MARSHSEIS "Classic Mini Challenge" Creating a Time Machine.

Objective-5 Fabricate Combined Engine Cradle and Bottom Suspension Cross-Member.

Next up was supposed to be how we fabricated the interface between the front suspension tie rods, the engine cradle, and the bottom suspension connection points, but first we thought we'd feature how we killed several birds with one stone by creating a combined engine cradle and bottom suspension cross member. For this we thought it best to use square tube box section to make connection of all the differing components so much the easier, as the cross member had to be made to accommodate fixing the lower engine cradle rails which meant some tight and very tricky double bends. As well as this the cross member had to be a bolt together solution to accommodate future removal of the engine. There may be those amongst you who are wondering how we achieved these double bends with practically no deformation of the tube profile.... well there are some things we prefer to keep to our selves (Marshseis Magic) but a little clue for those that have tried bending square tube in the past and possibly failed then that clue is "Nominated Deformation" :-)

The fabrication of this piece required some quite precise measurements to be taken as when installed as well as serving as a bottom cradle cross member it also had to tie in precisely with the bottom suspension mounts and allow for fitting of adjustable bottom suspension arms. Remember too... one of our primary objectives was and still is, that the original mini suspension geometry must remain.

This picture although jumping the gun a little shows the bottom suspension cross member in-situ and it does give a good visual on how it all ties-in together.

Finally last pic for today showing the bottom cross member from a forward looking aspect and there will be much more on this in our next blog when we go into further detail on how we created the complete engine cradle and ended with a perfect unobstructed route for the exhaust run. Sometimes you have to have a little bit of luck as well as magic :-)

That's about all for this blog....All the best and take care and be sure to keep an eye out for our next blogs where you'll find out exactly how we got on with "Creating a Time Machine".