019.JPG

A very sad picture :(

http://www.themininut.com/downloads/rebuild/2007_0827mini_rebuild0022.JPG

Back seat structure removed...

http://www.themininut.com/downloads/rebuild/2007_0827mini_rebuild0024.1.JPG
http://www.themininut.com/downloads/rebuild/2007_0827mini_rebuild0024.2.JPG
http://www.themininut.com/downloads/rebuild/2007_0827mini_rebuild0025.JPG
http://www.themininut.com/downloads/rebuild/2007_0827mini_rebuild0026.JPG

I've cleaned up where i'm planning to tub the rear arches...

http://www.themininut.com/downloads/rebuild/2007_0827mini_rebuild0028.JPG
http://www.themininut.com/downloads/rebuild/2007_0827mini_rebuild0029.JPG
http://www.themininut.com/downloads/rebuild/2007_0827mini_rebuild0030.JPG
http://www.themininut.com/downloads/rebuild/2007_0827mini_rebuild0031.JPG
http://www.themininut.com/downloads/rebuild/2007_0827mini_rebuild0033.JPG

Will post more pics once the rebuild progresses.

M.

[wee man]

thats the way to do it. Wanna borrow me stihl saw. got a nice boot floor goin if your feelin brave

[bodgeit]

nice one maz!

why the massive hole in the rear set though?

Matt

[mininut]

nice one maz!

why the massive hole in the rear set though?

Matt

I had two 12" subs bolted into the boot... will plate it up during this build.

M.

[bodgeit]

I had two 12" subs bolted into the boot... will plate it up during this build.

ah i see

Matt

[Geehawk]

nice one maz!

why the massive hole in the rear set though?

Matt

So he can carry a flourescent light in the boot lengthways :)

[Marcus Nordblom]

so far so good, can´t wait to se it finnished :P

marcus 8)

[mininut]

Started the tubbing today, taking a lot longer than i thought. Not so easy with only 1 body to weld and fire watch!!

http://www.themininut.com/downloads/rebuild/mini_rebuild_1024.jpg

I'm surprised at how much the quarter panel warped with the heat. Luckily nothing a dolly and hammer won't fix.

http://www.themininut.com/downloads/rebuild/mini_rebuild_1025.jpg

http://www.themininut.com/downloads/rebuild/mini_rebuild_1026.jpg

[BassAddict]

Hope its not off the road for too long Maz - good luck with all the jobs :)
Rch

[mininut]

Hope its not off the road for too long Maz - good luck with all the jobs :)
Rch

Thanks matey, I hoping if i keep this pace then it shouldn't be off the road for very long. Keeping the same pace is the problem though!! :shock:

M.

[Geehawk]

I'm getting Security certificate errors with your latest pics Maz.
The early ones appear fine, but I have to accept the error to see the later ones :?

[mininut]

I'm getting Security certificate errors with your latest pics Maz.
The early ones appear fine, but I have to accept the error to see the later ones :?

yeah, i got that, i can't understand why as they're all hosted from the same path on the same machine.

M.

Edit, pictures sorted now, should be no security issues.

[Tom]

Looking good, I kinda wish I'd tubbed my arches.

[Geehawk]

I'm getting Security certificate errors with your latest pics Maz.
The early ones appear fine, but I have to accept the error to see the later ones :?

yeah, i got that, i can't understand why as they're all hosted from the same path on the same machine.

M.

Edit, pictures sorted now, should be no security issues.

Everythings now A O K 8)

[Mintegra]

Looking good, I kinda wish I'd tubbed my arches.

Sorry for being nieve - but what is the reason for tubbing the arches??.. extra strength??..

Cheers
C

[ed4ran]

extra clearance, so you can lower the car more, especially when using bigger wheels (like the 14"s on the metro setups). 8)

[mininut]

I'm planning on going to 15s so for cleanance really.

M.

[Mintegra]

ahh - I see... no need to do it for 13's then?...

Ta
C

[XEValver]

you dont HAVE to do it for 13s, i've not. but if you want to run it really low, then you'll need to do it. Mine is as low as i can take it now, the arch (of the body) is the limiting factor.

Looking good though Maz! its nice to get an excuse to do all the bits that you wanted to do and never did before. I'm looking forward to seeing the result!

[mininut]

Started on the other side tonight but run out of argon mix!! I tried pure argon but the weld came out cr4p, so will leave it now till i get some gas.

M.

[drew_mini]

looking good :)

another silly question about tubbing....

when tubbin the arches do u do the welding first and then cut out from the outside afterwards??

cheers.

Drew xXx

[mininut]

looking good :)

another silly question about tubbing....

when tubbin the arches do u do the welding first and then cut out from the outside afterwards??

Thats what i've done, whether its right or wrong i have no idea! :lol: :lol: what i do know is theres a lot of distorsion in the 1/4 panel from the heat, so will have to do a little beating to get it straight.

Been rebuilding the bottom of the driver side door over the last few days. Looking to reskin that and finish off the tubbing on the weekend.

Will post some pics once i've done something worth taking a picture of!

M

[mininut]

Weekend work, although i would have got a lot more done if i was left alone :D ...

rot on bottom of drivers door removed.

http://www.themininut.com/downloads/rebuild/Door003.jpg

new steel cut to size.

http://www.themininut.com/downloads/rebuild/Door006.jpg

and welded in.

http://www.themininut.com/downloads/rebuild/Door009.jpg

Primed back

http://www.themininut.com/downloads/rebuild/Door014.jpg

primed front

http://www.themininut.com/downloads/rebuild/Door016.jpg

skinned... :D

http://www.themininut.com/downloads/rebuild/Door017.jpg


Finished off N/S tubbing, cut away the existing arch.

http://www.themininut.com/downloads/rebuild/Tubbing006.jpg

welded 2mm steel section in.

http://www.themininut.com/downloads/rebuild/Tubbing009.jpg

and this is what it looks like...

http://www.themininut.com/downloads/rebuild/Tubbing013.jpg

I found i got a lot of distortion in the 1/4 panel, but hopefully this shouldn't happen on the O/S when i get round to doing it hopefully in the next few days... lesson learnt :|

[DarrenW]

Got to ask :oops: :oops: :oops:

What was the lesson learnt?

