1100 bulletproof..

[Colin]

Two good smacks is actually bloody good. I haven't done tie rod ends in years, but have very clear memories of sitting the pounding away for what felt like hours...

[DomMINIque]

Thanks guys. Didn't know such a tool existed. Will definetly be putting it on my chirstmas list.

Got a lot done today but didn't enjoy myself as much as yesterday.
Also forgot about the photos so they are pretty much just pieces from the whole day.
I'll go take some more tomorrow most probably of the current situation.

Set the gazebo up so I could work in the shade as these temperatures in JHB are reaching some crazy highs. Today apparently highest recorded by a friend's bicycle computer was 39°C.



Removed the engine steady. I was quite surprised what a difference this makes. Engine was completely wobbly once it came out.



Dropped the gear lever. It seems every single little thing needs to be pressure washed. The sand is EVERYWHERE!



This is a front subframe bolt on the blue mini. Had a little towing incident with the A frame and hence bent this little guy quite badly.



Front passenger side subframe bolt removed



Front drivers side subframe bolt removed. This side, as you can see in the pic, is quite off so a little persuasion with a crowbar convinced the bolt to come out.



This is for anyone that reads this, and myself when I forget. These are the bolts that hold the sterring rack in place.



These are the bolts that hold the front subframe to the car. It's the same for the drivers side.



The drivers side subframe bolt. The hole in the floor actually made this really easy to do this by myself as I could reach both.
I seriously don't know why there are no captive nuts for on a mini as it would definetly make doing this alone so much easier. I will definetly be doing this when they all go back together as it's a necessary improvement.



Drivers side shock and tie rod out

[DomMINIque]

Now excuse the bad picture quality as taking these photos was rather awkward. But here is both subframe mounts under the floor. Both are loose.





The battery cable that needed to come out the way to drop the subframe.(Black mini)



Some sort of backyard mechanic fuel line. But after some inspection doesn't seem to be in the way.



Had to bring this little guy out for some stubborn and then stripped nuts and bolts.



So after all this both subframes are loose but when we lift the shell the subframes still come with. There's nothing holding on that I can see so I'm really not sure on how to go forward.

It seems to be stuck here, just above the suspension cone. Where subframe and shell meet.



Are there no bolts or anything holding it up onto the shell, to the cross member on the bulkhead? Like these?



And finally my rusty old tip for the day:
When loosening rusty old nuts and bolts before starting to loosen them spray the thread of the bolt with some q20/wd40/etc and then start loosening it. The nut doesn't seem to have to fight as hard to get through all the rusted thread.

[Jared Mk3]

Keep it up Dom. It's all part of the fun.

[DomMINIque]

Thanks Jay. This heat really puts a damper on any idea of work though.

However I'll definitely be back there today trying to get those subframes loose. Need to wash all the parts before they put us on water restrictions..

I'll take some of the missing photos too

[Vinay-RS]

You're making some serious progress dude. Good to see/read, hope you can figure out why the subframe is stuck.

[theMINIguy]

Yes Dom, there are two long bolts through the bulkhead on either side that secure the front subframe.

   

[DomMINIque]

Thanks Vinay, having the mini sit around is really frustrating when I so desperately want to drive the thing.
I can now also avoid the question: "When will the mini be finished?"

Malcolm you've just made my day!

I'm going to have these two stripped by the end today!

[DomMINIque]

Didn't get too much done today. Had a few errands to go and do.

Got the top subframe bolts out though.





Black mini





Tried lifting it by myself. Still no cigar unfortunately. My brother was studying for a matric final for tomorrow so I didn't pester him but tomorrow once he's done writing he said he'd help me.

It looks loose checked everywhere. Lifted parts with a crowbar and it seems ready to be lifted. Now just to undo the however many years of junk and grime holding the cars to their subframes.

Hopefully by the end of the week they'll be apart.

[Dion]

Keep the updates coming, I'm enjoying the pictures and progress you are making in stripping the car.