Fitting clubman flip front urgent help please

Markwhitt65 · 10-01-2018, 11:41 PM

Hi

Having had all the body shell work done we have now fitted the front metro subframe.

The next step was to offer up the new arc angel fibreglass clubman front what a disaster it doesn’t fit.

Does anyone know if it is possible to trim the subframe front enough to get it to fit under the flip front?
Can I still use the original engine and gearbox mounts?

Am I better having a removable front rather than flip?

Any help would be appreciated one step forward two back !!!

Regards Mark

AGoaty · 11-01-2018, 01:52 AM

The front cross member of the Metro frame has always been an issue. That's why mine has a forward sloping valance to cover it. I realise this isn't beautiful but it works fine.

If you decide to cut the cross member then you need to replace it with some solid flat bar so that it's close to the exhaust down pipe. It is possible to do this and retain the rear sloping valance. This flat bar is best bolted on as once fitted you would not get the downpipe off should it need it.

Oz · 11-01-2018, 08:28 AM

People tend to use the ABS front that has the ST Spoiler moulded in as it seems to give the extra room for the Metro frame

https://www.absmotorsport.co.uk/prod...an-st-2-piece/

pics on page in link

richie08 · 11-01-2018, 05:56 PM

I shortened the metro frame a bit by chopping off the front bar and re making the engine and gearbox mounting legs, then bolting on a solid front bar. This allows the clubman front to go on, but leaves the bar protruding underneath, hence i fitted a splitter to cover it

I had to cut a section out of the bar to allow the manifold to pass, so i then welded another section of box underneath it at 90 degs to restore the strngth

Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk

Markwhitt65 · 11-01-2018, 09:08 PM

Hi

Thank you for the reply I am now thinking I may go for a fabricated steel front.

It will be bolt on with a removable bonnet for general maintenance.

Regards

Mark

fynnbar · 12-01-2018, 08:13 AM

I have a welded steel flip front and Metro frame.
I cut the front valance down the seam underneath the sidelights, bent it out to clear the frame, and welded in a fillet piece. Then welded in a plate to give me back the curve, and strengthening gussets inside to make it strong

Hmmm. Tried to upload photos in the usual manner, but not happening. Grrr !

Oz · 12-01-2018, 08:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Markwhitt65

Hi

Thank you for the reply I am now thinking I may go for a fabricated steel front.

It will be bolt on with a removable bonnet for general maintenance.

Regards

Mark

This blog may be of interest

http://www.theclubman.co.uk/project_k8.htm

fynnbar · 12-01-2018, 06:36 PM

85BossToo.jpg

85FrontPanelMod.jpg

10-01-2018, 11:41 PM	#1
Markwhitt65 Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2017 Location: Telford Shropshire Posts: 8 Subframe: Other CC: 1400 Make: Rover ECU: MBE	Fitting clubman flip front urgent help please Hi Having had all the body shell work done we have now fitted the front metro subframe. The next step was to offer up the new arc angel fibreglass clubman front what a disaster it doesn’t fit. Does anyone know if it is possible to trim the subframe front enough to get it to fit under the flip front? Can I still use the original engine and gearbox mounts? Am I better having a removable front rather than flip? Any help would be appreciated one step forward two back !!! Regards Mark

11-01-2018, 01:52 AM	#2
AGoaty Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Keighley, West Yorkshire Posts: 2,848 Subframe: Watson CC: 1796 Make: Rover ECU: Standard	The front cross member of the Metro frame has always been an issue. That's why mine has a forward sloping valance to cover it. I realise this isn't beautiful but it works fine. If you decide to cut the cross member then you need to replace it with some solid flat bar so that it's close to the exhaust down pipe. It is possible to do this and retain the rear sloping valance. This flat bar is best bolted on as once fitted you would not get the downpipe off should it need it. __________________ If tha does owt fo nowt, olas do it fo this 'en.

11-01-2018, 08:28 AM	#3
Oz Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Jersey, Channel Islands Posts: 4,185 Subframe: Other CC: 1595 Make: Honda ECU: DTA	People tend to use the ABS front that has the ST Spoiler moulded in as it seems to give the extra room for the Metro frame https://www.absmotorsport.co.uk/prod...an-st-2-piece/ pics on page in link __________________ New subframe fitting has begun - slowly Build Thread - Standard Round Nose with K series subframe build begun

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11-01-2018, 05:56 PM	#4
richie08 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Ayrshire, Scotland Posts: 788 Subframe: Other CC: 1396 Make: Rover ECU: Rover mems	I shortened the metro frame a bit by chopping off the front bar and re making the engine and gearbox mounting legs, then bolting on a solid front bar. This allows the clubman front to go on, but leaves the bar protruding underneath, hence i fitted a splitter to cover it I had to cut a section out of the bar to allow the manifold to pass, so i then welded another section of box underneath it at 90 degs to restore the strngth Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk

11-01-2018, 09:08 PM	#5
Markwhitt65 Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2017 Location: Telford Shropshire Posts: 8 Subframe: Other CC: 1400 Make: Rover ECU: MBE	Hi Thank you for the reply I am now thinking I may go for a fabricated steel front. It will be bolt on with a removable bonnet for general maintenance. Regards Mark

12-01-2018, 06:36 PM	#8
fynnbar Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Dorset Posts: 1,283 Subframe: SAE CC: 1595 Make: Honda ECU: Standard obd1-P30	85BossToo.jpg 85FrontPanelMod.jpg