B18c4 into extended front modified Mini subframe

[20 year project]

:D bear with me with this one I'm not that good with words but Iwas told to maybe list my project as a Build diary.
I think perhaps the best way to go would be mainly pictoral with the odd bit of text but if anyone wants to ask anything paticular I will try to explain :oops: http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Vtec%20Mini/hed104.jpgThis is my Mini before I started

And after I removed the engine and front end[img]http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Vtec%20Mini/hed108.jpg
Then I welded a brace bar between the towers and fabbed up the top arms and front cross member
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Vtec%20Mini/subframe1001.jpg
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Vtec%20Mini/subframe1002.jpg
Temporary welded front tie bar mounts and chopped the original front part of the subframe away
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Vtec%20Mini/subframe1006.jpg
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Vtec%20Mini/subframe1004.jpg
I removed the subframe and taccked on some plates to wher the rear mounts go and then welded some framework up to suit
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Vtec%20Mini/subframe7002.jpg
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Vtec%20Mini/subframe7003.jpg
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Vtec%20Mini/subframe8001.jpg

[MINIMAD30]

what engine are you planning on putting in? looking good so far :D

[20 year project]

:D I'm putting a B18c4 Civic vti motor in it with Skunk 2 inlet running on standard cams and ecu should be good for around 175 of those Japanese Horses.
Heres a few more pictures that I didn't get to load up last night.
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/subframe9002.jpg
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/subframe9004.jpg
Decided that the tie bar mounts are no good where they are so I' going to make some rose jointed ones from my old ones
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/tiebartrial003.jpg
was going to use straight tie bars but they fouled the tyre so after seeing some on other builds I bent them so they would clear the tyre on full lock.
I also had to shorten them quite a lot as the new mount points are set wider.

[WanaGo]

Looking good

Just a thing to note...
I hope this comes out right... and not telling you how to 'suck eggs' so to speak.

I also had to shorten them quite a lot as the new mount points are set wider.

By making them shorter with wider mount points, you realise this is going to change your geometry - how your wheels raise up and turn etc?
There are frames available to buy which have done the same as what you are doing, so it obviously doesnt make too much of a difference, but there are ways around having to do this to keep the original mini suspension geometry.

If you already know all this, ignore what I said.

Frame is looking good, keep up the good work.

James

[20 year project]

Hi James
I realised the caster angle might be affected thats why I am making my tie bars adjustable ,I am also putting adjustable bottom arms and Hi Los on so it will all need setting up later , what else would be affected? you have me worried now. I have not altered the position of the steering rack as that affects the akerman angle. Thats why I went for the extended front as I thought it would all be to tight under a standard front.
If the camber angle and caster angle are within reccommended tolerances and the steering geometry is unaffected what else could influence the handling.
Cheers
Mark

[ludsonline]

Looking good, What size box section have you used?

[20 year project]

Its 25mm x 3mm box section My mates using the same size tubing to make a space frame for his GTM coupe That thing will be Awesome when he's finished :D

[WanaGo]

Hi - sorry to worry you.

Its not camber/caster related.

When you change the mounting position of the tie rod, it changes the angle the wheel will swing in.
ie, look a birds eye view over your frame. Draw an invisible line between the tie rod mount possition, and the lower arm mount position. Now imagine you move the tie rod position in or out. If you can imagine it, you are making the wheel raise and lower differently to how it would on a stock mini.

Now its not a bad thing necessarely - so dont be alarmed. Im just saying its different to a stock mini.

Even if your rack is the same position, because the arms are now going to move on a different arc now, you will find the steering rack will cause the wheel to turn one way or another when the wheel goes up.

Anyway, if its what you need for your frame, dont worry about it. As mentioned, there are frames you can buy (allspeed maybe?) with shorter arms which are set wider with a bent arm - and they sell like hot cakes. The bent arm makes no difference to the geometry other than to dodge 'stuff' that is in the way, its the end points which matter.

Hope that makes sence

When I made my frame with my mate, we wanted to keep the same geometry. But 'stuff' was in the way. So we extended the tie rod, but kept the mounting position in the same 'line' to where it was. It doesnt matter how long or short the rod is, it just ideally needs to stay in the same line in order to keep the same geometry. So by making it longer, we could make the tie rod move out slightly - (getting around the gearbox, but not enough to get around the sump) and the end point stayed in the same line. I still had to cut the sump corner out.

If that makes no sence, I can draw you a pic.
If you look at my build site you may see what I mean.