PS Looking good :wink:

[mininut]

Got to ask :oops: :oops: :oops:

What was the lesson learnt?

PS Looking good :wink:

The panel distorted because my tack welds onto the 1/4 were too far apart, I also bought some "cold front" now so will use that too.

M.

[mininut]

managed a little more this weekend gone...

Drivers side door skin

http://www.themininut.com/downloads/rebuild/mini_dd_build001.jpg
http://www.themininut.com/downloads/rebuild/mini_dd_build002.jpg

Drivers side rear tubbing...

http://www.themininut.com/downloads/rebuild/mini_dd_build005.jpg
http://www.themininut.com/downloads/rebuild/mini_dd_build006.jpg


Wheel speed sensor setup for my launch control on the DTA...

http://www.themininut.com/downloads/rebuild/mini_dd_build010.jpg

Hopefully I'll get some more time this weekend, wife permitting!!

M.

[BassAddict]

Good luck getting the permission - I know only too well thats the hardest part - for some reason they always want a hand with the kids / washing / cooking / cleaning / shopping or something else - what happened to the good old days you see on telly where the men did what the smeg they wanted and women did the stuff that needed doing ?!!?! :)
Progress is looking good so far though :)
Rich

[mininut]

Right then, did some work on the min over the last few week and have just managed to get the pics uploads...

Looking like a beach buggy, the frames is coming out!
http://www.themininut.com/downloads/rebuild/2007_1020rebuild0036.JPG
http://www.themininut.com/downloads/rebuild/2007_1020rebuild0037.JPG

Managed to get the mk1 conversion done, just needs proper preping before paint.
http://www.themininut.com/downloads/rebuild/2007_1020rebuild0038.JPG

Frame is also out!
http://www.themininut.com/downloads/rebuild/2007_1020rebuild0041.JPG

Beginning of the rear "beam" for the Golf Mk2 disks that are going on. These mounting are made from 3mm steel so bigger than your "Huddersfield" stuff
http://www.themininut.com/downloads/rebuild/2007_1020rebuild0042.JPG
http://www.themininut.com/downloads/rebuild/2007_1020rebuild0043.JPG

I've used 1" box for the bulk of it, I can post the actual sizes once I'm done.
http://www.themininut.com/downloads/rebuild/2007_1020rebuild0044.JPG
http://www.themininut.com/downloads/rebuild/2007_1020rebuild0048.JPG

Trial fit.
http://www.themininut.com/downloads/rebuild/2007_1020rebuild0049.JPG

Base is amost done now, just need to weld the mounting brackets on.
http://www.themininut.com/downloads/rebuild/2007_1020rebuild0052.JPG
http://www.themininut.com/downloads/rebuild/2007_1020rebuild0059.JPG

Need to make up the radius arms and bracketry next. Will do that when i get back from sunny Torquay!

M.

[mininut]

Haven't managed to get much done :oops: been putting everything off until the coil overs turn up, then I'll turret the arches and build the radius arms 8)

Took off the nearside outer sill, it didn't look like it needed replacing until I got it off!!! Damn it was rotten at the front where it meets the inner arch :shock: once the other side is done too then I'll just pop some fresh ones on.


That's it for now, bit difficult to get time at the moment. Will post some pics once I've done a little more...


M.

[lawson]

You got any think done on it since i last spoke to you 8) 8)

[mininut]

Done the offside turret, will do the nearside one later this week and post some pics of progress.

M.

[mininut]

Finished off the turreting today, only to realise after cleaning the boot that the rear boot floor corners need replacing... oh well. :(

I'll post up some pictures later.

M.

[mininut]

A couple of snaps of what i've been upto, the turreting...
http://www.themininut.com/downloads/rebuild/turretbuild_004.jpg
http://www.themininut.com/downloads/rebuild/turretbuild_005.jpg
http://www.themininut.com/downloads/rebuild/turretbuild_012.jpg
http://www.themininut.com/downloads/rebuild/turretbuild_013.jpg

Found that the boot corners needed replacing too, so will do that next...
http://www.themininut.com/downloads/rebuild/turretbuild_006.jpg
http://www.themininut.com/downloads/rebuild/turretbuild_007.jpg

And the rear beam I'm working on...
http://www.themininut.com/downloads/rebuild/turretbuild_015.jpg


M.

[lawson]

very nice mate i what you got to do next mate

[Marcus Nordblom]

looks solid, good craftmanship there mate 8)

//marcus

[lawson]

get brave and cut the boot floor out and get one like mine

[mininut]

Thanks guys. Still have to replace the corners even if i get a carbon floor like yours Dave :wink:

M.

[rob bailey]

hello pal when u was doin the turret what mm of steel did u use and how did u measure so they are the same or hav u only done one side?

rob

[mininut]

hello pal when u was doin the turret what mm of steel did u use and how did u measure so they are the same or hav u only done one side?

rob

The steel is 3mm, i had the steel bent for me so it was 3.5" diameter but only half, bit like a gutter.

M.

[lawson]

any more progress yet mate

[mininut]

I've managed to get the boot corners done, was going to make a start on the trailing arms this weekend but everyone is ill so they need looking after!! :cry: :cry:

M.

[mininut]

Finished off the boot corners and got some seam sealer on it, just need to decide whether to change the battery box or put in a flat floor...
http://www.16vminiclub.com/gallery/albums/userpics/06042008036.jpg
http://www.16vminiclub.com/gallery/albums/userpics/06042008037.jpg

Got the on car adjustable rose joint mounts done for the radius arms. There are 3mm thick bosses tig welded inside the 30mm box in case you're wondering if its just a hole in the box tube!! Need to make up a mounting plate for the hub now and make up the rest of the arms...
http://www.16vminiclub.com/gallery/albums/userpics/06042008034.jpg
http://www.16vminiclub.com/gallery/albums/userpics/06042008035.jpg

Took the p/s sill off, can't decide on whether to change the inner sill or not, might just patch up the 2 little holes and seal it, then drop a new outer sill on... thoughts welcome for this, is it bad enough to change it or not??
http://www.16vminiclub.com/gallery/albums/userpics/06042008030.jpg
http://www.16vminiclub.com/gallery/albums/userpics/06042008031.jpg
http://www.16vminiclub.com/gallery/albums/userpics/06042008032.jpg
http://www.16vminiclub.com/gallery/albums/userpics/06042008033.jpg

[Geehawk]

If that really is the extent of the rot then I'd patch it.

