Subframes: Gloss or satin ?

[nick rogers]

After all my years doing this I should know the answer but doubts creep in. I noticed 1071 Bob's front frame is gloss and I know Bob strives for correct detail. My own donor front frame came from a mk3 car and was undersealed all over. On chipping off the black stuff I found bright gloss black paint. So what is the consensus of opinion ?

[Daz1968]

The original hydro frame I had was gloss, I knew it was original paint as still had the mowog writing it was similar to paint on headlamp buckets.

[Peter Laidler]

I'd say that they were meant to be satin. The problem is the painter. If he doesn't keep his gun stirred up, the paint slowly turns thinner and more glossy. And when you've got industrial paint shops for production, the drums just don't get stirred up. At the start of the day (or shift) some of the stuff comes out almost matt.

[Old English White]

I think all such parts were gloss but not a full gloss like a hearse because possibly the paint used wasn't the same quality and certainly the preparation wasn't as thorough. Most components didn't even have a primer on them.

[AndyPen]

Hi Nick,

I agree with the consensus that its slightly shinier than satin, but not full gloss. I've got a 64 I removed many years ago and its clear on the towers for example that there was a shine.

[morris cooper]

Most of the frames Ive seen with original paint have shown a gloss finish some degree. I think the subframes would be dipped like many of the other black components, brake back plates, steering column outer, gear lever boot retainer, washer bracket, pedal box etc, all finished in black without primer.
Bill.

[nick rogers]

IMG_0969.jpeg

This is my NOS genuine dry rear frame. Note: no holes for hydro unions like the modern frames.This would seem to be halfway between gloss and satin. On the other hand, it's been stored for probably 50 years ! That might have some bearing on the shade.

[winabbey]

By 1966 BMC Australia realised the standard front subframe supplied from the UK was not strong enough to withstand the rigors of Australian roads, so they were modified locally by adding additional bracing welded into position in several spots.

According to the legend on the engineering drawing the subframe was finished in black air drying enamel. It doesn't specify the finish, whether gloss, satin or matt.

AYA5084 Rework Subframe Complete Sheet 2 of 3 Part.jpg

[MiNiKiN]

By 1966 BMC Australia realised the standard front subframe supplied from the UK was not strong enough to withstand the rigors of Australian roads, so they were modified locally by adding additional bracing welded into position in several spots.
According to the legend on the engineering drawing the subframe was finished in black air drying enamel. It doesn't specify the finish, whether gloss, satin or matt.
AYA5084 Rework Subframe Complete Sheet 2 of 3 Part.jpg

Whilst the gloss grade on your drawing is interesting, I would be may interested in the missing parts of the sketch - i.e. what strengthening they applied and where....

[Ronnie]

By 1966 BMC Australia realised the standard front subframe supplied from the UK was not strong enough to withstand the rigors of Australian roads, so they were modified locally by adding additional bracing welded into position in several spots.
According to the legend on the engineering drawing the subframe was finished in black air drying enamel. It doesn't specify the finish, whether gloss, satin or matt.
AYA5084 Rework Subframe Complete Sheet 2 of 3 Part.jpg

Whilst the gloss grade on your drawing is interesting, I would be may interested in the missing parts of the sketch - i.e. what strengthening they applied and where....

DITTO

[mk1]

I would say that the paint was "supposed to be" gloss, but was in most cases somewhere between satin & gloss-ish.

[winabbey]

Reinforcement of the front subframe was done in three spots.

1. Extra welding of the tie rod bracket to subframe.

Prior to this change being implemented in production for all Mini models BMC Dealers were told to modify existing Cooper S pursuit cars used by New South Wales Police when brought in for service by drilling through the existing bracket and subframe and adding a bolt and nut to assist in making the bracket more secure.

AYA5084 Rework Subframe Complete Sheet 3 of 3 Subset.jpg

2. Addition of a triangular steel tube section 1.5" long (part # AYA5080) to the inner edge of the subframe side section below the engine mounts.

AYA5084 Rework Subframe Complete Sheet 2 of 3 Subset.jpg

3. Addition of a steel plate (part # AYA5060/61) to the base of the subframe tower.

AYA5084 Rework Subframe Complete Sheet 1 of 3 Subset.jpg

[Ronnie]

Thank You ✔

[winabbey]

Here's the BMC Australia Service Liaison Summary that describes the in-service workaround.

SLS 160 p3 subset.jpg