Cheers
James

[20 year project]

Yeah that makes sense I can see where your coming from, in an ideal world I would keep the mounts standard I didn't want to alter the sump (seen that done) so as there is other frames with altered mounts on sale it can't really be a major problem so I'm going to plod on with my subby' thanks for your input
got some more piccies heres the engine being fitted
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Vtec%20Mini/enginetrial001.jpg
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Vtec%20Mini/enginetrial003.jpg
From hhttp://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Vtec%20Mini/tiebartrial001.jpgere I made some card templates for the mounts

http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Vtec%20Mini/tiebartrial004.jpg
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Vtec%20Mini/rearenginemount002.jpg

[20 year project]

Welded the subby up and put some Gussets here and there,then put a couple coats of rust preventetive primer and 4 coats of paint on.
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Vtec%20Mini/paintedsubframe007.jpg
Then tried to sort the hole I'd cut in the bulkhead out this is my first attempt. You can also see the Gussets.




http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Vtec%20Mini/subframefitted004.jpg
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Vtec%20Mini/subframefitted003.jpg
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Vtec%20Mini/subframefitted002.jpg
Got a Skunk 2 Inlet from Integra Stella on e bay I must admit it looks the dogs bollocks.

http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Vtec%20Mini/skunk2inletmanifold002.jpg
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Vtec%20Mini/bulkheadmod002.jpg
When I went to fit it the engine it was too tight so I had to have another go at the Bulkhead

http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Vtec%20Mini/finalbulkhead002.jpg
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Vtec%20Mini/finalbulkhead001-1.jpg
And heres one with Inlet fitted

http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Vtec%20Mini/IMtrialfit001.jpg
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Vtec%20Mini/IMtrialfit003.jpg

[20 year project]

:D Got me a stainless steel RC40 twin box system off ebay for £35 been messing around with some bits of pipe and made up a link pipe .
A mate at work welded it up and it fits so Igot a full exhaust on my Mini now.
While my mate was welding the exhaust up Ive been cutting and butting the gear linkage .
I welded the hanger off the Mini linkage onto the rear of the Honda one seems ok not sure about it though might alter it if theres a problem but its ok for now.
Heres the pictures



http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Vtec%20Mini/Modifiedgearlinkage001.jpg
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Vtec%20Mini/Modifiedgearlinkage2001.jpg
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Vtec%20Mini/Modifiedgearlinkage2003.jpg
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Vtec%20Mini/Modifiedgearlinkage002.jpg

http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Vtec%20Mini/Exhaustlinkpipe001.jpg
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Vtec%20Mini/Exhaustlinkpipe002.jpg
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Vtec%20Mini/Exhaustlinkpipe003.jpg
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Vtec%20Mini/Exhaustlinkpipe004.jpg

[20 year project]

Got a fuel filter for a focus St and I thought long and hard about where to mount it and came up with on the bulkhead so it would be nice and easy to change it but after mounting it I'm thinking maybe I'll move it somewhere else cos it looks a bit cluttered up there.
Anyone with some better ideas?
While I decide I'll get on with some wiring. I stripped all the chaf like Air con ABS ,Sun roof etc earlier on so it should be straight forward.

http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Vtec%20Mini/Fuelfilter001.jpg
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Vtec%20Mini/Fuelfilter002.jpg
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Vtec%20Mini/wiringmess002.jpg
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Vtec%20Mini/wiringmess001.jpg
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Vtec%20Mini/wiringmess004.jpg

[20 year project]

This wire tidying lark takes a while doesn't itseems like Ive been on it for ages.Just when I thought I would use a Hybrid Honda/Mini loom I realised that it would be a hole lot easier to use the honda loom complete with both fuse boxes.It now means all the wires I trimmed back for lighting andignition switch will have to be re soldered back on and this is taking ages and loads of Heat shrink. What a plonker Eh
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Vtec%20Mini/wiretidying002.jpg
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Vtec%20Mini/wiretidying001.jpg
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Vtec%20Mini/wiretidying003.jpg
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Vtec%20Mini/morewiretidying003.jpg
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Vtec%20Mini/morewiretidying002.jpg

[20 year project]

:D Well I finally got all the wiring inthe car tidied up and all the wiring to the engine area for the lights, indicators, wipers and horn ran to where they want to go but I'm leaving them long until I get the front end fitted then I'll tidy them up.
Checked out if everything works and it does except the windscreen washer pump which is goosed so I'll have to get a new one.
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Vtec%20Mini/paintedfrnthubs007.jpg
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Vtec%20Mini/paintedfrnthubs008.jpg
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Vtec%20Mini/paintedfrnthubs010.jpg

[20 year project]