[jasonb89]

same looks pritty good as well so just patch it i would say. the rear disc conversion look like its coming along now, its spured me on to start mine now :D

[Marcus Nordblom]

just need to decide whether to change the battery box or put in a flat floor...

why not locate the muffler in the place of the batteri box, then you can go real low…

By the way, TOP WORK realy keen to see the arms etc.

//marcus

[mininut]

why not locate the muffler in the place of the batteri box, then you can go real low…

I could do that with a flat floor too :wink: ...

Managed to get a little more done today, but unfortuneatly i ran out of argon so had to stop. The pics below are of what i did today with the golf rear hub carriers, its starting to come together :D

I ended up tapping all the mounting holes instead of tapping just 2 and using nuts for the other 2.
http://www.16vminiclub.com/gallery/albums/userpics/26042008041.jpg

The box section is 40mm, this is just cleaned up with a wire wheelbrush!!
http://www.16vminiclub.com/gallery/albums/userpics/26042008043.jpg

http://www.16vminiclub.com/gallery/albums/userpics/26042008044.jpg

loads of clearance.
http://www.16vminiclub.com/gallery/albums/userpics/26042008047.jpg

M.

[Mark D]

why not locate the muffler in the place of the batteri box, then you can go real low

You can but i'm sure i've heard somewhere that for handling the rear end needs to be higher then the front. I know allan McD had handling problems on his sprint car at first and he cured it by raising it. BUT maybe a rear ARB may help.

[Allan McD]

I had to lower the rear and raise the front as the rear was to light and kept coming round on me :shock:
Allan

[Mark D]

well thats me got things wrong again, take me drunk i'm home ossifer

[mininut]

Managed to get the drivers side trailing arm almost finished today, just needs some triangulation and shock mount, then its done. :D
http://www.16vminiclub.com/gallery/albums/userpics/trailing_arms_001.jpg

This is inside a 7x13 superlite
http://www.16vminiclub.com/gallery/albums/userpics/trailing_arms_002.jpg

I also wanted to make sure i could use the trailing arms if i ever went to 15s, this is the same arm on a 15x6 ET40
http://www.16vminiclub.com/gallery/albums/userpics/trailing_arms_003.jpg

This is the clearance between the arms and tyre, 195/50R15, should be just fine :wink:
http://www.16vminiclub.com/gallery/albums/userpics/trailing_arms_004.jpg

[DarrenW]

Are these standard mini track or wider? Just looks like the box out to the axle sticks out quite a bit ?

Are they lighter than the normal mini arm?

I like alot btw :D

[mininut]

Are these standard mini track or wider? Just looks like the box out to the axle sticks out quite a bit ?

It will be standard mini track, I've made them so I can just alter the mount points on the beam and shock bottom mount, that's if I decide to go 15s as they have a much larger positive offset.

Are they lighter than the normal mini arm?

They do feel a fair bit lighter, I'll weigh them for reference then compare to standard when I have access to one easily! My biggest saving will be in not having a subframe.

I like alot btw :D

Thanks matey :wink:

[charlie_t]

I like your work on this conversion. Going to keep an eye on it. Keep up the good work

[mikeb]

looking good , 8)

the arms you have made are very similar to the ones that i removed from my car , the reason i took them off was that the wheels were not straight and needed to be shimmed as the hub mounting plates were not totally square the the rest of the arm ,i watch with interest to see how you make the lot adjustable , keep up the good work :twisted:

[mininut]

cheers guys,

I've checked the squareness and the rose joints are 90 degrees to the disc face so I'll have to introduce toe in. The upright squareness is about 1 degree negative, i thought that would be the case as it distorted a little when i first welded it, good thing is that both sides are the same :D

M.

[Mark D]

I'll have to introduce toe in

You will be able to do this by adjusting the rose joints unequaly. Do you want it to toe in???. I've got mine toeing out by 5 minutes each side and at olivers mount i found it turns in far better than it ever did. As for the camber, on my golf beam i slotted the outer mounts so that the outer joint could be raised to increase the neg camber and made some adjustable washers to lock it in place.

Maz the other thing i was wondering is you have done very nearly the same as me, using 1" box section across the healboard. BUT do you think any extra strength would be gained by running a rollcage tube from the bottom of the main legs, across and mounted to the tunnel, and then bringing the radius through the healboard to mount onto this tube. I think thats what i'm going to do with my new shell. If you also take the rear legs to the top of the coilovers it would be like having a semi space frame in the rear

[mininut]

Toe in on the rear gives you better straight line stability so for a short burst i would think toe out be great for turning in, but for long journeys then it would probably be a little twitchy when overtaking.

I'm going to mount the beam in several places across the heelboard, i also had the exact same plan to go across the bottom legs and tie that into the heelboard and beam. :wink:

Saying that though, how much flex can there be in that arrangement? where can the heelboard go?! not like the heelboard is 18 guage steel!

M.

[Mark D]

Saying that though, how much flex can there be in that arrangement

Probably loads in mine, i welded it!!!!

[mininut]

:lol: :lol: :lol:

[Mark D]

LOL, and look at what toe out causes, that never happened before when the rear wheels pointed where ever they wanted to.

http://www.16vminiclub.com/gallery/albums/userpics/DSC03120.JPG

[mininut]

:shock: looks like an easy fix for a man of your Calibra :wink:

M.

[mininut]

Got the other arm made up, still need to triangulate them and put a mounting in the drivers side one for a wheel speed sensor.

http://www.16vminiclub.com/gallery/albums/userpics/12052008065.jpg

They're also square with a little neg camber and also same clearance for the tyre as the other arm.
http://www.16vminiclub.com/gallery/albums/userpics/13052008066.jpg

http://www.16vminiclub.com/gallery/albums/userpics/13052008067.jpg

M.

