Subframe Question
Discussion
We've just had out front subframe shot-blasted before whacking a 1275 engine into it.
Whilst it is nice and raw before painting it, is it worth seam welding all the joins in it - will it strengthen it significantly??
Some of the original welds look a bit ropey.
Your thoughts would be appreciated.
Whilst it is nice and raw before painting it, is it worth seam welding all the joins in it - will it strengthen it significantly??
Some of the original welds look a bit ropey.
Your thoughts would be appreciated.
If you think some of the joints look ropey, then youve answered your own question.
Ive never welded a subframe to be fair but have replaced many. Remember to use fresh Subframe bushes and bolts - thats one tip I can share. There are some good polyuthane (sp) products around now I think..
Ive never welded a subframe to be fair but have replaced many. Remember to use fresh Subframe bushes and bolts - thats one tip I can share. There are some good polyuthane (sp) products around now I think..
The most 'over-engineered' component on any Mini is the front sub-frame. This type of engine/suspension support unit was so unique when designed in 1958 that is was well over-strength and coped with everything from 34 bhp of the original 850 right up to the full-on 1380 race motors without any stress failures.
For rough-road rallying, like the old RAC rally or the Accropolis, where you could have 500 miles of rough and loose roads, some seam welding was essential. The only welding I ever do on my sub-frames is to weld a 3mm thick triangular plate to re-inforce the front tie-bar mountings, and that is always worth doing IMHO.
For rough-road rallying, like the old RAC rally or the Accropolis, where you could have 500 miles of rough and loose roads, some seam welding was essential. The only welding I ever do on my sub-frames is to weld a 3mm thick triangular plate to re-inforce the front tie-bar mountings, and that is always worth doing IMHO.
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