:D With all the wiring done inside and everything ran to where it needs to go I had to try and get the engine started. My wife was a bit dubious about letting me spend any more money until I got the engine running' I bought it without hearing it running off a bloke on ebay she's convinced its no good.
I roughly plumbed up the honda radiator and fired her up she started but ran like a bag of hammers .Checked all the wiring was ok found I got the Throttle position sensor wiring plugged in to MAP sensor as the plugs are the same swapped them over and she ran.
Initially tickover was about 1500rpm it then dropped to just under 1000 as the engine warmed up there was a lot of intake noise until the engine warmed up a bit. it then quietened down so I'm chuffed to bits
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/th_wiringmess005.jpg (http://s276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/?action=view&current=wiringmess005.flv)

After the success of my engine triumph I set to work with a couple of peices of broom shank and got the length for my drive shafts.I cut the shafts so there was a 35mm over lap then strpped them shamfered thh edges then took them to work and got the welder to tig them up.I then checked them for run out on a couple of vee blocks using a DTI found them to be a little off so a hour or so on the press saw them both within 5 thou. I cut some peices of tube to go over the join and got the welder to weld them on then set them up in my mates lathe and skimmed them so everything was running concentric

http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Vtec%20Mini/driveshafts002.jpg
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Vtec%20Mini/driveshafts003.jpg

[bennivory]

how long are your shafts mate?

[20 year project]

Ones 280mm and the others 295mm .
If your going off my shaft sizes I would advise you to double check first as your engine may be mounted slightly different to mine.
Mark

[bennivory]

its just a ball park figure, i think il set mine up so they are equal length as i havent made my engine mounts yet. il use the broomstick method that you did.

[20 year project]

I was ging for equal length shafts but due to space in my subframe I couldn't realy get any further over to the left without catching the sump on the bottom subframe leg .Isuppose if I had fabricated the bottom leg so it passed under yhe sump i could have done it but I decided that it wasn't worth it as 15mm difference is not a lot when you take into account we are only talking about moving the engine 7-8mm to acheive equal length shafts
Mark

[20 year project]

Got to work with a wire wheel on my angle grinder cleaning up the swivel hubs and the calipers ready for paint, they came up quite well.A couple of coats of rust preventitive primer and a couple of coats of paint and they look like this.
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Vtec%20Mini/Fronthub001.jpg
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Vtec%20Mini/Fronthub002.jpg
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Vtec%20Mini/paintedfrnthubs001.jpg

In between the coats of paint I made some extra supports for my subframe to connect it to the inner wings these were made out of 3/4" bore pipe with 1/8" wall thickness. I bent them up on the pipe bender at work and put some box section on one end to make a more solid mount interface. To make it so the supports were removeable I welded box section on to the subframe to take the pipe for the front mounts. when I was happy I drilled some holes and bolted it up using 10mm bolts.
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Vtec%20Mini/bracebarsclutch001.jpg
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Vtec%20Mini/bracebarsclutch002.jpg
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Vtec%20Mini/bracebarsclutch003.jpg
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Vtec%20Mini/bracebarsclutch004.jpg

I modified my clutch master cylinder to fit the mounting bolts on the bulkhead, the pushrod was modified so I could get full stroke of the piston when it was connected up to the clutch pedal. The fluid reervoir was hung on a bracket I made for the inner wing.
I made a throttle cable adjuster out of an old mountain bike brake cable adjuster
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Vtec%20Mini/bracebarsclutch005.jpg
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Vtec%20Mini/bracebarsclutch008.jpg
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Vtec%20Mini/bracebarsclutch007.jpg

[20 year project]

Built up the hubs as far as I could as I'm still waiting for some bits so its nearly back on 4 wheels but not quite though
Seal kits for the calipers and the master cylinder arrived so I've been busy rebuilding them but I need some ERA caliper bolts, brake pad clips ans pins and the flexi hoses before I bolt them up fully.

http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Vtec%20Mini/paintedfrnthubs003.jpg
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Vtec%20Mini/paintedfrnthubs004.jpg
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Vtec%20Mini/rebuilthubsandbrakes001.jpg
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Vtec%20Mini/rebuilthubsandbrakes002.jpg
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Vtec%20Mini/rebuilthubsandbrakes004.jpg
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Vtec%20Mini/mastercylinder1001.jpg
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Vtec%20Mini/mastercylinder2001.jpg
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Vtec%20Mini/rebuilthubsandbrakes007.jpg
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Vtec%20Mini/rebuilthubsandbrakes008.jpg

[Dave The Cake]

brilliant project my friend :D :D

this is exactly what ive been planning for the past 4 months! so your build should be very helpful :lol:

how long did the frame take you to make in all ? and how well off do you think youll be for ground clearance when the minis sat on its feet ?

