The brace bars for the V8 subframe will be made by recycling the design of the bars I made for use with the Mini engine.
Not exactly rocket science, but it does seem to work pretty well
20mm box section is used for the front bar (113cm) and the side bars (60cm)
The front bar is bolted to the front of the subframe using the original bolts for the 'teardrop' mounts, then another couple of M8 fixings go in for luck. For the V8 it has been welded onto the subframe too.
The side bars run out parallel from the inner wing above the shock mount, angled down to meet the front bar.
A bit of 2mm thick sheet is cut and drilled to fit behind the shock mount, then the side bar is fitted with using a single M8 bolt through this plate and the inner wing. Weld the bottom end in place, then weld the top to the plate.
For the V8 the front join will be reinforced with some gusseting, but the 1380 never cracked it without. The fiberglass front was simply hinged by drilling holes in the corners of the valence and welding nuts into the ends of the front bar. Not sure how the new front will fit yet.
The poor 1380 looks a bit sad sitting in the subframe with the suspension bits removed.
But don't worry, the Spax, Hi-Los, HD tie bars & negative camber bottom arms are quite happy to be back on Doris.
An uninspiring picture of a collection of driveshafts - this means I am getting to the point where I will have to work out how to make some !
But I could always put that bit off and start to put Damian's engine together instead.
It would make a bit more space in the shed !
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