Asked this question on the Hillman list.
It appears that the series 5/6 Minx front uprights have the axle 5/8" higher
than the Alpine part. This equals 5/8" lower ride with same springs used.
I would suspect that the upright could be swapped using the stock wishbones.
Front crossmembers swap easilly between different year Minx. Swapped a later
Super minx crossmember (ball joints and discs) for the king pin unit in a 57
Minx.
The steering tie rod ends were different but just used the ends from the
Super minx (65) on the original steering components from the 57.. Alpine
steering boxes and track rod arrangements are different to the Minx range to
allow for the different driving position and the engine being mounted about
4" further back.
The original query on this topic was on swapping the entire front end from a
Minx to the Alpine. My thoughts are use the existing crossmember and
wishbones with the original uprights or substitutes from the series 5/6
Minx. If you are doing this much work you would want to replace all the
bushings and ball joints anyway, as well as fitting new wheel bearings and
reconditioned or new disc rotors. Having done it all right the first time
you will not need to touch it again. Patching poor original repair work is
soul destroying besides this a loose front end takes away your driving
pleasure :-))
Keith Johnson
55 Californian
----- Original Message -----
From: "Louis & Laila" <bwana@c2i2.com>
To: "Jan Eyerman" <jan.eyerman@usa.net>; "Whiteford Andy"
<A.G.Whiteford@gcal.ac.uk>; "Alpine List" <alpines@autox.team.net>
Sent: Saturday, January 18, 2003 2:39 AM
Subject: Re: [Re: other Rootes cars with Alpine subframe?]
> As I understand it, the front axle point is "Higher" on a Husky or Minx
and
> what not (1"), because they use a larger wheel diameter. If used on an
> Alpine, with 13" wheels, this has the effect of lowering the front end
about
> one inch without removing metal from the spring. This is a modification
used
> by many vintage and SCCA solo II Tiger racers, and possibly, some Alpine
> competitors. My first encounter with this was an alpine that was 1" higher
> on a side than the other. We puzzled on this one for a time till we
figured
> that one axle had origins other than an Alpine. Then a buddy explained
that
> it was from another Rootes car and this was desirable if you had a matched
> set. Lou
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Jan Eyerman" <jan.eyerman@usa.net>
> To: "Whiteford Andy" <A.G.Whiteford@gcal.ac.uk>; "Alpine List"
> <alpines@autox.team.net>
> Sent: Thursday, January 16, 2003 3:12 PM
> Subject: Re: [Re: other Rootes cars with Alpine subframe?]
>
>
> > Many of the sub-frame parts interchange between a Minx, a Husky and the
> Alpine
> > BUT, the Minxes`and Husky's sit higher-so if you use a complete sub
frame
> from
> > a Minx or Husky, your Alpine will be going uphill all the time. The
front
> > stub axle carriers are different.
> >
> > Jan Eyerman
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > Whiteford Andy <A.G.Whiteford@gcal.ac.uk> wrote:
> > Whiteford Andy (that's ME!) wrote:
> >
> > > Could somebody remind me which other "Audax A"
> > > Rootes group car(s) have the same
> > > engine subframe and front suspension geomentry as the Alpine ?
> >
> > OK, i'll rephrase-
> > I have a 1963 ser III Alpine, it's various engines and ancilliaries are
> all
> > in pieces,
> > it's (original) front suspension needs a full rebuild, and there are no
> > front brake callipers, wheels, etc...
> >
> > So i'm thinking of buying a running, MOTed 1965 Hillman Minx for sale
> > locally (# 300 ono):
> > I'll raise the front of the car, remove the front wheels, and simply
drop
> > its subframe,
> > complete with engine & box, onto a low trolley, and use this in my
Alpine,
> > just to get it going:
> >
> > questions:
> > 1/ Does a 1965 Minx have the same x-member & suspension geometry as a
ser
> 4
> > or 5 Alpine ?
> > 2/ will the engine & box fit through the bottom of the car ?
> > (I'd take the head & carbs, etc off)
> > 3/ 1965 Minx- iron head I know, but 1592 or 1725cc ??
> > 4/ if not a minx, what should I look for
> > (I *think* the rapier and super-minx have wrong sized suspension
arms,
> > etc.....)
> >
> > TIA
> >
> > Andy
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