Regards Dave :)

[20 year project]

Thanks for the input.
The frame took about 4 weeks of part time work and I mean 3 nights a week working for about 3 hours a night and one day at the weekend as I don't want to lose interest half way through this way I can't wait to get in the garage.So if you worked longer hours than me you could get it done faster.
As for the ground clearance I don't think it will be a problem I'm not planning to slam it down to the bump stops my back won't take it. :lol:

Been tubbing the rear arches for 13" wheels I sliced a section out with a cutting disc then cut the arch back allowing about 1/2" extra for the seam I then bent the seam back using mole grips I found that if I went steady and instages I didn't need to put cuts in to follow the arc of the arch.I drilled a number of 7mm holes at 35-40mm intervals along the newly formed seam then cut a piece of steel to fit the gap in the arch and but welded the metal in the arch and welded through the holes in the seam then cleaned it up with the grinder.
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Vtec%20Mini/Tubbingout002.jpg
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Vtec%20Mini/Tubbingout003.jpg
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Vtec%20Mini/Tubbingout004.jpg

[20 year project]

Discovered the heater matrix and the water pump are leaking I'm not so bothered about the water pump I was going to change that when I done the cam belt, but the heater matrix was a bit of a blow it's not something that you want to spend your cash on but never mind.
Still waiting for a delivery from Mini spares so I've just been twiddleing my thumbs really but I managed to paint my rocker cover spunt a couple of evenings cleaning all the old paint and gunk off, thenI degreased it with some thinners and blew a tin of exhaust paint on it and shoved it under the grill for half an hour turning it round half way through and it turned out like this.
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Vtec%20Mini/PaintedRockercover001.jpg

[20 year project]

:) Got my bits from Minispares so I got cracking with assembling the hubswith the new bits now it feels like I'm getting somewhere I need to get a brake pipe made up from the front right hand side flexiup to the T connector that I put in from the master cylinder then all the front drive/brakes will be done.
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Vtec%20Mini/PaintedRockercover001-2.jpg
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Vtec%20Mini/PaintedRockercover005-1.jpg
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Vtec%20Mini/PaintedRockercover004-1.jpg
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Vtec%20Mini/PaintedRockercover003-1.jpg

[ludsonline]

Looking really good you have done a real neat job on the tubbing...

[20 year project]

Thanks for that ,i was a bit concerned at the time as I didn't really know how it would turn out but it ended up ok

[bennivory]

lookin good mate, very neat

[20 year project]

:D Thanks for the positive feedback its nice to hear from fellow builders once in a while.
Idecided this week that i was going to try to fit it all under a standard roundnose front .It meant i was gonna have to move my alternator somewhere else got it mounted on the front at the moment.After some head scratching I decided to mount it just above the engine mount but as low as possible so I could still use my brace bar.
I came up with a 2 bracket fixed position design using a pulley wheel to adjust the tension of the belt.
It was all a bit tight under my brace bar so that was adjusted so it gave a little clearance for the alternator.
Next was the exhaust manifold. Ive cut this up so as I can trim the pipes so it fits closer to the engine Block Its now in bits Just hope it will go back together ok. :lol:



http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/rearenginemount004.jpg
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Vtec%20Mini/Alternatorandmanifold001.jpg
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Vtec%20Mini/Alternatorandmanifold002.jpg
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Vtec%20Mini/Alternatorandmanifold003.jpg
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Vtec%20Mini/Alternatorandmanifold005.jpg
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Vtec%20Mini/Alternatorandmanifold004.jpg
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Vtec%20Mini/Alternatorandmanifold006.jpg

[striker]

gis ya MK1 alternater bracket! should do for mine.

[20 year project]

:lol: No probs mate I'll hang on to it till you are ready to restart building yours

[20 year project]

Just thought with yours being mounted in the back won't you be ok with theHonda bracket :?:

[striker]

dunno. Nice to have 2 options tho. theres bound to be some chassis tube or something in the way.

