Converted convertible - strengthening

[M_and_B]

We're going to look at a converted convertible. I know there should be re-inforcements/strengthening sections added to dash angle, B -post and sills. From looking at parts pages, I'm confident I can recognise the first 2 but not sure where the latter fits or how to recognise them. Does anyone have any pics of a conversion showing the sill strengtheners in place? Any other advice on what to look for would also be welcome. Thanks

[PSL184]

The best check is door gaps. Make sure they are even all round and equal side to side. Doors should open and close easily without catching any part of the door frame to bodywork. If the conversion has been done a whiles and door gaps all good you can be pretty confident the shell is strong enough.

[bmcecosse]

I think the sill strengthening is a double layer - not generally a good idea because of moisture trap between the panels.......

[ASL642]

If the owner will permit you - get in the back of the car or ask him to. One foot in each foot well ( roof down) and with door shut gently bounce. You /friend stand outside the car to watch the door gaps. No change = usually ok. Now check all other strengthening panels - sills, dashboard etc are in place.

If he lets you do this it's usually a good sign . If he refuses walk away!

[M_and_B]

Thanks for the advice. I'm still trying to find pictures with the strengtheners in place but appreciate that even if in place the checks suggested will show how effective they are.

[PSL184]

Thanks for the advice. I'm still trying to find pictures with the strengtheners in place but appreciate that even if in place the checks suggested will show how effective they are.

Pictures won't help you unless thay are X Rays

[ASL642]

Totally agree with PSL go and check the car out(with someone who knows Minors if you don't) Buying without seeing is a recipe for disaster especially with convertibles - without the strengthening in place they can break in half if not converted properly and you'll be left with an expensive pile of scrap! Pictures can only guide you.

[M_and_B]

We certainly intend to view before buying.

The pictures I was referring to were'nt of the potential purchase but of a conversion showing the sill strengtheners in place for me to use as a reference. However from PSL's comment it seems they'll be inside the sills and not fitted over the existing sills. If this is the case then pictures won't help me but the checks suggested certainly will. Thanks.

[tysonn]

I will be able to take some pics of the areas you require tomorrow. I have just removed the carpets on mine as after being stood outside under a "waterproof" cover for a couple of months it has 2 inches of water inside.Its drying out at the moment but has had the 3 strengthening panels fitted so may be helpful.

[M_and_B]

Thanks Tysonn. I see from other threads there's mixed success with waterproof covers.

[tysonn]

Have taken the pics but the website keeps giving server errors when I try to upload them????????????You could PM me your email address and I can send them directly?
Mick

[IaininTenbury]

We certainly intend to view before buying.

The pictures I was referring to were'nt of the potential purchase but of a conversion showing the sill strengtheners in place for me to use as a reference. However from PSL's comment it seems they'll be inside the sills and not fitted over the existing sills. If this is the case then pictures won't help me but the checks suggested certainly will. Thanks.

Original sill strengtheners were on the indide of the sill step, just visible if you remove the kick plate and peer through the round holes of the boxing plate. With the conversion kits, accepted practice is to fit them inside the car on the inner face of the sill step, visible when you pull the carpet up. Depends how neatly they're been welded, smoothed and painted as to visibke they are, but if you're allowed to lift the carpet on the sill rail (normally glued down) you should be able to see them.

[M_and_B]

Thanks Iain. With this info and Tysonn's pictures I'm now confident I know what to look for.

[welshrat]

I have been following this thread with interest as have owned my original ragtop for about 30 years, complete restoration about 15 years ago, replaced the complete underside. New panels included floors, centre cross member, sills, front legs etc, if I remeber rightly when buying the new sills there was not an option to purchase 'convertible ones', so I think mine are just standard. I do have all of the other convertible strengthening bits in place but did not get any real answers about strengthened sills then and still pretty confused. The good news is that I have had no problems with my minor and its been used for the last 10-15 years.

[IaininTenbury]

You used to be able to get convertible (and traveller) sill strengtheners in the 'good old days' when Henric in Nottingham were making panels. They'd even weld them to the sill step for you if you asked...
Its now been forgotten since Hadrian took over. Maybe ESM will reintroduce them, though its possible that SriLankan ones may be about though I've not seen them on any list.

If yours is going ok, then I doubt there's a problem. Minor shells are tough old things anyway and with that much new steel I guess you'd be ok. I imagine theres plenty of convertibles and travellers out there without the double skinned bit on the sill step.

[M_and_B]

Maybe ESM will reintroduce them......

For info ESM do list the sill strengthening panels as well as the dash and B post ones.

Cheers Mike

[IaininTenbury]

There is a difference between the conversion panel and the original type one - the conversion panel is an upturned L section for fitting on the inside of the car against the sill step and the original is a C section that fits on the inside of the sill step with the lower lip against the undersill panel. A little finickey I know, but as far as I know the C section panel isn't available at the moment, though the conversion panel realistically does the job.
Years ago I bought a set of half floors for a traveller from Henric and they spotwelded the C section stiffeneners onto the sill step with the seatbelt mounts included ready to go. Its probably one of the few travellers about with these panels replaced and intact...

[welshrat]

Are there any pictures or drawings of these sill strengthening pannels about ? Would be useful for future reference and for those who are considering purchasing a minor that should have them fitted.

[IaininTenbury]

Well, you'd need to take the kick plate off and peer through the round holes in the boxing plate to see and original strengthener. And the bottom lip of the C is nearly always missing as it disapears along with the under sill panels that t sits against. They were probably listed in an old Henric listing but since then only the L shaped conversion panels have been available.

[welshrat]

Answering my own posts now, found this drawing of sill strengtheners for ragtops and woodies.

[frame][/frame]