I have received notification from the parts supplier that they have found me a really good condition front cut but it's an auto, not a manual as I had requested. They have offered to replace the gearbox with a manual they already have in stock and since I don't need the pedal box from the front cut and (according to info provided on http://www.austarletclub.com forums) the ECU apparently works for both Auto and Manual boxes , all I need to find is a shifter mount & cables which the supplier can probably help me with.
It has prompted me to weld up the jig to hold the Mini subframe this weekend using 25mm square tube and as per the Mini front cut, it's on castors to make it easy to move around. The jig base is approx 680mm x 700mm and has two arms that rise above the subframe and bolt through the tower tops. Bracing has been welded at every point to stop the jig twisting or moving once the subframe is in place. It holds the subframe in place as per the 6 standard mounting points and allows any engine to be lowered into place for trial fits without fouling on any part of the jig. A quick brushcoat of killrust afterwards and it looked a treat.
A note for anyone who attempts making a jig like this - first step is to weld up the bottom square section & uprights for the front & rear mounts so that the subframe sits in place and KEEP IT BOLTED IN until ALL welding is completed. This will ensure that the subframe mounting points are maintained while the welds cool and try and pull the tube out of place. Also a lot of Minis have had a front end push/accident at some point in their life so also ensure that the subframe is square. If not, source another one.
Edit : The jig design has been updated - Here's a link to 9 months into the future ... http://mearcat.blogspot.com/2010/02/squeezy-subframe-mods.html
It has prompted me to weld up the jig to hold the Mini subframe this weekend using 25mm square tube and as per the Mini front cut, it's on castors to make it easy to move around. The jig base is approx 680mm x 700mm and has two arms that rise above the subframe and bolt through the tower tops. Bracing has been welded at every point to stop the jig twisting or moving once the subframe is in place. It holds the subframe in place as per the 6 standard mounting points and allows any engine to be lowered into place for trial fits without fouling on any part of the jig. A quick brushcoat of killrust afterwards and it looked a treat.
A note for anyone who attempts making a jig like this - first step is to weld up the bottom square section & uprights for the front & rear mounts so that the subframe sits in place and KEEP IT BOLTED IN until ALL welding is completed. This will ensure that the subframe mounting points are maintained while the welds cool and try and pull the tube out of place. Also a lot of Minis have had a front end push/accident at some point in their life so also ensure that the subframe is square. If not, source another one.
Edit : The jig design has been updated - Here's a link to 9 months into the future ... http://mearcat.blogspot.com/2010/02/squeezy-subframe-mods.html
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