[20 year project]

Got my exhaust manifold finished it just needs a bit of dressing up and a couple of coats of exhaust paint and it should look ok. I rekon there will be just enough room for a standard front if not a very slightly extended one.
I altered my front crossmember so that would be out of the way and moved the brackets further back all I need to do is decide if the front end's going to be fibreglass or steel, steel would be easier to extend if needed but I would like to use a fibreglass front to save some weight.
Can anybody measure the length of a wing for me as I tipped mine when I cut them off if you measute from the top of the A pannel where it meets the scuttle pannel that would be great
Cheers
Mark
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Vtec%20Mini/exhaustmanifold001.jpg
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Vtec%20Mini/exhaustmanifold002.jpg
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Vtec%20Mini/exhaustmanifold003.jpg
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Vtec%20Mini/exhaustmanifold004.jpg

[Miniintegra]

Nip up and do my wiring for me since its fresh in your head :lol: Going great keep it up mate :wink:

[20 year project]

:lol: I felt like that before I started just be patient its all quite obvious when you get into it.
Stole some ideas off you for my manifold.Nice one.
Did you have many clearance problems with your front crossmember I think I will have to cut a section of the front panel behind the number plate

[Miniintegra]

loads ov issues with clearance, the manifold was bodged to clear the cross member and the front panel but its still tight, Its also tight around the alternator belt tensioner pulley and ive had to cut below the number plate to allow the front end to fit, the frame kinda protrudes through the front end along the lower section, either side ov the towing eye holes. Its a work in progress , no were near as far on as you :wink:

[20 year project]

Yeah I rekon I'll have to do the same to get it to fit ,but you won't see it behind the number plate and it'll be better than fitting an extended front .
Thanks for the reply it confirms what I thought.
Made a little more progress decided to fit some front engine mounts to help against engine rock and what a difference they make there is very little engine movement now although there wasn't much before its still a big improvement.
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Vtec%20Mini/rearsubframe004.jpg
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Vtec%20Mini/rearsubframe005.jpg.
Started on the rear subby overhaul the subby's good but the bushes are shot so they needreplacing. I'm having a go at repairing the rear brake back plates Drilled the spot welds out of the outer edge dust guard and made a new one out of sheet steel if this works that'll be about £65 saved towards something I can't fix .Got to try to keep to the budget it'll keep the wife http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Vtec%20Mini/PaintedRockercover009.jpghappy :lol:
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Vtec%20Mini/PaintedRockercover006.jpg
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Vtec%20Mini/PaintedRockercover007.jpg

[20 year project]

Been away for a few days and I had an injured chest I pulled a muscle at work so I hav'nt managed to get anything done but i got the backplates for the rear brakes finished they came out ok,and the rear subby rebushed before my injury so I'll pop some pictures up of those feelinga bit better now so I will be able to crack on and see how I get on.
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Vtec%20Mini/Radiusarms007.jpg
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Vtec%20Mini/Radiusarms006.jpg
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Vtec%20Mini/Radiusarms005.jpg
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Vtec%20Mini/Radiusarms004.jpg
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Vtec%20Mini/Radiusarms003.jpg
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Vtec%20Mini/Radiusarms002.jpg
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Vtec%20Mini/Radiusarms001.jpg

[20 year project]

Got me a fibreglass front end and some BMW boot hinges off ebay it come to £65 for the lot ,the front ends a horrible colour at the moment but its solid with no cracks or crazing so I'm pleased.
Ive been busy mounting all the hardware to make it work this week I fabbed up some brackets to mount the hinges on and got them so they both went up and down nice and square. I then welded some stainless nuts to a piece of 1.5mm x 25 mm flat bar and recessed some 10mm plywood with my router drilled some holes for the resin to flow through.I then bolted theese to the hinges put some fibreglass on the plywood then put my front end on and rested some wheels on top to keep it in place and left it over night to set.
The next day i took the front end off and glassed the plywood in propperly and it now goes up on its own. :D
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Vtec%20Mini/frontend001.jpg
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Vtec%20Mini/frontend004.jpg
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Vtec%20Mini/frontend005.jpg
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Vtec%20Mini/th_goesuponitsown.jpg (http://s276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Vtec%20Mini/?action=view&current=goesuponitsown.flv)

[MiniMike]

Looks like a nice fit! I suspect when you get the lights and gill mounted, it will not go up by itself, due to the extra weight, but should stay open once it is up..

[20 year project]

:D Yes its pretty good it needs some fettling round the A pannels but in all its good.
It actually goes up with quite a force although it doesn't seem it on the vid I'm hoping the lights and grill slow it down a touch. :lol:

[striker]

You need to change your title mate. Should now read 'B18C4 into standard length front'.
Paul.

