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Rob Glasgow
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Motor Mount Cracks
- Thread starter Rob Glasgow
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Maybe some help from this picture from the Kilmartin site ..
https://www.kas-kilmartin.com.au/Kas Diplay Chassis.jpg
https://www.kas-kilmartin.com.au/Kas Diplay Chassis.jpg
HealeyPassion
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Rob, when I restored my low mileage BJ7 I found multiple cracks in the motor mounts. After fixing the cracks I added the gussets seen here.
Cheers,
Steve
RAC68
Darth Vader
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Hi Rob,
A plate can also be added to close in the mount tower on the opposite side for added support. Also, it is also potential that you would have also stressed the area supporting the suspension mounts as well. Carefully check that area and consider applying gussets around the mounts as well.
Since the frame is composed of age-weakened15 gauge sheet metal, be aware that it is likely the stress you are addressing with added support will now be transferred to nearby weaker areas.
Good luck,
Ray (64BJ8P1)
A plate can also be added to close in the mount tower on the opposite side for added support. Also, it is also potential that you would have also stressed the area supporting the suspension mounts as well. Carefully check that area and consider applying gussets around the mounts as well.
Since the frame is composed of age-weakened15 gauge sheet metal, be aware that it is likely the stress you are addressing with added support will now be transferred to nearby weaker areas.
Good luck,
Ray (64BJ8P1)
HealeyPassion
Jedi Warrior
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Rob,
I agree with Ray... that's why, if you look closely, you will see that I added strengthening plates to the frame before attaching the triangulated gussets.
Cheers,
Steve
I agree with Ray... that's why, if you look closely, you will see that I added strengthening plates to the frame before attaching the triangulated gussets.
Cheers,
Steve
OP
Rob Glasgow
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Steve, Are the strengthening plated under the gussets?
Ray, If you add a plate to close in the back of the mount tower, do you lose access for anything important? The motor mount bolts enter from above so that should not be an issue. Am I missing something that will bite me if I close in the back side of the mounts?
Ray, If you add a plate to close in the back of the mount tower, do you lose access for anything important? The motor mount bolts enter from above so that should not be an issue. Am I missing something that will bite me if I close in the back side of the mounts?
HealeyPassion
Jedi Warrior
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Rob,
Yes, the strengthening plates are under the gussets.
Cheers,
Steve
RAC68
Darth Vader
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Rob,
I don’t believe you will loose any important access when closing the motor mount tower. This response from the SOL Healey Technical Archive was posted back in January of 1999 and briefly presents the chassis modifications applied to the Works Rally cars (https://www.team.net/www/healey/tech/big_hly/chassis/chassis_strgth.html).
Ray (64BJ8P1)
I don’t believe you will loose any important access when closing the motor mount tower. This response from the SOL Healey Technical Archive was posted back in January of 1999 and briefly presents the chassis modifications applied to the Works Rally cars (https://www.team.net/www/healey/tech/big_hly/chassis/chassis_strgth.html).
Ray (64BJ8P1)
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Rob Glasgow
Jedi Knight
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Thank you Ray, this is what I was looking for. I think I can fab the motor mount and shock pieces and weld them in place adequately. I'm thinking 1/8" plate should be enough to do the job.
RAC68
Darth Vader
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Rob,
I would suggest you don’t over do it and use metal consistent with the unit being reinforced. You will still be relying upon your base frame for support and will be transferring frame flex and stress to non-strengthened areas of its age-diminished 15 gauge structure. Remember that the purpose for adding the engine mount tower plate and gussets is to stop tower deformation and the cracks indicate some level of flexing in the past. Also, I would suggest you consider adding the supports for the lower “A” arms (at least the one closest to the engine mount tower).
All the best,
Ray (64BJ8P1)
I would suggest you don’t over do it and use metal consistent with the unit being reinforced. You will still be relying upon your base frame for support and will be transferring frame flex and stress to non-strengthened areas of its age-diminished 15 gauge structure. Remember that the purpose for adding the engine mount tower plate and gussets is to stop tower deformation and the cracks indicate some level of flexing in the past. Also, I would suggest you consider adding the supports for the lower “A” arms (at least the one closest to the engine mount tower).
All the best,
Ray (64BJ8P1)