[monsterer]

Looks nice :) How do you make them adjustable?

[mininut]

Looks nice :) How do you make them adjustable?

Cheers matey, It'll be adjustable where it mounts on the beam. Will update with pics once I've triangulated the arms.

M.

[mininut]

I've weighed the trailing arm assembly including rose joints and hub, it comes to 28lb or 12.72Kg :D still have to add some triangulation so about another 1-2lb maybe less.

Anyone got the weight of a mini radius arm with drum assembly?

M.

[DarrenW]

How is it all progressing Sir Mininut, been a couple of month since your last update :( :cry:

BTW When I weighed my arms, there were about 25lbs, this is arms & non spacer drums weighs approx. Will check this again shortly, as I have just dismantled a rear subframe.

[mininut]

How is it all progressing Sir Mininut, been a couple of month since your last update :( :cry:

Hola Snr. DW :D

I got the beam with new radius arms on the car and found that the shocks i had were too long, this is not helped by the "tubbing"! :( So now i have to re fabricate the turrets to sit a little higher else the car will sit the same height as stock with the shocks set to lowest!!

The adjustable stuff i made for the arms works very well indeedy though and I'm well pleased with the way thats turned out. :D :D loads of camber and toe adjustment at the turn of a spanna :D

Since then though I've had the wifes ex-peugeot 406 in the garage to change the gearbox, she helped it spit the diff out into the bell housing to smash everything to bits :oops: :oops:

Got holidays coming up soon so everything is on hold at the moment, I'm now looking for some 4" x 12" pipe/tube to make the new turrets out of. I have a local place to try on Thursday so hopefully will get some then.

BTW When I weighed my arms, there were about 25lbs, this is arms & non spacer drums weighs approx. Will check this again shortly, as I have just dismantled a rear subframe.

That's not too bad really if mine weigh just a little more (shame about unsprung weight though :idea: ), the biggest saving will come from loosing the subframe :D

M.

[mininut]

little update...

This is what it looks like with a wheel on now, another 3 and im sorted :D that really IS attached the to golf hub now. :shock:
http://www.themininut.com/images/30082008041.jpg

Re fabricated the turrets as they were too short. the new ones are 4" pipe 1/8" thick, this is the n/s will do the o/s this weekend and weld them both in then.
http://www.themininut.com/images/30082008043.jpg
http://www.themininut.com/images/30082008046.jpg

CC welcome

M.

[wee man]

i can still see boot floor!

[miniswift]

Hi Mininut,

I have a question to you sir.

I see you are suing 100mm dia tube for rear.
Will you be cutting away so that it won't hit tyre or suspension?
Also, are you using std mini petrol tank?

Cheers
Atchi

[mininut]

Hi Mininut,

I have a question to you sir.

I see you are suing 100mm dia tube for rear.
Will you be cutting away so that it won't hit tyre or suspension?
Also, are you using std mini petrol tank?

Cheers
Atchi

I'm going to weld it all it from the outside then cut out the wheel side of the tube using my plasma cutter, makes it much easier to line up and weld that way.

And as Weeman has spotted the boot floor is still intact!! i have a carbon kevlar boot and ali tank to put in. (thanks Stu :wink:) :D

[bodgeit]

then cut out the wheel side of the tube using my plasma cutter
how posh! :D

[mininut]

:D works great

[matt]

Been looking though your site and this is a nice mini. But eney updates, are you still turboing it. I think i spoke to you at mini in the park last year but i was busy trying to get a bolt out that was stuck in my altenator :lol: . Hope i wasnt rude to you but a get a bit ratty when things go wrong. :|

[mininut]

Managed to get a couple things done...

Boot floor cut for carbon replacement
Hole in back seat fixed!
Braced trailing arms.

Will take a couple pics later, i'd like to say "slow and steady wins the race" but i know thats not true ! :oops:

M.

[mininut]

little more done over the last couple of weeks...

Trailing arms and beam finished and painted, need to pop them back on so i can finish off the tubbing as the tyres are catching at the rear of the arch.

sills next...

M.

[mininut]

Managed to get a little done last weekend, trailing arms on and sized up, new AVO coilover fitted, arches alter so they don't catch now. Had to stop as i ran out of MIG wire (go figure!) Need to get on with the "other stuff" now :lol: :lol:

http://www.themininut.com/images/minibackend004.jpg

http://www.themininut.com/images/minibackend005.jpg

http://www.themininut.com/images/minibackend006.jpg

http://www.themininut.com/images/minibackend007.jpg

http://www.themininut.com/images/minibackend008.jpg

[boots]

Do you have any underside shots showin the beam etc im intrested to see the entire package !?

Also where did you get the rose joints from?

Cheers
Steve

[mininut]

Do you have any underside shots showin the beam etc im intrested to see the entire package !?

Also where did you get the rose joints from?

Cheers
Steve

I'll get some pics for you tomorrow, the joints are from McGill, i don't expect them to last too long! :lol: :lol:

M.

[boots]

Any luck with those images at all?

Cheers
Steve

[mininut]

managed to get inside the boot finished off and primed (at long last!) here are some pics...
1
http://www.themininut.com/images/minibackend.jpg
2
http://www.themininut.com/images/minibackend(1).jpg
3
http://www.themininut.com/images/minibackend(2).jpg
4
http://www.themininut.com/images/minibackend(3).jpg
5
http://www.themininut.com/images/minibackend(4).jpg
6
http://www.themininut.com/images/minibackend(5).jpg
7
http://www.themininut.com/images/minibackend(6).jpg
8
http://www.themininut.com/images/minibackend(7).jpg
9
http://www.themininut.com/images/minibackend8.jpg


I've now started putting the spreader plates for the rollcage in and welding, should have those finished by end of this week and sills can then go on.

M.

[MarkLD]

Looking good Maz. Are you going to use a rear valance this time, rear diffuser or something else?

[mininut]

Looking good Maz. Are you going to use a rear valance this time, rear diffuser or something else?

