Practically Classics Forum

Evening all.

Finally decided to restore dads Mini and need to get a pair of the adjustable door braces so when i cut out the sills it doesn't fold in half. For the life of me I can't remember who sells them. Searched on Frosts shop on ebay and couldn't find them.

Ta for any info.

Matt

Just make some.

yeah I did think of that but I don't know if I can be that bothered as I've got loads of other little projects to do. I remember seeing them advertised somewhere.

All you need to do is weld a piece of box section bar between the opening then grind smooth when you remove it

Hello

Seally or Frost can supply adjustable braces. The minimum span is 810mm, ( I think) so make sure they fit before laying out any cash.

Thanks, I read your article in this months mag but had given it to my dad to read then forgot what issue the article was in. Suprised at the cost of the braces so made my own instead lol.

Really useful article once I re read it Martin, thanks.

I am all for people making tools and things, there is a great tradition of this in the history of panel beating and it should be preserved as much as any of our cars. Even though I have a set of expanders, I obviously made the braces i used on the Spit job.

When you start chopping bits off the min shell, it might be an idea to chuck a couple of wheels and tyres in the thing as ballast. An empty min shell on stands doesn't weigh a lot. I find it more stable with some junk in the back.
The other thing to remember is not to remove too much at once. Only work on one side at a time, and dont nail anything on with double checking the fit of any removable panels such as doors and the bonnet. This is key to the front which will tell you lies if you read the fit of the panels with the bonnet. A lot of people have welded on wings only to find that wedge gap is too small. Use clamps PK screws and pop rivets. The front subframe is your best jig for the front panel alignment.

If you want any advice, just ask. Martin