Phoenix Estate Vvc K-Series Diy Subframe Conversion

3 minute(s) of a 66 minute read

Phoenix Estate Vvc Diy Mgf Frame Conversion - Watson's Style.

...err or perhaps not...

It don't fit

I haven't cut the steering rack moulding off the phoenix shell yet, (as watsons instruct you to on a normal mini) because I never intended to. They are moulded as part of the shell and I don't want to hack it off as retro fitting will be a pain if I change my mind. I was gonna cut the mgf frame to fit round it, then weld in a strengening bar if needed. But it doesn't touch that yet, it is up against the bulkhead and sticks out a mile at the front? Must be something to do with the shell shape at the front bulkhead.

So It will need cutting at the front and at the back to fit the phoenix, so I think sod it I might as well

a) cut the mgf frame about- front and back to suit.

pros: probably still the easiest route

cons: metro suspension and spacers at the rear.

but if I'm cutting and welding frames I might as well:

b) make a k frame out of a mini subframe and use pg1 bits or

c) get some money (from tooth fairy?) and buy the alspeed frame, use r65 gearbox

pros: I get to use proper mini suspension

Cons: I have to make driveshafts.

decisions, decisions

So I removed the windows and stripped the headlining out. It was manky but it all came out in one piece which will be good if I need a copy made up.

The paint is flaking off really badly where it wasn't sanded properly and where the crazing in the gel coat undernearth hasn't been repaired properly:

So I gave the front quarter a quick go with a DA sander with 150grit pads. Its come up pretty good, but I think I'll be sanding the remaining orange paint and it's primer completely off the whole shell, just to be safe.

...too scared to cut the front end off the shell at the moment also