Thanks matey. Nope, leave it off, can't rust if it ain't there :wink: not so noticeable when the bumper is on.

[mininut]

Got the spreader plates welded in.

Started to take off the NS sill and the grinder blew up, went and bought another and that blew up too! :confused: so now i've bought another and will have a go tonight if time permits!

M.

[caveman]

Got the spreader plates welded in.

Started to take off the NS sill and the grinder blew up, went and bought another and that blew up too! :confused: so now i've bought another and will have a go tonight if time permits!

M.

didnt get them grinders from B&Q by any chance maz, as i have gone through 2 in a month both from B&Q and one of them was a bosch :mad:

[mininut]

the first one was a b&q one and it lasted a couple years as were the rest. the new one i got is the same but it hasn't blown up yet.

I think i know why they blew up though :D i was holding it with welding gauntlets and had the vents covered so it couldn't dissipate heat :imstupid:

got the sill off now, just waiting for a spit to come so i can prep and paint before i weld the new bits back on.

M.

[tinxy]

you got the samer welder as me :) boot looks awsum mate and i wanna set of thoses rear arms

[lawson]

how do mate started cleaning for my spreader plates to day and started removeing passenger sill also treated my self to a new GAS welder good job i ent got a morgage and also bought my self a parts washer and a couple of other bits just dont tell jen i have also cleaned out the mini

[mininut]

lol, you been busy then :D

[BassAddict]

Looking good - I take it you're planning to do a few track days then - will you be tempted in to a few sprints?! :)

[mininut]

Looking good - I take it you're planning to do a few track days then - will you be tempted in to a few sprints?! :)

yup, trackday monster, and sprints for sure if i manage to get it done or mostly done by start of next year.

M.

[mininut]

Got engine out tonight, took the oil out and found loads of copper flakes! :shock: will buy another engine stand this weekend hopefully and then take the bugger apart and see how much damage there is.

Found that the rear engine mount had broken too!

Will take some pics tomorrow.

M.

[lawson]

At least an easy fix mount wise

[mininut]

engine out snaps, apologies for the poor quality as i forgot my camera and shot these on my phone! doh!

http://www.themininut.com/images/engineout.jpg

http://www.themininut.com/images/engineout(1).jpg

http://www.themininut.com/images/engineout(2).jpg

I'll pop it on the stand tomorrow and see what the damage is like, will also confirm that the PRV had seized and caused the failure.

The garage really needs a clean :oops:

M.

[MiniMadGreg.]

Can't see the pics mate.

[cooper_mark]

that engine looks as dirty as mine....;-)

[mininut]

Excuse the state of the garage, it does need a good clean :oops:

After a little examination of the PRV its clear to me that it got stuck and killed the oil pressure that killed the bearings.

I've started to strip it down now...

http://www.themininut.com/images/engine001.jpg

will get the sump off tomorrow and see if the mains are shafted as well as the big ends, will change the pump too.

http://www.themininut.com/images/engine002.jpg

M.

[Mark D]

Got engine out tonight, took the oil out and found loads of copper flakes! :shock: will buy another engine stand this weekend hopefully and then take the bugger apart and see how much damage there is.

Found that the rear engine mount had broken too!

Will take some pics tomorrow.

M.

I've got an engine stand bud. If andy s has finished with it do you want a lend of it, i can drop it off.

I've got a meeting on tuesday for a new job in Bristol so may not be in Brum for much longer but at least i will be passing every week.

[Andy_S]

Looks like Mr Nut bought an engine stand like yours Mark. :D

Which might be just as well as I'll need the 'Timeteam' in to dig your stand out from under all the shite in the corner of my garage. Gimme a heads up if you're coming over for it & I'll prepare your Invoice for the storage charges. ;)

[Mark D]

I'll prepare your Invoice for the storage charges. ;)

Oh i think the late return charges should just about cancel those out :mrwilliams:

[mininut]

:lol:

I had an engine stand, just had another engine on it. Neil Aka theredmini is buying one on saturday so i'll use that for the other engine until this one is done with, then he can have it for his.

Cheers Mark.

M.

[mininut]

AAAARRRGGGGHHHH :verymad: its fooked, the bearing have spun in the rod and screwed the crank journal, i think the rods are fooked and i bet the pin is shafted as well.

[Andy_S]

:( Feel really bad for you I know that miserable feeling :(

On the plus side I have some (free) spare conrods which MarkyD could drop off for you. (assuming you're not running H-section ones.)

[mininut]

Looks like 1 rod is fooked, all the bearings are trashed and 1 crank journal is shafted, the pins as far as i can make out look ok (they don't travel much anyway).

now i need to get another rod peened and balanced with the others and regrind crank, this means that all the rods need to come out so will need new rings, bearings, and a head gasket.

I really don't see the need for steel rods, I've never seen a turbo motor ever throw a rod as they're never under compression. And I'm not intending to rev over 8500k as the blower and the cams will run out of steam at 7-7.5k

Here are the pics, the shafted one is no 4, which is actually furthest from the oil pump, looks like they get progressively worst from 1 to 4...

Bearing no4
http://www.themininut.com/images/engine022.jpg

Other side of bearing 4
http://www.themininut.com/images/engine030.jpg

Cap from No4, looks shafted and theres a small lip in it too
http://www.themininut.com/images/engine025.jpg

Cap from No3 looks fine
http://www.themininut.com/images/engine026.jpg

Again, cap 4
http://www.themininut.com/images/engine028.jpg

And cap 3
http://www.themininut.com/images/engine029.jpg

Rod no4
http://www.themininut.com/images/engine032.jpg

And rod no 3
http://www.themininut.com/images/engine033.jpg


I forgot to take a picture of the shafted crank journal but its got a lip in it.

I might take the block in and have some jets put in for under piston cooling while its all apart too.

Thanks for the offer Andy, i'll just need the one rod :D top man.

Looking now, it could have been much worse! on the other hand it could have been better too! :confused:
M.

[mininut]

i've sourced some LET pistons, rods and a block...

http://www.themininut.com/images/letblock.jpg
http://www.themininut.com/images/letblock1.jpg

starting to come together "again" !