[20 year project]

:lol: I should realy but I have no clue how to do it you know I'm computer illiterate :lol:

[20 year project]

Not much to report this week been busy working on the house, but I got the clutch piped up using a mini rear flexible brake hose .Bled it through to see what the peddle is like and its quite heavy but I'm a big lad I'll manage :lol:
Got the rear suspension built up so its now got 4 wheels on just got to pipe up the rear brakes and clip the fuel lines and I can drop it back on the floor.
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Clutchpipe001.jpg
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Clutchpipe002.jpg
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Clutchpipe003.jpg

[20 year project]

Been a bit of a strange week I got plenty of time working on the car but acheived very little.
Its back on the ground now I pushed it outside to work on the bonnet to A pannel gaps I had to add a bit of fiBreglass here and there as the gaps were not as close as I would have liked. I also glassed the 2 holes in the front pannel up as they aren't quitein the right place.
Started to flat back the front end to get a smooth surface for the primer theres a couple of places that need attention as there must have been air gaps and the gelcoat is flaking off. I will sort theese while I'm desiding about a radiator.

http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Vtec%20Mini/Bonnetgapfettling006.jpg
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Vtec%20Mini/Bonnetgapfettling007.jpg
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Vtec%20Mini/Bonnetgapfettling005.jpg
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Vtec%20Mini/Bonnetgapfettling004.jpg
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Vtec%20Mini/Bonnetgapfettling003.jpg
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Vtec%20Mini/Bonnetgapfettling002.jpg
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Vtec%20Mini/Bonnetgapfettling001.jpg

[20 year project]

Bought a radiator off ebay to take to the radiator specialist He rekons he can replace thecore with a super efficient one and move the take off points to where I want them, taking it in after work tonight.
In the meantime I've been messing around repairing the few little dents that have appeared on the bodywork while its been in the garage for the last 20 years :lol:
Here's the before shots of the radiator
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Vtec%20Mini/Bodyrepairs005.jpg
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Vtec%20Mini/Bodyrepairs006.jpg
And here's a few of the bodywork
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Vtec%20Mini/Bodyrepairs007.jpg
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Vtec%20Mini/Bodyrepairs008.jpg
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Vtec%20Mini/Bodyrepairs004.jpg
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Vtec%20Mini/Bodyrepairs003.jpg
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Vtec%20Mini/Bodyrepairs002.jpg
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Vtec%20Mini/Bodyrepairs001.jpg

[striker]

Did you get your rad back mate? Does it fit? Vertical or horizontal?

[20 year project]

Not yet he rekons it'll be done tomorrow as the core I wanted didn't arrive today its coming in the morning.
Its going to be mounted horizontally he's moving the bottom hose point over to the top tank blanking off the filler neck and putting it on thecorner of the top tank so when its horizontal you can still fill the rad through it, he's also putting a plate in the top tank to divert the coolant through the cores

[20 year project]

:D Got my radiator back from Motorcool and I must admit its a fine peice of work . The core he advised was the biggest volume you could fit in the standard Mini headers you can't see it in the pictures so I'll describe it for you.
Where the standard Mini radiator has three rows of tubes with the middle one offset, the four core radiator has four rows with 2rows offset, and the2 core supercool has 2 larger tubes withvee shaped fins inbetweento allow greater airflow between the cores. My radiator has 3tubes set in a row eith the vee shaped fins so it should my radiator man tells me be able more than cope with the 175 horses my engine will push out especially when mounted at the front. As he used to build radiators for the road rally boys in the 80's Ive no reason to doubt him. All this cost £109 not bad for a custom radiator.


http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Vtec%20Mini/newrad001.jpg
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Vtec%20Mini/newrad003.jpg
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Vtec%20Mini/newrad004.jpg
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Vtec%20Mini/newrad005.jpg
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Vtec%20Mini/newrad006.jpg
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Vtec%20Mini/newrad007.jpg
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Vtec%20Mini/newrad009.jpg

[MiniMike]

Nice job on the radiator..you may want to look at using some rubber mounts though, as a solid mounted rad has a tendancy to crack on the seams..

[20 year project]

You got a point there I thought with it been mounted directly to the engine it would move with the engine but thinking about your observation vibration will be transfered straight to the rad ,so back to the drawing board while I think of some more mount options
Thanks for pointing that out Mike I wouldn't have thought about it otherwise.

[20 year project]

Not a lot to report this week I modified the radiator mounts so they weren't rigid and bought and fitted the fan and mocked up some hoses to see what I need.
I also did a bit of flatting off of the body and thats about it quiet week
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Vtec%20Mini/newfan001.jpg
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Vtec%20Mini/newfan003.jpg
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Vtec%20Mini/newfan005.jpg
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Vtec%20Mini/newfan006.jpg
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Vtec%20Mini/newfan004.jpg

[strudel]

You show two different mounts to the engine on the top of the rad. I would not recommend either one. The engine will rock depending on how stiff your engine mounts are and pull or push the top of the rad in this configuration. Rad should not be connected to the engine but just to the body of the car.

