I am currently working on rebuilding my 1981 998cc Mini. I have since run into a few problems, I have my mini completely torn down and blasted to bare metal. I dropped both subframes out of it and I am looking to rebuild them better than what they were.

My first problem is that I do not know what exactly I need to get to rebuild my subframes. I am looking to autocross this mini so handling is a must. I am not too concerned with the street comfort.

My second problem is that I bought this Mini in pieces. That being said I am reasonably sure that I do not have all of the pieces. I am looking for anyone with a classic Mini located within driving distance of Lynchburg Va that would be willing to let me come and look at it and possibly take some pictures of how things go together.

Any help is greatly appreciated.

 

do you have a haynes manual? if not, you'll need one. it details taking apart and putting back together the whole car. i cant imagine rebuilding one of these without it.

 

1. As recommended HAYNES is a must

2. I'd also go to MOSS and request one of their classic Mini parts catalogs - you'll get a very good set of exploded diagrams of everything. Sometimes these pictures REALLY help me figure out what I need.

3. Subscribe to MiniWorld yet? Might want to consider it as once again I wonder if questions like this are a plant - in the September issue a feature article> Suspension: fast road upgrade options

4. Last point is semantics really - the subframes are not usually rebuilt, they are just replaced entirely when needed (the rear in particular can rust A LOT). What I think you are really saying is you want to rebuild the suspension at both ends (which all hangs on the subframe). That being the case we're really back to that MiniWorld article because you want to upgrade and not rebuilt stock in all probability. So you could be looking at replacing cones with springs; adjustable struts(hi-lo) is almost a given; adjustable shocks too; lowering(?); adjustable tie rods; do you have disks up front yet? If no, then you want those.... all stainless brake lines; ball joint kits for sure .... the list goes on. Start with the current 'specials' flier from Seven - and that MiniWorld http://www.7ent.net/pdf/Current_Mailer.pdf

 

I do have a haynes manual, that was the first thing i purchased right after buying the car itself.

I have an old moss catalog that I got when I first thought about buying a classic Mini. I tried to get a new one from them, however they keep sending me the Austin Healey catalogs now.

I will definitely be subscribing to miniworld, I did not have any idea there was a magazine like that for the minis.

Captian, You were correct in guessing that I want to rebuild the suspension. I guess what I should have asked was is anyone driving hard on the spring conversion? or is there a better option than the springs with adjustable Hi los for racing?

 

I have recently replaced my rear subframe and replaced all four corners with fortech green springs with adjustable height trumpets. I have had the car on the track 4 days so far and I really like the setup for track use. I love firm suspension and would actually prefer a harder setup for the track but do drive the car around town occasionally so it's a good compromise for me.

If you do get springs instead of cones you will want to also install a rear anti sway bar. I had bad enough body roll that after one 20 minute track session I had a groove worn in both rear tires from contact with the body.

When I replaced my subframe I bought the best one I could find, welded all of seams, then had it powder coated. I bought a subframe hardware kit and everything went together with no surprises.

Have fun!

 

For the engine rebuild you need this dvd:
http://www.minifilms.co.uk/Old%20Pag...esbuilder.html

"Ultimate Mini Builder - 1380cc A-series is extremely detailed and offers invaluable guidance to anyone considering of home build. Extensive chapters and a comprehensive opening menu mean you can jump to exactly the section you want to watch, prior to heading into the garage! Seeing the job being done by a professional will give you enormous confidence to tackle your own rebuild"