M.

[mininut]

Got a crank today (thanks Stu) and taken it to the machine shop for a polish. I'll take the block tomorrow and see about getting squirters machined into it. Then i'll send it off to get balanced and shot peen the rods "Again"! The whole bottom end is stock 86mm C20LET now.

The Z20LET Oil pump is on order too and already got a pipe to modify. Will update with some pics once i get something worth taking a picture of!

M.

[Andy_S]

I'll take the block tomorrow and see about getting squirters machined into it.

M.

For the benefit of us dummies, what are squirters? (The internet throws up some stuff that might not be relevant :oops:)

[mininut]

For the benefit of us dummies, what are squirters? (The internet throws up some stuff that might not be relevant :oops:)

LOL, they're oil squirters into the main bearing pointing into the bore for under piston cooling, they have a pressure valve in them that only opens to squirt oil into the bore at certain pressure so you have to upgrade the pump too.

here is an example...
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b159/williamsvts/nova/DSC00271.jpg

[Andy_S]

Ah ......... clever! :D

You must be chasing some whopping big horsepowers if you need extra oil-cooling under the pistons :cool:

[mininut]

Ah ......... clever! :D

You must be chasing some whopping big horsepowers if you need extra oil-cooling under the pistons :cool:

it's for reliability and longevity really, but essential for high horse power and deffo worth doing while its all in bits.

M.

[lawson]

U started rebuilding block yet mate I'm in the middle of sorting new garage out to start kicking ass on mini as soon as sj is sold the beast will be in garage I might go shopping later forsome metal let me now if u need any think I ali (wink wink) give u a ring later have an idea

[mininut]

quick update, got most the bits together now. need to find somewhere local that can wire ring and sort the squirters out then jobs a good'un. :D

slow and steady and all that... :confused:

M.

[le1ght]

cheap way for oil jets if works on a colet
http://www.youtube.com/user/fiatnutz#p/u/192/7wuNuuEoN7Y

[mininut]

cheap way for oil jets if works on a colet
http://www.youtube.com/user/fiatnutz#p/u/192/7wuNuuEoN7Y

yeah, that's an interesting way of doing it, not sure how well that would work though as the side of the rod isn't up to a bearing face so wouldn't be much pressure there. I've got bmw E36 jets to drop in, cost me £27 so pretty cheap, but not sure how much the machining will cost! :shock:

waiting for a few other things to turn up but starting to run low on motivation again! :( must be the cold in the garage scaring me off.

M.

[lawson]

Grow some balls you crazy fool and buy a heater

[mininut]

Grow some balls you crazy fool and buy a heater

i got a heater, come over and give me a hand or even if you just sit and drink tea :p

[cooper_mark]

tell me about it...went in the garage the other day...brrrrr it was freezing
and i plumbed a radiator into mine
bottled it and thought f**k this i'm not doing this today

[mininut]

bottled it and thought f**k this i'm not doing this today

This is why my rebuild has taken over 2 years now! was only a 2 month job! :confused:

M.

[bhphunter]

This is why my rebuild has taken over 2 years now! was only a 2 month job! :confused:

M.

My build is now in its 8th year :oops:


In fact am I holding the record for the longest build?

What a shit accolade that would be :(


David.

[evolotion]

im positive that honor belongs to rich (BassAddict) :)

[bhphunter]

im positive that honor belongs to rich (BassAddict) :)

Oh yea, how could I forget about him - my inspiration!


David.

[Marcus Nordblom]

Oh yea, how could I forget about him - my inspiration!


David.

wonder what he´s up to now? – not much i guess! ha ha

[mininut]

I've bit the bullet and ordered some steel rods. There's a chap on mig doing them quite cheap at the moment so grabbed a set.

ARP rod bolts should be up for sale now if anyone wants them. After £40 delivered to uk.

M.

[BassAddict]

First time I've logged on in weeks and this was the first thread I decided to read!!
I'm still lurking - although sale of my house is going through, so I'm going from a 3 car garage and 10 car driveway to a shared drive and no garage :( Been moving all the cars and billions of parts to a barn I'm renting some space in, but been moving stuff for 2 weeks and still going!!!
Sorry for the thread hjiack!!
Sounds like the engine rebuild is starting to come together :)

[evolotion]

First time I've logged on in weeks and this was the first thread I decided to read!!
I'm still lurking - although sale of my house is going through, so I'm going from a 3 car garage and 10 car driveway to a shared drive and no garage :( Been moving all the cars and billions of parts to a barn I'm renting some space in, but been moving stuff for 2 weeks and still going!!!
Sorry for the thread hjiack!!
Sounds like the engine rebuild is starting to come together :)
know what your going through, i have lost my driveway, as now in a flat with securre parking in the city centre. so my stuff is in storage and the car gets pushed into work and worked on after hours when i can find the energy :) youll get there eventually!

[mininut]

Got most the parts together now. Need to get the block wire ring done, balanced and oil squirters put in.

95% of the welding is done on the shell. will get a move on with the new frame hopefully this weekend.

M.

[BassAddict]

Cool - look forward to reading progress on sunday night then :)

[mininut]

Tried to get the sills finished off today but no joy, the welder doesn't want to play and its really annoying. waiting now for some bits to sort the bloody welder out. will try and do a little more tomorrow but not expecting much joy then either. :(

M.

[mininut]

Welder is sorted now, still looking for a decent one though like snapon, cebora or BOC! let me know if you have one and want to do a trade for a HF start 130 DC Tig :wink:

As a consequence the drivers side sill is now on and in primer woohoo, will finish off the passenger side in the next couple days. Got a pile of engine bits now so need to start sorting that out. Off to Andy's this weekend to get the wire ringing done again on the new block, then get the squirters put it and bottom end balance. Then i can start to put the bloody thing back together.

happy times !

M.

[NudgerSS]

Just to let you know that the Snap On migs are Cebora ones. I've got a 130amp Snap On and its pretty good.