Ask the boys that did the reverse with their alternators. They mounted part of them to the frame rather than totally to the engine and had belt problems. Just something to consider as you have a custom rad and don't want to have it damaged early in the cars life. JS

[20 year project]

Thanks for that I'll just have to try to work out where to mount it from the engine was just the easiest option its agood job you guys are out there to keep me right :lol:

[strudel]

Looks like you have nice mounting holes on the top of the rad. Used a flat bar but extend it to each side of your bent portion of the frame. That would keep it solid front to rear. Is it solid mounted on the bottom or in rubber donuts of some sort? On my Honda the oem rad sits in a couple of rubber bushings and is held in place with the bar across the front of the car that ties the fenders together. JS

[striker]

Wot no updates! its past monday you know!
Paul.

[20 year project]

Sos mate not much to report realy been flatting the body and found 1 or 2 areas that need a little work so been busy doing that i was away the weekend so not much got done and I thought it wasn't worth posting what I had done as it looks no different, will post a proper update after the weekend I should have made some progress by then

[20 year project]

Another quiet week really, I got some group 5 wheel arches off ebay and got them fitted and managed to get some primer on the car but Striker came round at the weekend and talked me into going out on my peddle bike for the first time in nearly 2 years and I was a bit tired after 75 miles round the Yorkshire Dales so thats all I managed this week.
http://http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Vtec%20Mini/primercoat005.jpg
http://http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Vtec%20Mini/primercoat004.jpg
http://http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Vtec%20Mini/primercoat003.jpg
http://http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Vtec%20Mini/primercoat002.jpg
http://http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Vtec%20Mini/primercoat001.jpg

[20 year project]

Whats happened to the way you post photos i cant seem to do it anymore

[strudel]

You have too many (http://) in the url. Take one out and they should look OK. JS
This is incorrect. http://http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Vtec%20Mini/primercoat004.jpg

http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Vtec%20Mini/primercoat004.jpg

http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Vtec%20Mini/primercoat005.jpg

http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Vtec%20Mini/primercoat003.jpg

http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Vtec%20Mini/primercoat002.jpg

http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Vtec%20Mini/primercoat001.jpg

[20 year project]

Thanks Will do that next time

[20 year project]

Had a busy week sanding and painting and managed to get a few coats of paint on the car. Theres still a way to go though and I revkon another three or four coats will see it done
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Vtec%20Mini/thcoatndCoat004.jpghttp://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Vtec%20Mini/thcoatndCoat003.jpg
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Vtec%20Mini/thcoatndCoat002.jpg
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Vtec%20Mini/thcoatndCoat001.jpg

[20 year project]

Been painting again this week got seven coats on now its looking good.
Think Ill leave it at that for a couple of weeks then flat it back with 1000 then 1500 wet and dry then compound and polish it should come out nice
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Vtec%20Mini/7thcoat001.jpg
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Vtec%20Mini/7thcoat002.jpg
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Vtec%20Mini/7thcoat003.jpg
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Vtec%20Mini/7thcoat004.jpg

[The Mighty Mallott]

Good job! I like the seats too!!!

[20 year project]

Thanks for that,the seats are knackered and won't be staying I'm after some retro styled bucket seats in vinyl

[The Mighty Mallott]

I vote to keep the seats!! There's nothing like the bounce you get with those puppies:lol:

[striker]

Now thats shiny!

[20 year project]

Should be even shinier by the time Ive flatted and polished it. Will you have a look for that Farecla and let me know cos I'll buy some while I'm away otherwise
:vtec: cheers mate

[striker]

Sorry mate just had a dig around, can't see ferrecla anywhere. I think I lent it to Jason maybe he used the last of it mate, I thought it was nearly full though!
Paul.

[20 year project]

No worries mate will get some for next week end when I'm back from holiday

[20 year project]

Not got much done as Ive been away for a week, still I managed to get the doors and boot fitted so its not all badhttp://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Vtec%20Mini/Doorson001.jpg
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Vtec%20Mini/Doorson002.jpg
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Vtec%20Mini/Doorson005.jpg

[strudel]

So what kind of paint is this? It looks red in the shade and yellow in bright light or is that just a pigment of my imagination? Thanks, JS

[20 year project]

Its just my camera I can't disarm the flash its red not orange :lol:

[20 year project]

Finally got round to mounting the radiator with the new improved mk 3 mount it's now totally seperated from the engine and rubber mounted so that should be ok. I also test fitted the wheel arches to make sure they were still ok I will remove themfor the final rub down and paint but I'm happy with the over all look.
I also started fitting the lights and stuffso its starting to go back togetherhttp://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Vtec%20Mini/Doorson003-1.jpg
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Vtec%20Mini/Doorson002-1.jpg
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Vtec%20Mini/Doorson001-1.jpg
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Vtec%20Mini/Doorson004-1.jpg
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Vtec%20Mini/Doorson005-1.jpg

[striker]

Come on mate, if we dont get an update soon you will be relegated to the second page!

