Vintage Minor Register

Thomas,

I didn't grind down my bolt heads, but I did cut a section out of the shackle webs so they cleared the bolt heads when under load and leaning back.

Keep up the good work!

Ian

Ian
That makes sense.

Today, I hope , I will have the time left to assemble the front axle. Ought to be a simple task...

Thomas

A simple task it was...

Find the misstake!

The only obvious thing I can spot is the second leaf from the top projects a shorter distance from one buckle - the side closest to the viewer- than the other. The fourth spring down projects further.
At least you put the axle on the right way round! when I did this on my M type I put the axle on the wrong way and of course the bolt holes did not line up properly with the spring.

Well, I´m ashamed - when assembly the front axle I forgot both the "rubber stop" and the caster shims.

And you are quite right - the springs differ. Something I haven't noticed myself

By the way, does anyone know where to find the two bushes that support the "brake cross shaft" (hope you understand what I´m looking for)? Outer diameter about 29 mm and inner diameter about 25 mm. If not I´m planning to buy a suitably brass tube and make them myself.
/Thomas

Looking good now!

Ian

Rear leaf springs assembled
Before I could assemble the rear springs I needed to replace the old bushes. I found new ones at Ian Harris, 16 mm outer diameter and 1/2 " inner. However, it was necessary to shorten them a little bit and adjust the inside dimensions slightly. When assembly the springs I noticed that there is a considerable play between the shackles and spring eye resp. chassis eye. I don´t remember if there where any washes when dismantling the springs but I think it ought to be.

After having measured the gap I found that 0,4 mm washers would do the job (two for each bolt).

Yes Thomas, there should be quite a thick washer on each shackle pin. Over the years, many of these original thick washers have been lost.

Also, the chassis was not bushed originally - someone obviously bushed yours in the past.

Good progress!

Steering gear play fixed
My 1931 Minor has an early worm and wheel steering box - and a excessive play as well I could easily move the arm about 2 mm sideways!

Because my first priority is a car in mechanical good standard (rather than concours perfection) this can´t be accepted!

Adjust the bolts and locknut on the top had no effect at all.

Therefore I took off the "cover plate" and eureka - I found it. There was a visibly play between the worm an wheel teeth. By rotating the wheel to another sector the play was eliminated! Somethings are unexpected easy to fix thanks to this forum!
/Thomas

Great news and glad to have been able to help!

Ian