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Foam filled sills on early Minis
https://ausmini.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=95167		 Page 1 of 2
Author:  TartanRed [ Thu Apr 06, 2017 1:56 pm ]
Post subject:  Foam filled sills on early Minis
Hi does anyone know what early Australian Minis had foam filled sills and roughly when they ceased the practice here? I have had a 65 Deluxe and a 66 S that didn't have foam filled sills (but did have very rusty sills thankyou very much). In contrast, my 64 850 current project, and earlier cars that I have had seem to have stayed pretty rust-free.

Matt
Author:  9YaTaH [ Thu Apr 06, 2017 4:15 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Foam filled sills on early Minis
TartanRed wrote:
Hi does anyone know what early Australian Minis had foam filled sills and roughly when they ceased the practice here? I have had a 65 Deluxe and a 66 S that didn't have foam filled sills (but did have very rusty sills thankyou very much). In contrast, my 64 850 current project, and earlier cars that I have had seem to have stayed pretty rust-free.

Matt


Good question!

A friend had a new 997 Cooper that he had spilled a pint of milk in one of the rear pockets and I vaguely remember him saying he might have to sell the car because the foam in the sills was holding the smell...

I also vaguely remember seeing foam through the rear pockets of a 66 Deluxe but can't be sure :roll:

BTW Early cars had thicker steel...
Author:  Goldbrocade_62 [ Thu Apr 06, 2017 4:50 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Foam filled sills on early Minis
I have removed rust from sills on 62 cooper 64 cooper and a 67 S never see any foam in them
Author:  GR [ Thu Apr 06, 2017 5:34 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Foam filled sills on early Minis
HI TartanRed
I don't think they were ever foam filled from the factory,BUT back in the 60/70s in rally cars and series production cars they foam filled the sills to try and get some stiffness into the chassis for better handling.
Graham Russell
Author:  drmini in aust [ Thu Apr 06, 2017 8:12 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Foam filled sills on early Minis
I had an early 850 as my first car. 1961 with the tube frame UK seats.
I recall back then there was criticism of their foam filled sills. As they gave off toxic gases when cut or welded.
Never repaired this car body so I'm not sure if it had foam in them.
Author:  Goldbrocade_62 [ Thu Apr 06, 2017 8:39 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Foam filled sills on early Minis
I bought home a cut up early car before they changed the sill design dont remember it having foam either
Author:  9YaTaH [ Fri Apr 07, 2017 8:06 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Foam filled sills on early Minis
GR wrote:
HI TartanRed
I don't think they were ever foam filled from the factory, BUT back in the 60/70s in rally cars and series production cars they foam filled the sills to try and get some stiffness into the chassis for better handling.
Graham Russell


For real GR :?: :lol: (I can't see whether you have a grin or not...this could be a possible leg puller!)

[PS I could see someone adding sill ballast to lower the CofG if you had plenty of power to compensate]
Author:  wild_willy [ Fri Apr 07, 2017 9:54 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Foam filled sills on early Minis
It was once common practice for panel beaters/body repairers to use the expanding foam in sills etc. as part of the repairs they were making. Seem to remember this happening mostly in the 80's. Haven't seen foam in any of the Minis I have repaired including 62-63 Coopers and a 1960/61 CKD 850.
Author:  RNY997 [ Fri Apr 07, 2017 3:12 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Foam filled sills on early Minis
the use of foam inside the sills was stopped late 59 early 1960 when the floor and sill lapping design was revised.
Author:  Timbo [ Fri Apr 07, 2017 5:00 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Foam filled sills on early Minis
It was later than early '60. My early '61 Traveller has foam filled sills. It comes right up the front door frame to at least where the wiring loom enters from behind the dash.

I don't know if the 850s being built in Australia at the same time had them.

cheers
Tim
Author:  timmy201 [ Fri Apr 07, 2017 5:02 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Foam filled sills on early Minis
According to AKD1181D (UK issue):
Introduced on saloon 31955, van 10956, traveller 2203
Discontinued at body L69999 (except no. 70601 to 70630)

UK build number 70600 is around Aussie car 4000, approx 8/61 to 9/61 ?
Author:  winabbey [ Fri Apr 07, 2017 5:23 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Foam filled sills on early Minis
Timbo wrote:
I don't know if the 850s being built in Australia at the same time had them.

I reckon it would be fairly well known among Mini enthusiasts by now if Australian assembled cars had foam injected. I'm not aware of ever seeing it in a car.
Author:  TartanRed [ Fri Apr 07, 2017 9:17 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Foam filled sills on early Minis
Thanks for all the replies. I was under the impression that at least early 850s here were foam filled but I had no evidence. That's why this forum is great - a wealth of knowledge! I will keep asking random questions and see what is down the next rabbit hole!
Cheers

PS: I guess the rust treatment must have simply been better on the early cars than the later ones...
Author:  deluxe67 [ Fri Apr 07, 2017 10:56 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Foam filled sills on early Minis
What was the purpose of the foam?
Author:  9YaTaH [ Sat Apr 08, 2017 7:18 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Foam filled sills on early Minis
deluxe67 wrote:
What was the purpose of the foam?


I'll go out on a limb and say sound deadening and filling a void that could normally be subject to condensation etc and therefore corrosion :D
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