Subframe woes

[Mr Dunamis]

Poking around the front subframe on Saturday and I discovered to my dismay that the rear arm on the front subframe has the dreaded corrosion;   not affecting structural integrity at the moment but it won't be long before it does so I need to get a new one fitted as soon as funds permit.  

I understand that it is a big job with the subframe having to be removed etc.

My main concern is getting someone who is competent enough to effect a quality repair without breaking the bank. I have tried Classic Lancia Restorations in Wrexham but he can't see the wood for the trees at the moment.

Does anybody know of a repairer preferable in the NW of England that could do this kind of job?

Thankyou

[Parisien]

I'd try James Parry, a few miles west of Wrexham, see details here....

http://www.mineratyres.com/

Or indeed their facebook page which is much more Lancia oriented....plus you can see the work on my engine!

https://www.facebook.com/Minera-tyres-239230576101344/timeline

P

[Mr Dunamis]

Thanks for heads up.

This is not going to be a cheap job whatever you look at it. I can now understand why so many Fulvias got scrapped in the '80 the cost of repairing the subframe just wasn't worth the value of the car. At least now it's a little different.

[lancialulu]

It looks difficult and yes it is but you do not neccessarily Need to remove the subframe. If the mounting ponts at sill end are sound (maybe not.....) then a repair can be done in situ by just dropping it a bit then bolting back up..

[stanley sweet]

How bad is it? Is it perforated and letting in dirt and water? New outriggers are available from Omicron. I'm not an engineer so can anyone say if it could be de-rusted, treated and plated or isn't it worth the bother? If the corrosion is really bad around the mounting points the tops of the front wheel arches will begin to split under the flexing. If there's no sign of this then at least you've noticed it in good time.

[Caracad]

I don't think subframe corrosion is necessarily a big issue. It's a bolt on part so nothing to be scared of.
Dropping the subframe should be straight forward and then new parts fitted or local repairs done. Much less scary than corrosion in the body structure, eg subframe mounts.

[davidwheeler]

...which are available from Omicron as well - all you have to do is weld them in!!

[Mr Dunamis]

Well I am booked in to have both sides done; not cheap but there you go the job has to be done. Should be done by the end of October.