Renewing the Motor Mounts

The following applies to the Sports and Le Mans overslung chassis models 1933 to 1935.

The mounting assembly consists of two pieces of spring metal (one long and one short) isolated from the chassis by four rubber mounts and metal discs with a lip to centre the rubber. Two of the rubber mounts are used above the chassis and two below. A u-bolt in the centre of the assembly secures the engine. The two large holes in the chassis permit the u-bolt to be released from below.

The major issue with this type of motor mount is that the rubber becomes soft and squishy with age and exposure to oil and grease. The steel disc can also often be badly corroded and beyond recovery.

New rubbers can easily be made up from a slab of 5/8" thick rubber cut to 2" diameter with a hole saw. The top is then chamfered at 45 degrees and covered with the original steel disc. If the original steel disc is badly corroded or missing entirely, fender (wing) washers of the appropriate diameter can be substituted.

In addition to the front motor mount assembly, there are two motor mounts (patented as "Vibro Dampers") located on the frame to either side of the motor. On the Nine Sports, only the upper casting (which was made of either iron or brass) portion with the rubber bushing is required. The lower "packer" casting is required on the Le Mans to raise the engine 3/4' to allow the driveshaft to clear the frame (a one piece combined casting was also used to replace the two piece assembly).

There are two metal cover pieces (not shown) that fit over both sides of the mount to cover the exposed rubber. These will go on once the engine is in place.