Rear subframe swap

[Castiel]

I've contacted alocal lad about that. He does fencing, furniture and other stuff so waiting on a price back.

As for powder coating. I was under the impression powder coating would nto be "strong enough" for the abuse it may receive under the car. I was thinking of priming and all that then using a Hammerite style paint. I'm not going to fancy just clean and protected.

There is a chap local that does powder coating for wheels so i'm guessing he could do the frame, but costs aside I'm more concerned with longevity than appearance.

[Castiel]

Found a chap only 7 miles down the road (never knew about him before today) and he said he can sand blast, prime and coat the subframe and arms for a ton. Not too bad considering the majority of places, all actually, have told me they either don't do it or not on such a small scale.

[elite55]

That doesn't sound to bad at all tbh, for the amount of work, hassle and time that would save you I think that'll be money we'll spent

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[Castiel]

I'm thinking the same.

I went at it last night. Mostly to check what bolts would come out and which are seized. All bar two came out without, the inner bolts of the lower control arm (shorts striaght one). Absolutely welded in place. Done the usual of turning the rubber of the bush with the bolt so I cut them out this morning.

The subframe is in good enough nick, but the spots of rust need blasting. I tried sandpaper, grinder, sander, scarpping, etc on small spots and its not nearly as effective not to mention labour intensive. At least three days of hard work if I try it myself. So its a no brainer in the end.

All new bushes are ordered so I drop the frame to the guy tomorrow morning. He told me to give him a day to blast, prime and coat it. So I'll pick it up Friday all going well. The bushes will be here my Friday and so the weekend is looking like a rebuild time.

As soon as that is all done I'll strip my own and get to work on the change over.

Quick question, well checklist really..

Wheels off, exhaust off (I had a new exhaust from last year so will disconnect at joint from centre box to rear silencer), disconnect the ABS sensor, shocks from hub, springs out, caliper from carrier, four bolts on each chassis/swing/trail arm mount, and then the four bolts from the frame itself and the whole lot should just drop down?

[elite55]

Tbh that's the way I did mine and all went well that way, just take your time, have the kettle nearby and I'm sure you'll be fine

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[Castiel]

............. have the kettle nearby ........

In this weather its more like a bath of ice cubes, but I get the point.

Cheers lads.

[elite55]

I realised that after I posted it lol, but either way the weather goes hope it goes well

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[Big Dave]

As for powder coating. I was under the impression powder coating would nto be "strong enough" for the abuse it may receive under the car. I was thinking of priming and all that then using a Hammerite style paint. I'm not going to fancy just clean and protected.
.

Are you kidding?

Why do you think people with old cars have the chassis powder coated? It's far stronger and more durable than paint.

[Castiel]

Why would I be kidding?????????

I don't know, what with having zero experience with powder coating, hence the question. All I get is word of mouth so I ask here to filter the bull excrement from the truth. If such questions are a bother to you then I apologise for the incovenience.

[elite55]

Powdercoating is OK till it chips then water, rust travel about under it and causes more corrosion. Atleast with paint if it chips you can touch it back up.
But either way it's more personal choice as to the way you do it

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