I have found cracks in the sub frame in the engine bay, on the 2 round sections low and close to the fire wall (not sure of the correct name for this part). Just wondering is this common in mini's. If so is it a simple case of welding it and re-enforcing the spot? or do i replace this sub frame?


any help or info on this is greatly appreciated.

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Size DOSEN'T matter

Cracking is not common unless car has been in a prang, so check it's not twisted..
Just clean any paint and crud off, then weld it with MIG.

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DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.

Doc.....would it be prudent to take the engine out (relieve the stress) and make sure the subframe was straight by comparing to a known good one....then hitting it with a welder (I do realise that the fact that the subbie is bolted in place in the engine bay is a good thing).

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"Show me the Mini!"

Yeah I agree with Mick, don't try and weld it in there.. and check it for squareness with a tape measure and by sighting off, when you have it out.

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DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.

and make sure you cap of your fuel line if welding in the engine bay.

Dan

thanks for the reply guys. i am about to get to work stripping the car tomorrow arvo with a mate. will tackle the sub frame at a later stage...

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Size DOSEN'T matter

Before you strip everything out
Check and see if you can safely weld the cracks with the subframe in the shell - obviously with the engine out though.

The reason is that if the shell of the sub frame is bent or twisted and you drop the sub frame out, chances are that you will have a torrid time getting it back in. Either the shell or the sub-frame will spring slightly.

I had that exactly with my mini and had to do quite some extensive relieving and pulling to get it back in. The car does track straight and doesn't wear tyres abnormally so I was lucky.

Don't think that another straight sub- frame will instantly solve the problem because it probably will be even harder to fit. Stick the car on a wheel aligner somewhere before you pull it pieces. If the car tracks straight then pull the motor and weld the sub-frame in-situ.

might be the way to go i recon.... might yank the engine out and weld it up while its still in there....

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Size DOSEN'T matter