Engine 20mm offset in subframe - possible causes.

[Shagger]

Just done a trial fit of my motor/subframe assembly into the body and the engine is offset by about 20mm to the left in the subframe.

The upper tie rod is offset to it's mounting hole in the body, the radiator rubs on the radiator surround and the subframe mounting holes do not line up with the holes in the body.

It's a 1071 S engine/gearbox from 1964 and the chassis is not original but period.

Where have I slipped up during assembly?

Any responses would be appreciated before my weekend gets really spoilt.

Tim

[almondgreen]

I colud offer to visit You tomorrow afternoon and have a look....

[Shagger]

Many thanks.

See you tomorrow...

Tim

[mk1]

Any news on this mystery?

[almondgreen]

I had a look at the problem.

We think that the guy, who fitted new wings and front panel, did this
without the subframe....

[mk1]

Ouch!

That was my first thought!

It may pull into position, but you will be very lucky if it does.

[Shagger]

I have held back on replying to this one because this is a big downer which ruined my weekend.

Obviously, this all came about due to a lack of knowledge on my part and a lack of Mini experience on the part of my tried and trusted body man. In my defence, the welding was carried out in 2002, just after I bought the car as a "kit" and at the time my knowledge base could have been written on the back of a postage stamp.

I now need to decide how rescue the situation. As far as I can see, there are two alternatives. Buy a new BMH shell and modify it to suit or rebuild my body from the A-pillar forwards.

If I decide to go for the latter, I will need new wings and front panel and a suitable front subframe as a jig for the bodywork. As I don't have a spare Mk1 front subframe (they're like rocking horse shit over here) can I use a later twin-bolt subframe to align the bodywork for welding?

My subframe is fully fitted out with the engine, gearbox and suspension, so I'm very reluctant to start stripping it down again and run the risk of my body man messing up the finish.

Any other ideas/suggestions?

Tim

[almondgreen]

HI Tim,

if You do not find a subframe, You can have one from me for testing..

[mk1]

Hi Tim,

This is a real downer & I sympathise greatly. It sounds like you have no alternative than to re do the front end. On the plus side there isn't a massive amount of work in doing this, of course on the negative side you have had it done once & don't really want to go to the time & expense of doing it again.

I would suggest having a break for a few days, then contact Andreas for his very helpful offer of a spare subframe, I am sure that you will be able to rescue your current front panel meaning that its only wings that need buying again & then off you go.

I am sure that people will be able to recommend their favourite way of ensuring that everything lines up OK. My take would be that the best thing to do is fit the front panel loosley, fit the bonnet normaly & fit the wings around it.

Fitting a Heritage shell is an expensive way of continuing & to be honest you would not believe some of the stories I have seen & heard about Heritage shells, it makes your current problem look almost minor.

I hope that you manage to get the enthusiasm up to carry on & I am sure that the folks on here would be happy to give support where they can.

Good luck,

[guru_1071]

tim

it will only be the front (i.e front panel, wings a panels) thats bent, id be tempted to fit a frame and have a cheeky tug to see if it will move over, failing that remove the wings to free it all up, the front panel will be right then and its just a matter of tweeking the a panels to allow the wings to fall back correct.

you only problem will be if the welder fitted the a panels without the doors (or even with the doors as tweeking them will open/close the door gaps up)

its all fixable, i wouldnt worry too much at all about it!