I've started disassembling my 67 Mini for a simple resto-mod.


My original plan was to ditch the wet suspension as it's 50 years old and most likely not working anyway. Last night I started checking things out and I have good resistance to movement at each wheel and when she's resting on her wheels, the suspension isn't sitting on the bump stops. It has good movement and "seems" to be working like it should.


Given that it looks like it's working, can I disassemble the parts from the subframe without damaging them or losing fluid?
I know it's kind of a dumb question, but my Haynes manual is for 69 and up cars. The 59-69 manual is on back order.

 

Contact Mike Kearney at 7 Enterprises. He "charged" my wet suspension last year and is extremely knowledgeable. From what I've seen and learned about the system you should be able to disassemble it. Make sure to let off the pressure as it should have anywhere between 300-400 psi in it.

Now finding someone with the pump is another story or you can make one out of a grease gun. Look on UK ebay for a hydrolastic pump and you will see many variations (and prices).

Good luck.

 

You will lose all pressure when you open the valves on the rear subframe, and most likely fluid. Make sure you have a hose and/or a catch can to capture the fluid as it has the consistency of toxic waste and seems to stain the skin rather quickly. (Don't ask me how I know) The hydro system can be pumped up to almost 300 psi in some cases. The last time I did a hydro Mini I think I went to around 275 to 290 psi, just enough to get the proper distance between the center of the axle and the fender opening. If your Mini has the original steel hydro lines from front to rear you will have to drop the subframes to remove these lines.
Now the question is... if the hydro system is working, why remove it? I've owned both dry and wet Minis, for a real nice ride a wet Mini in proper operating condition can't be beat. A few years ago when a friend of mine restored his OZ wet Mini we evacuated his hydro system and refilled/pumped up with fresh fluid and his Mini rode like we had just rebuilt his front end. We did mine next and the ride was much improved. So, maybe post your question up on the Mini Mania forum and get some feedback, but beware, most responses will be negative and have nothing to do with your original question. Good luck on your decision!

 

Thanks guys. The wet suspension is definitely working and intact, so now the plan is to evac the system so I can remove the rear subframe for cleaning / painting, and doing some minor rust repair on the rear seat pan and floors.


Biggest decision right now is how many panels to replace vs patch.

 

The guys at Classic Motorsports are rebuilding a 67 S and have a series about it
http://classicmotorsports.net/projec...mini-cooper-s/


Chapter 6 was on the suspension ... they found a place that was able to rebuild their 'wet' bags