Classic Mini DIY - Installing a Steering Drop Bracket

[@daverolls8565]

When I started modifying minis in the 70's this was always the first job I did!

[@turbocoopersport3730]

My late father always told me to do this as my first modification to a mini. He wasn't wrong! Once I moved the seat back on the extenders, the driving position is great!

[@Paul_VanGo]

As mentioned before, this was something you should've done years ago! But finally it's there.

[@Rustin-wy6yf]

Great timing! I've bought a Moto-Lita wheel but wasn't happy with how high it sat. Looks like I'll be installing a drop bracket soon. Someone told me the whole rack had to be removed for the installation. Thanks for proving him wrong with this upload!

[@classicminidiy]

Definitely not! The main thing is loosening the rack from the inside so it can rotate to prevent any binding.

[@classicminidetails8887]

Absolutely love that dash.

[@classicminidiy]

Thanks Alex me too 😂

[@RootBeerRacer]

I'm 6'5", and have the driver seat brackets swapped for longer ones. I fit great now, but the wheel is too far away. I'm planning on a smaller diameter dished wheel on a spacer. I love this solution to tall people problems, but bringing it downwards isn't going to free up knee space for me at all. Awesome videos! Thanks for being so informative.

[@seyoch]

You always bring up good informatie (Y) thanks once again for helping me and probably many others!

[@andymurdoch1346]

I have a similar bracket on my Mini. However, a very important step missing is that the steering rack bolts should be loosened as the very first step if the steering column angle is going to be dropped. This allows for some rotation of the rack, otherwise too much strain will be put on the rack output spline and will cause problems. Also, the OEM bracket bolts are shear bolts and are quite difficult to remove. Behind the dash there is a bracket with 2 welded nuts therefore these cannot be loosened. The best way is to slacked the bolts with a chisel and then get small mole grips on to them. These bolts need to be replaced with cap headed bolts for example. It is a 5/16 UNF thread. Good quality high tensile bolts should be used and similar at the clamping bolt. After fitting the bracket, the rack bolts need to be tightened back up.

[@classicminidiy]

I have a whole section in this video saying to loosen the bolts so it can rotate starting at 3:26 🤔 I also talk about how to do it later in the video.

[@TheThunderwars]

I fitted a bracket a year ago, I didn't loosen the U-Bolt and forced a bit on the steering column, even though I changed my rack not that long ago. I just checked it and it seems that it aligned itself with vibrations. I'm still a bit nervous and hope I didn't damage anything...

[@TheVcasf]

Hi I noticed your roll cage. Have you done anything for front end collision safety?

[@classicminidiy]

I haven’t. The roll cage was from a silent auction I had the highest bid on. I considered something up front but never pulled the trigger

[@christiand.cabrera158]

Great video ‼️👌👌👌👌👌👌

[@darkmagus419]

I keep waiting for the Steveston Motor Co. drop bracket to come back in stock.

[@classicminidiy]

Certainly a nice bit of kit.

[@davehalst]

That’s one of the first things I fitted to my Mk1 66 Mini back in 76. 😍😎 P.S. Love to see you do a Mini Pickup restoration rather than going over to the Dark Side of FIAT. Image what a Mini Pickup would look like next to one of your huge American pickups?

[@rachellethorne7868]

I’ve been on the seven mini parts website and I can’t seem to find this bracket only the cheaper chrome one?

[@classicminidiy]

Hey Rachelle, this isn't sold on Seven's website. I actually carry a newer version of this bracket on my own site now. Link below: store.classicminidiy.com/collections/interior-parts/products/billet-steering-drop-bracket

[@matthalsey387]

I’m only 5’ 6” but find my head is still touching the roof liner in my ‘91 mini. Would this help?

[@classicminidiy]

This doesnt drop the seats, only the steering wheel. I do carry seat relocation brackets which would probably solve this for you though. Link below! store.classicminidiy.com/collections/interior-parts/products/billet-seat-relocation-bracket

[@hosrow]

Great video. I wanted to confirm, does the bracket allow for adjustment of the steering column, meaning that you have options to adjust at different level before tightening things up? I am 5'10" and I had a hell of a time getting around the car. At 6'1" I can't imagine how much more challenging it would be for you to get around in the inside or engine bay to fix things!

[@classicminidiy]

Yup so there are three levels with the standard drop bracket he sells. Standard location One drop Two drop I can’t say it will make getting in and out any easier though 🤣

[@monkeybits]

Hey I have a 78 with a 998cc. How feasible do would it be to swap out the final drive for a 2.76 and add a supercharger to a stock engine. I'm planning on rebuilding it later with forged pistons but I just want a little more power and higher final drive for now. Do you just adjust the boost on the supercharger by changing the pulley size? Sorry if I sound like an idiot .

[@classicminidiy]

No problem! We all have to ask questions to learn. If you have the engine out and are doing the final drive you’re only a few steps further into rebuilding it 🙂. That’s said it’s totally feasible. Engine out and swap the final drive. The boost is controlled by the pulley but I left all that calc to stuart since he was way more experienced than me.

[@porroh869]

Great video. Nice steering wheel where do you get it from?

[@classicminidiy]

My buddy gave it to me as a hand me down when I first completed my mini. It's made by Momo but I dont know the model.

[@djfung]

Does it work with airbag cars.

[@classicminidiy]

I think it will physically allow you to lower the steering wheel no problem, but I am not sure how it would impact the safety of the airbag itself and how it would deploy in an emergency.

[@Hugotrf415]

Nice dash you make it?

[@classicminidiy]

I worked with an awesome company to make it for the mini. Link below: shop.catmint.biz/product-category/mini/dash-boards/

[@Paulsmithmini191]

Has the video of the rear fog been uploaded? I cannot find it for the life of me if it has been haha

[@classicminidiy]

Not yet. That’s coming on Monday next week. 🙂

[@Paulsmithmini191]

@@classicminidiy yay something to look forward too. Deffently going to be buying one for my project! Also bout a 1275 today so will be watching your old rebuild videos for the hif44 and other related videos!! Keep up the good content 👍

[@motivatelife2137]

Hi this is a question I have but aren't you in the US and how is your mini RHD if it should be a LHD mini ?

[@classicminidiy]

The mini was originally a canadaian mini that was LHD. I converted it to RHD back when I did the first restoration on it cause I thought it was cooler 😂

[@motivatelife2137]

So it could be like a mini from uk imported 🤣

[@rbauer961]

Remove the drivers seat and drive from the back seat 🤣😂 You will be more comfortable

[@franktaylor7617]

😎👍