Outrigger Mountings

[Nickl911]

Hi, I've just acquired a barn find 350i. This is my retirement project, and might be a full or partial restoration depending on cost.

I do have a number of questions, and although I have read a whole lot of PH threads I can't find any definitive answer yet.

Question 1, what should be the proper bolt through components be connecting the body to the outrigger plates. This is an '85 350i with the removable sills and almost vertical support plates - two either side. I have taken off the bolts which have 2 penny washers sandwiching a thick rubber washer between the bolt head and the plate and between the GRP body inside and the nut. If the body support is just the clamping friction between body and plate rubber padding sandwiched in between, surely the thick rubber washers do not add to this mechanism? I think I have seen pictures somewhere of plain square metal plates replacing the penny washer and rubber washer on the outside. Am I missing stand-off collars or something like that?

As expected the long outrigger tube has rusted to pieces. There is a previous sorry looking repair to the drivers side but I am attempting to do both sides while I am at it.

I'd appreciate any knowledge you guys can impart.

2nd question in a separate post coming next.

[Nickl911]

Hmmm Seems to have 'lost' my reply to this. I wonder where it went. Obviously another senior moment!

I have looked at the various outrigger posts but the non-350i non tasmin ones seem to have ditched the angled upright support plates for horizontal support plates and I understand how that would work well.

Perhaps I should switch from restoring the original plates to fabricating horizontal plates in the corners and middle of the outrigger?

That said, the seat belt mounting points would still be needing vertical plates, so maybe continue as I am.

Just seems too much give with so much rubber?

[Nickl911]

Thanks for the replies..

And to Engineer 1949, I am so impressed with the level of detail of your build, but I can't see me getting to those dizzy heights, although I am inspired to do more better.

I do think that replacing those tiny thin penny washers with a big chunk of steel is the way to go.

I will be back for more advice before too long I am sure of that.

Cheers Nick

[Nickl911]

And to KKson, I am now confused because the 'upright' plates on my chassis are not the same size as the ones shown in your pic, neither are they in exactly the same place. The front plates seem longer (500mm) and the rears (400mm) do not extend past the end cross tube but are cut short, very close to the bolt holes.

Anyone got any official dimensions? The Steve Heath bible is short of that info.

Thanks NIck