Austin mini Hilo upgrade/ suspension arm repaint

Links to some of the tools used in this video plus some tools I use in general in my garage
Hilo adjustable cones: minispares.com/...|Back%20to%20search
Hilo rear rods for rear subframe: minispares.com/...|Back%20to%20search
Cone Compression tool: minispares.com/...|Back%20to%20search
Work gloves: amzn.to/2XtmaQ4
Blue roll: amzn.to/3dy5lZR
GT85 release oil with PTFE (great stuff): amzn.to/2AGhFbS
Brake Cleaner spray bottle: amzn.to/2AzsNHG
Brake Cleaner: amzn.to/3cy8Myx

[@paulhotson5820]

Also way's wanted to do front's but looked to difficult. Might have a go next time after watching! Thanks.

[@BMCWorkshop]

It's a piece of cake to do buddy. If your only changing the trumpets. Conpress the cone and tap the trumpet out. I'd budget in a couple off ball joints and do them at the same time

[@Thecarislife]

Sean i still think of when we went for a little drive in Annie. I had the best day that day. Looking forward to my next visit up north

[@BMCWorkshop]

Thanks Adam, yes that was a great day and I'm glad it made your mind up for which engine you were going to fit to your mini. You are welcome anytime bud and when you next visit you'll notice a massive difference to the workshop as it's been completely overhauled

[@cabdriveruk]

Great video Sean. Well detailed an explained video of how to get the job done and the special compression tool needed. Cheers, Jeff.

[@BMCWorkshop]

Hi Jeff and thanks buddy. Normally I'd just pop out the trumpets but seeing as I've painted up all the suspension components I thought I'd whip out the front suspension arms and give them a clean and lick of paint too so everything looks fresh

[@dru0pa]

I had to make my one here in South Africa as I could not find one anywhere at the time, it made the job of getting those cones in a bit harder and more time consuming (with a few more intersting words) but they when in smoothly in the end. Nice work again really appresiate the work you put into the videos.

[@BMCWorkshop]

Thanks Andrew, the cone compressor is a handy tool to have. Glad to hear that you managed to get your car sorted 👍

[@ClassicCarCave]

Sean, Top video should everything anybody who has never done this before all the info they need to complete the job. Cheers Dave

[@BMCWorkshop]

Thanks Dave, normally I don't remove the suspension arms but as I had refreshed everything else then I thought I'd whip them out and clean them up too snd with doing the hilo upgrade it was the perfect opportunity to kill 2 birds with one stone!

[@TornadoCAN99]

Nice work! I just paid big $$$ to have my '88 front cones replaced. Went with the Red Dot type (different shape/different compound for more linear compression rates)...and these required Hi-Los to manage the different shaped rubber. Also put new shocks on, KYB Gaz-A-just...did these myself before the cone work...made a big difference in ride quality from stock shocks. firm yet compliant...no more harsh bangs over bumps. As for the compression tool, I believe there is version which has both metric and imperial thread sections.

[@BMCWorkshop]

I have an old tool that has a metric and imperial threaded bar so if I ever have a donut that's still imperial then I'll still be able to get it out. The set up you have sounds great 👍

[@robertwilson6020]

Nice job. The horizantal pins can be very hard to get out if car has not been regularly greased. A few pumps into the grease nipple needed to complete the job.

[@madjockprojects7707]

Nice Vid Sean ,so that`s how you get the front arms off

[@BMCWorkshop]

Cheers Peter, the front arms are a pain to get out. As I had everything else painted I decided to just whip them out and inspect/ clean and paint them up. When Kev and I done his we didn't remove the arms and just wiggled the trumpets out

[@philipwatt1]

Great video Sean, this is all going to come in very useful 👍👍

[@BMCWorkshop]

Thanks Philip 👍

[@markpiper8082]

Best of winding it up while is still on the ground as its more compressed and easter to wind up 👍👍👍

[@BMCWorkshop]

Yes indeed Mark

[@tonyaylott4114]

Another job done ✅ great video Sean 👍👍

[@BMCWorkshop]

Thanks Tony 👍

[@malcolmyoung7866]

Off to work tonight Sean..so won't be able to watch this until tomorrow...thats what data's for thought isn't it?

[@BMCWorkshop]

It's been on Patreon for the last few weeks Malkie lol

[@DBMiniDIY]

Nice job mate, what a difference it will make

[@BMCWorkshop]

Cheers DB, the ride is so much better with new cones in each corner

[@WilliamMurfitt]

Nice video sean, really well explained this is on my list of jobs to sort as my front end is still around 2 foot from the top of the wheel 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@BMCWorkshop]

Thanks William, I did notice that your car is still high on the front. A wee strip down and inspection of where the cones are seated will be required.

[@WilliamMurfitt]

@@BMCWorkshop its seated perfectly, but ive not done many miles for them to settle

[@BMCWorkshop]

@@WilliamMurfitt They should have settled by now lol

[@WilliamMurfitt]

@@BMCWorkshop that's what I though I've stripped it down twice to check and its 100% located, I'll be installing hilos now to get the ball rolling

[@BMCWorkshop]

@@WilliamMurfittyep that will sort it bud. If you're just gonna install a hilo then you won't need to take the suspension arm out. A long lever will easily pop the trumpet out when you have the cone compressed

[@robertthornhill4379]

hi sean , as usual you make the job look very easy but I am sure it isn't. Having said that i did like the bit at the end of the video.Bob

[@BMCWorkshop]

Thanks Bob. Swapping out the trumpets for hilos isn't too bad a job to do . The suspension arms are a bit of a pita when the subframe is still on the car but very doable with a little patients. All the best, Sean

[@minimanshed8910]

Hi sean, very satisfying job to do👍 ye make it look easy as always 😉

[@BMCWorkshop]

Cheers Martin, it wasn't too bad a job if I'm honest 👍

[@jamesbarrie2965]

Nice job Sean👍

[@BMCWorkshop]

Thanks Jim

[@bobhenson9867]

I didn’t see him check the bearings in the arm it has needle rollers x 2 in each arm did I miss it?

[@Kai77884]

Hello a great video perfect job 👍👍from Germany 🇩🇪 👋👋👋Kai

[@BMCWorkshop]

Thank you Kai 😊

[@pauljeffries]

Great video Sean, that's not a job that I enjoy doing though 🤣

[@BMCWorkshop]

Likewise Paul. At least the weather was nice, usually its pishing down with rain when I tackle these jobs lol

[@jamesfoster4577]

Really useful video, explained very well. How long would you say it took you to do one side?

[@BMCWorkshop]

It really depends what side. The N/S is the easiest as room is plentiful but you will need to remove the radiator for access. The O/S is an absolute swine so budget about 2 hours for that side and an hour for the N/S

[@jamesfoster4577]

BMC Workshop Thank you, really helpful

[@The3Dprinterguy1983]

I actually make the cones which is cool :) to see installed on ur car

[@BMCWorkshop]

These cones really are durable

[@The3Dprinterguy1983]

Fun making them too lol

[@CoolDog000]

👍👍

[@Thecarislife]

hi sean

[@BMCWorkshop]

Hi Adam 🤪

[@classicminidetails8887]

Sue perb

[@BMCWorkshop]

Cheers Toonie

[@LanceEdmonds-j9h]

Should have took the bump stop out

[@BMCWorkshop]

Why?

[@LanceEdmonds-j9h]

It will give you more room to get the suspension out

[@BMCWorkshop]

Got ya