subframe drain holes

[dhla40]

A few weeks ago I read an article on the web about drilling drain holes in the subframe but I can't seem to find it again.  My subframe looks to be in good shape and I want to keep it that way, what is considered best practice, drill holes or keep it sealed up?

Sean

[Richard Fridd]

when i bought my S1 fulvia it still had its excellent original subframe fitted -complete with model number, factory painted in white-which i have preserved.to keep it this way i poured hot waxoyl into the oval holes in the tops of the rear members [as these seem to be most vulnerable to rust]and swilled it about by tipping the frame this way and that and then i think i sealed the holes.cant remember if i drilled other holes but the only way if frame is in situ i suppose

[fay66]

From what I remember there are plenty of ways for water to get in but no way for the water to get out, so it would seem sensible to drill a couple of holes in the lower side of the subframe. Must get around to checking mine sometime

Brian

8227

[Neil]

I remember Barry Waterhouse and others saying the holes were in the wrong place, they should have been on the bottom not the top of the two 'arms' of the subframe, as they had been originally drawn that way, but were made incorrectly.  If the subframe is removed from the car, then pour in lots of the waxoyl, warmed as suggested, stand a can a bucket of hot water as it flows more easily when warm, then move the subframe around to fill all the sections and turn over too to preserve the top as that can rust.

If the subframe it attached to the car this is somewhat more difficult!  I think I put some tape over the upper holes to stop water getting in, I am not sure where would be best to put drain holes on the lower, if you fill the subframe with wax and water gets in can the water get out?

I did hear of using expanding foam in a subframe, I am not sure if that is a good idea, if water gets in and is then trapped by the foam and the steel is kept permanently wet, which then leads to you know what....