MX5 Donor, Using as a Donor/problems/solutions/advice Info

[Stot]

Hi,

I'm getting some questions about my solid diff mounts I made.



Skov and PorkChop asked me a while ago If I could make them some when I did mine to share the cost of the aluminium but I cant make them for others I'm afraid. I'm sure Phil or someone could make them up if asked nicely.

The bushes slip fit as the clamping action will be providing the support hence the thick lugs.



I made them from 3.5" stock which is the perfect size, I didnt even bother turning down the outside surface.

I chose 40mm and 20mm long because I was able to buy offcuts this size to save further on materials. It gives about a 10mm gap between the two halves when fitted so you can play with the individual lengths really as long as the lug parts are 12.5mm and you leave a gap so they can clamp on the diff ears when bolted up.

Biggest problem I had was getting the old bushes out! A 3 jaw puller makes the job easy and theres some guides on the MX5 forums. I didnt have one of those so used a hammer and chisel to bend the outer bush casing in a bit then pushed them out with a 12 ton press.

HTH

Cheers
Stot

[jason 82]

Thanks for popping up the dimensions stot. It must be really hard sharing one of your ideas. They are really appreciated.

[Stot]

Originally Posted by jason 82

It must be really hard sharing one of your ideas. They are really appreciated.

Not at all mate, I just didnt think to! Hope they help and one of the fabricators can pick them up.

I would have considered making them if

• I didnt have a full time job.
• I didnt have an app on Android, iOS and PC im trying to maintain in my spare time.
• I wasnt building a car in my spare time.
• I didnt have a wife (in my spare time)
• There wasnt already fabricators who could probably do with the business.

Cheers
Stot

[PorkChop]

And nicely done they are too Stot - thanks very much, I'm very pleased with them

[skov]

Very happy with mine too - thanks Stot!

Regarding the original bushes, mine came out fairly easily.
I started off by drilling a load of holes in the rubber then pushed the centre bush and most of the rubber out.
I then set to work on the outer metal bushes with a hammer and screwdriver.
The outer bushes are in two halfs and the trick is to bend one half inwards along the join.
As soon as the two halfs of the metal bush aren't touching the pressure holding them in is released and they pretty much just pop out