ahoy miniacs
just a quicky, i took my engine and subframe out for a bit of tlc on both and its coming up to the time for them to go back in again.
To take it out i went the old lift the body over the top trick leaving the engine on the subframe but now since ive separated the two, is it easier to install the the subframe first and drop engine in from top (with engine crane) or re-unite engine & subframe and drop body over the top again??
radical
trent

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I'd put them both in from underneath...

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did I tell you that I won a trophy?

Yeah...as a famous Haynes once said "Assembly is the opposite of Disassembly!"

Either way is OK, Engine in last is probably marginally easier single handed...

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"Show me the Mini!"

I set the engine and frame on a little wooden platform, real low. Then used the engine crane to lift front of body, easy either way but less likely to scratch anything trying to shoehorn motor in from top.
Mine has the lower engine steadies but you can easy Fab a bracket to stop motor flopping round in frame.

If you have a hoist then the body over the rest would probably be a good idea.... after all its how they built them in the first place.

However, the one time I tried this (without the hoist) I found it very difficult to get the subframe lined up properly with the body mounting points. If you can only lift the front of the body then it pivots around the rear wheels and come down in an arc. This means you need to set the subframe at exactly the right angle for it all to come together. Without the steering rack to hold the wheels together the engine/subframe is a pretty unwieldy lump..

And you need a lot of lift/vertical clearance to get the front of the shell over the top of the engine...

Depending on the level of assistance available ...and the associated availability of tools/lifts /jacks/ fittings etc ... IMHO its easier to fit the subframe and then drop the engine in...

Cheers, Ian

I've done it both ways and agree with Ian. ^
Put a sheet of Masonite or thick cardboard between radiator and shroud as you lower the motor in.

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DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.

from memory when I did it, I lifted the back of the car a little bit, then pivoted on that, but also had jacks under the subframe to adjust the angle - I had the body hung from my crane (block and tackle would be better) by the braces at the corners of the crossmember

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did I tell you that I won a trophy?

I know I'll get laughed-at but I now fit the power unit to the car, but without the radiator or oil filter head (or oil separator canister on Ss) to maximise clearance and reduce scratches. I know it takes time to fit all the missing parts, but if you aren't on a time limit, it's less stressful.

Nobody laughs at scratched paint...good method

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"Show me the Mini!"