[20 year project]

Ok mate was gonna weait till I got some more pictures but seen as you can't wait :lol:As Mini spares was offering the 15% dizzy off any orders in August I bought myself some bumpers,mirrors,halogen lights and a grille so Ive been fitting them.now its got all the extra weight on the front it no longer goes up under its own steam but its ok when its up.

http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/lights001.jpg
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/lights003.jpg
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/lights002.jpg
I have got the front bumper on but I haven't took a picture yet but as Striker was waiting I'll put that photo on next time

[DarrenW]

:grin:Looks like you are close to getting it on the road, when are you hoping to get it MOT'd and running on the road

[20 year project]

Yeah I'm just going round now doing those annoying little jobs that you leave for later:wink:Hope to have it on the road by the end of October

[Oz]

Are you using a standard length front now - looks like it, else its an amazingly subtle extension :D

[20 year project]

Yep I decided a few months back that it might all fit under a standard front and set to modifying the exhaust manifold and changing the location of the alternator,if tou take a look at page 3 and 4 it shows what I had to do to get it all under the standard front:vtec:

[20 year project]

Been tidying up the wiring in the engine bay its starting to look pretty neat now. I also painted the arches black , next step is refitting the glass.
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/tidyingup002.jpg
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/tidyingup003.jpg
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/tidyingup004.jpghttp://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/tidyingup006.jpg

[20 year project]

its been a while sinse the last post but Ive got a progress report for you.
got a new water pump and cam belt and they havebeen changed and the air filter has been fitted
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Vtec%20Mini/trim002.jpg
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Vtec%20Mini/trim001.jpg
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Vtec%20Mini/airfilter001-1.jpg
I also boubht some seats off ebay and the carpets and seats have now been fitted
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Vtec%20Mini/trim005.jpg
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Vtec%20Mini/trim006.jpg
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Vtec%20Mini/trim007.jpg
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Vtec%20Mini/trim008.jpghttp://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Vtec%20Mini/trim010.jpg

[20 year project]

http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Vtec%20Mini/trim010.jpg
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Vtec%20Mini/trim009.jpg
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Vtec%20Mini/trim011.jpg
Some pictures that didn't load this morning

[striker]

You not going to tell everyone then?

[20 year project]

Sorry about the delay mate but Ive been baby sitting.
took the car for its M.O.T today and it passed with only a minor problem of the nearside trackrod end being worn, don't know how this happened as they were both new ones from Minispares.
All didn't exactly go without a hitch though as the exhaust fell off about a mile from my house, many thanks to my mate Striker who went and got his trolley jack and tools so I could put it back on,me thinks a slight mod is required.
the car handles ok and is rock solid at speed, all I need now is the road tax tried to do it online but it wouldn't let me says I have to go to the local office hope it still qualifies as tax exempt.
Would just like to thank all the members of 16v Mini club for all the advice and comments made it was greatly appreciated now I'm gonna have a :beer: to celebrate here's some more pickies :vtec: ;)
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Vtec%20Mini/insurancephotos001.jpg
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Vtec%20Mini/insurancephotos003.jpg
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Vtec%20Mini/insurancephotos004.jpg
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Vtec%20Mini/insurancephotos005.jpg
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Vtec%20Mini/insurancephotos008.jpg
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/marktinkler1/Vtec%20Mini/airfilter001-1.jpg

[20 year project]

Just come back from my local D.V.L.A office where the lovely girl there gave me my tax disc and set about changing my v5 document to "HISTORIC" status.This means I will now be able to get my tax discs online in future,what a result cheap insurance free road tax and rapid motoring:D

[The Mighty Mallott]

Top job well done

[Mini fab]

Mate your build is superb! BUt one thing thou I can see that you can fit a Honda radiator in your subframe this is some future loopholes in your build,Overheating is one. But hats of to you mate. NICE build! Happy New Year!;);););)

[20 year project]

I tried a honda rad but it was too tall the guy that built my rad used the biggest core that would fit in the Mini tanks and he assures me that it will easily cope with the vtecs power. I know its winter here at the moment but I left it ticking over in the garage with the doors open for half an hour and the honda gauge barely got to half way, but it is something I will keep an eye on come summer time thanks for your feedback the build was a pleasure,mistakes were made but its all experience for next time,wife permitting lol

[Mini fab]

Cheers Mate!