John

[Spiyda]

Welder is sorted now, still looking for a decent one though like snapon, cebora or BOC! let me know if you have one and want to do a trade for a HF start 130 DC Tig :wink:

As a consequence the drivers side sill is now on and in primer woohoo, will finish off the passenger side in the next couple days. Got a pile of engine bits now so need to start sorting that out. Off to Andy's this weekend to get the wire ringing done again on the new block, then get the squirters put it and bottom end balance. Then i can start to put the bloody thing back together.

happy times !

M.

did you do the wire feed brake mod as well as the strap and motor drive transformer ?

The bits for that mod arrive tomorrow... as well as new steel liners..

[mininut]

did you do the wire feed brake mod as well as the strap and motor drive transformer ?

The bits for that mod arrive tomorrow... as well as new steel liners..

yes mate, i did everything in the end, i used some net curtain wire for the steel liner works a treat and cost £0.99 :D and i used a hp laptop charger for the wire feed transformer (very consistent) and an AC relay to switch it/brake it (stops dead when you release the trigger), the charger is 19.9v at 4.7amps. works great. all in all it cost me about £10 to get it working right. Give me a call if you want exact details mate.

M.

[Spiyda]

yes mate, i did everything in the end, i used some net curtain wire for the steel liner works a treat and cost £0.99 :D and i used a hp laptop charger for the wire feed transformer (very consistent) and an AC relay to switch it/brake it (stops dead when you release the trigger), the charger is 19.9v at 4.7amps. works great. all in all it cost me about £10 to get it working right. Give me a call if you want exact details mate.

M.

I used a toroidal transformer I had knocking around, and an overkill 35 Amp bridge rectifier :-) works great except the wire seems to stick after 10 seconds on full power, the guys on the migweld forum suggest the plastic liner is the root cause

I'm going to try the Mosfet version of the motor brake rather than the relay..
and I've shelled out £10 for the pukka steel liners

So if it works, it will have cost double yours ... £20 :-)

Its already working better, proving I'm not as bad at welding as I thought I was ;)

[mininut]

Its already working better, proving I'm not as bad at welding as I thought I was ;)

:lol: yeah same here :D

M.

[mininut]

got a few hours in the garage yesterday and got the sills done.

I think i might ditch all the hybrid stuff and just go puirst... what do you think? :wink:

http://www.themininut.com/images/purist.jpg

M.

[mininut]

I haven't forgotten about it, just sourcing parts to get another engine built. I'll do an update once everything is together.

I'm also making a c16 frame for the white one at the moment so once that's done I'll make a start on another frame for the beastie.

All the bodywork is done now, so just need engine and frame ~fingers crossed~

M.

[Mark D]

Stop typing and get in the bloody garage!!!!

[mininut]

Garage is full of bricks at the moment so no progress, i have all/most the bits to build the new engine, need to find someone that can drop the squirters in the block for me before i can continue with the engine buld. Will start the subframe build in a few weeks, soon as bricks are where they're supposed to be and i have some space in the garage!

M.

[lawson]

Well I have lots of lovely jobs for u while bricks are in your way will pop down later

[mininut]

Garage is almost void of bricks now but still loads of builder crap in there. Managed to get a little time in there over the weekend and will put a few updates later.

M.

[spNOam]

Garage is almost void of bricks now but still loads of builder crap in there. Managed to get a little time in there over the weekend and will put a few updates later.

M.

Like me M, you have 10 days to get your entry in.

[mininut]

Like me M, you have 10 days to get your entry in.

sadly, i dont think it'll be doing anything other than getting built this year :(

Hats off to Mark, he beat me! :D

M.

[Miniwidow]

Hats off to Mark, he beat me! :D

M.


Not yet he hasn't, I reckon if you get stuck in then you'll be ready for June :D

[caveman]

any progress mate:D

[mininut]

Been buying bits, got almost everything i need. i've build a c16 frame for my other "little" project (maybe i should finish one!!)

Got my metal in now so no excuse to not get started on the frame for the turbo. Except, that i've got an f20 with a transfer box sitting there, I could lock the viscous coupling with a relatively cheap kit too and that's got me thinking... :oops: need to decide what to do as it'll make a big difference on the frame with the tx box sitting very close to if not on top of the rack. might see if i can source and f28 with tx box and use that instead. Really need to mock stuff up to see if its viable first.

Will post some pics of my goodies tomorrow.

M.

[evolotion]

get your finger out boyo!

[BassAddict]

Yeah, stop slacking Maz - people will think we're related !!! :)

[mininut]

Yeah, stop slacking Maz - people will think we're related !!! :)

I've booked 2 weeks of at the end of June specifically to work on the car :D I have NO excuses then :wink:

[Minimivic]

I've booked 2 weeks of at the end of June specifically to work on the car :D I have NO excuses then :wink:

I keep trying that and it never works out for me....

[mininut]

Change of plans... i'm picking some bits up tomorrow so will update with some pics. :wink: leave you all thinking what :p

M.

[lawson]

I now I now nanana

[BassAddict]

Is this the 850 a-series and auto gearbox you've been dreaming of ? :)

[bhphunter]

Maybe hes going all 'save the planet man' and going electric power ;)

[Joah]

spill the beans then.... :)

[mininut]

http://www.themininut.com/images/begining.jpg

can you tell what it is yet :D Its not as big and as heavy as i thought it would be.

M.

[mini1]

mmm F28. Two words Maz.. . . . . good luck!

[speedy]

oeh.... it looks like it would fit.
everybody said it's to big... keep the build pics coming...
again thinking about a f28 in my van... :rolleyes:

[mininut]

mmm F28. Two words Maz.. . . . . good luck!

Thing is mate, i don't have to stick to any form at the moment so i can drop it lower or make the wheelbase a little long (good thing) to clear the rack. I'll be starting on the rear first though as this is the "easier" bit :D

M.

[mini1]

Fair play for having a go. I just hope its worth all the effort as it wont be a easy task!

I would start with the front unless your 100% sure that it will all fit ok, that way you dont run the risk of getting all the back sorted only to find the front wont fit!

[mininut]

Fair play for having a go. I just hope its worth all the effort as it wont be a easy task!

