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Front Subframe Mounting Issues
Posted: Wed Dec 28, 2011 4:32 pm
by Henry
I have a early body shell (59) and I am trying to fit a "two bolt" front subframe (of unknown origin).. The issue that I'm having (when the subframe is installed) is that the two subframe mounting points toward the rear of the car sit about 1/2" lower than the mounting holes in the floor. I need a half inch stack of washers inbetween the subframe and the body to make up the difference.
I have the two ~1/4" thick metal spacers installed on in between the body shell and the top mounting points of subframe. It is almost like if I removed the spacers, the back of the subframe would raise up to touch the floor. Was wondering if anyone has had this issue? maybe there are variations of subframes and I should not use the spacer in this particular application? Thanks!
Re: Front Subframe Mounting Issues
Posted: Wed Dec 28, 2011 4:53 pm
by guru_1071
id guess that the frame you have is a hydro one, which wouldnt use the spacers.
the hydro frame (if it is one) will use 5/16 bolts, where as the dry version uses 3/8th bolts - an easy way to decide which you have if its in situ!
Re: Front Subframe Mounting Issues
Posted: Wed Dec 28, 2011 5:16 pm
by Henry
guru_1071 wrote:id guess that the frame you have is a hydro one, which wouldnt use the spacers.
the hydro frame (if it is one) will use 5/16 bolts, where as the dry version uses 3/8th bolts - an easy way to decide which you have if its in situ!
Just checked, they are 3/8 bolts so I guess it is a dry subframe....so that is ruled out. Did the early cars have the metal spacer too? Thanks
Re: Front Subframe Mounting Issues
Posted: Wed Dec 28, 2011 5:55 pm
by InimiaD
My early 61 has the spacers.
Not sure about the very early Minis though.
Re: Front Subframe Mounting Issues
Posted: Wed Dec 28, 2011 6:23 pm
by captain
Henry wrote:guru_1071 wrote:id guess that the frame you have is a hydro one, which wouldnt use the spacers.
the hydro frame (if it is one) will use 5/16 bolts, where as the dry version uses 3/8th bolts - an easy way to decide which you have if its in situ!
Just checked, they are 3/8 bolts so I guess it is a dry subframe....so that is ruled out. Did the early cars have the metal spacer too? Thanks
hi my june 1960 has spacers as well
Re: Front Subframe Mounting Issues
Posted: Thu Dec 29, 2011 1:28 am
by ricardo
That sounds like an hydro subframe. Does each tower have a big hole in the middle of the studs/bolts? Does it have the little tabs inside the towers to hold the hydrolastic displacers in place? Check here mine (hydro) for comparison:
viewtopic.php?f=6&t=335&start=10
Re: Front Subframe Mounting Issues
Posted: Thu Dec 29, 2011 2:21 am
by Henry
no, I have pictures of the frame before I installed it, it has the smaller opening in between the two bolts (indicating dry subframe)
