8 replies to this topic

[Carlos W]

I've just removed the rear subrame from my 1983 Mayfair and found it to be damaged!

It looks like someone has tied a towrope around it and used it to tow another vehicle

The rear section is crushed and bent!

I suspect I'll need to replace it, I don't want to rebuild the whole car and find it crabs down the road for the sake of a 200 quid rear subframe!

Any opinions?

[Boycie]

I'd have a go at straightening that.

As long as the rest of it is straight and square, I see no problem with the rear 'cross member' being a little out of shape.

[Carlos W]

Thanks for the reply!

It's not only crushed, it's also a bit banana shaped!

Any ideas on how to straighten it?

[Boycie]

Few blocks of wood, in various sizes and a hammer!
A dolly (the metal block type, not the plastic baby type ) would be useful to make it look better when you're nearly done but that's not essential.

Finish off with a decent tape measure to make sure mounting points are in the right place when you're done!
In fact, if memory serves me correctly, I 'think' the earlier Haynes manuals had rear subframe alignment figures listed along with a drawing..

[Carlos W]

In fact, if memory serves me correctly, I 'think' the earlier Haynes manuals had rear subframe alignment figures listed along with a drawing..

I'll look into that, thanks!

[charie t]

I have straightened worse
I have a 5mm peice of angle iron that i clamped to either side of the subframe so it didn't move and straightened it to it using the straight edge of it

[Carlos W]

I've got nothing to lose by giving it a go, if it doesn't work I'll buy a new one as that's what I thought I'd be doing anyway

[Mini Mad Drakeley]

both my subframes are like that, the 1st one was worse than yours was, i used an oxy-acetylene torch and the biggest hammer i had available and pliers and easily straigtened it out

[Carlos W]

I've just given it a small amount of encouragement with a lump hammer, and the results look promising, and as I hit the back edge straight the crushed bit opened out!

I think with some careful adjustments using a hammer and a big adjustable spanner it should be fine!

Thanks for everyones advice!


edit - spelling

Edited by Carlos W, 05 June 2011 - 09:09 AM.