I would start with the front unless your 100% sure that it will all fit ok, that way you dont run the risk of getting all the back sorted only to find the front wont fit!

It'll fit in the front mate. :D bloody better now i've bought it :wink:

incidentally, have you seen the size of the gearboxes that MikeR33 is using :shock:

[Joah]

Oooo will watch this with interest! As above maz good luck! :-)

[evolotion]

awesome, but if you keep mooving the goalposts youll never finish :p thatll fit no bother with a bit of a tunnel and some steering rack raising. awesomes!

[Marcus Nordblom]

how does it operate?

should be fun to see you crack on with this, may the force be with you;)

[mininut]

Finished the frame for a c16 and started on the LET. Frame is almost done, just have to make up the mounting but can say for sure that it sits nice in the bay. The rack is being moved up or being replace, will have to see when the mounting are done. So far theres only a little chopping on the bulkhead for the transfer box and i may be able to get away with not making the tunnel larger. Still have to think about an exhaust too.:confused:

Will post some pics once there's something to see :D

M.

[Birdman]

Finished the frame for a c16 and started on the LET. Frame is almost done, just have to make up the mounting but can say for sure that it sits nice in the bay. The rack is being moved up or being replace, will have to see when the mounting are done. So far theres only a little chopping on the bulkhead for the transfer box and i may be able to get away with not making the tunnel larger. Still have to think about an exhaust too.:confused:

Will post some pics once there's something to see :D

M.

I'm still really tempted to swap to a F28 Gearbox to give close ratios 1 - 5 and a cruising 6th. As you are taking the plunge, I have a couple of questions:

Does the F28 stick out further ( end cover) towards the nearside wheel? If so by how much?? Do new driveshafts need to be made or does the orientation of the driveshfts and differential remain the same as with the F20 gearbox? Is the front transmission mount totally different on the F28?

Sorry for the many questions, but they may help me make up my mind rather than have to modify the frame again later on. Many Thanks

[mininut]

pictures tell a thousand words !!...

http://www.themininut.com/images/let4x4003.jpg

http://www.themininut.com/images/let4x4004.jpg

http://www.themininut.com/images/let4x4006.jpg

http://www.themininut.com/images/let4x4009.jpg

http://www.themininut.com/images/let4x4012.jpg

http://www.themininut.com/images/let4x4013.jpg

http://www.themininut.com/images/let4x4014.jpg

http://www.themininut.com/images/let4x4016.jpg

http://www.themininut.com/images/let4x4017.jpg

Have to make up the suspension arms now before i can make up the engine mounts and bracing, will put the head and inlet on before i mount everything to be sure it doesn't create me more work for myself!

oh yeah, the front of that frame is where the stock length front end mounts so i may not even need to extend it :wink:

M.

[Mark D]

pictures tell a thousand words !!...
M.

Your right there!!!!, it's still not finished :rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes:

[Andy_S]

Can't believe that big lump of a g'box fits in there ....... does it look like the steering rack will sneak in above the output for the prop?

Glad to see that you're starting to play Minis again Mr Nut :)

[Mini Vlatko]

Finally some pics from you! ;)

[Richspec]

Good stuff Maz, good to see some progress again :)

[Andy@AMT]

Looks well maz.

[ludsonline]

Looking good.... ;-)

[le1ght]

looking good maz

[mininut]

Thanks for the push guys. I'm just making brackets and suspension arms at the moment so not much to show just yet. Will post some more pics when I've done more substantial work.

M.

[peskett]

Any updates?

[mininut]

i did a little this weekend, and i mean a little :D put some bracing into the frame and added the lower arm mounting points, that's about it. Will try again this weekend, family life is taking over... either that or I'm getting fat and old!

M.

[BassAddict]

You're getting as bad as me!

[philip2]

fair do's not looked through it all yet. what specs the motor going?

[mininut]

You're getting as bad as me!

I'll NEVER be as bad as you :p

[Minimivic]

i did a little this weekend, and i mean a little :D put some bracing into the frame and added the lower arm mounting points, that's about it. Will try again this weekend, family life is taking over... either that or I'm getting fat and old!

M.

That so sounds like me too, I did a little bit at the weekend too :D

[mininut]

I'll get there, hopefully before i retire but I'll get there. Fortunately though I've experienced the hybrid for a long time so its not the same as a first build.

M.

[Andy_S]

Fortunately though I've experienced the hybrid for a long time so its not the same as a first build.

But have you played racing cars before?

You can't beat the buzz you get from racing something that you built with your own ideas & skills.

There's a constant challenge to make the car & driver go faster. You'll get obsessed with trying to beat your previous fastest times & maybe even get faster than the other guys.

Totally addictive.:cool:

[mininut]

But have you played racing cars before?

You can't beat the buzz you get from racing something that you built with your own ideas & skills.

There's a constant challenge to make the car & driver go faster. You'll get obsessed with trying to beat your previous fastest times & maybe even get faster than the other guys.

Totally addictive.:cool:

That's the plan this time, but its not going to happen if I don't get my 4r5e in the garage to do some work! but its also too cold at the moment and I'm too much of a poof to get in there :D

[mini1]

I got to say Maz, I'm 100% with you on this one!

Far far too cold for any time in the garage at the mo.

[MattG]

pull your finger out !

[Mark D]

i did a little this weekend, and i mean a little.

Well thats the most you've done for a long time maz, and dont blame the cold, get your Mrs to take her thumb off your head and get your arse back into that garage, NOW!!!!!!!

[mininut]

I went into the garage, looked at the car, picked up some clear perspex to use in the studio and walked out.

Hey, at least i went in there :D baby steps and all that ;)

[Minimivic]

That sounds so familiar.

All well otherwise I hope. :D

[mininut]

3 months from my last post and still nothing. Someone come and give me a kick up the 4r5e !! :pissedoff:

M.

[PaulW]

3 months from my last post and still nothing. Someone come and give me a kick up the 4r5e !! :pissedoff:

M.

I'm on my way:pissedoff:

[Kaison]

My God man!
This could be awesome. What's stopping you?
I'd be in the garage every free day with you on this little beaut! - If you were down south!