11 replies to this topic

[Tony1003]

Currently getting my car back on the road from an accident. Startedstrippin the left side and lookin what needs replaceing but i dunno where to start .

The problem is my left wheel is set back about 2 inches and is hitting the back of the arch when on full lock

Now there is a dent in the floor where the subframe mounts this could account for an inche maybe.

Is there any other part that could be bent apart from the subframe .

I hope there is because i dont think im up to changing a front subframe on me self  DVC00187.JPG   94.13K   13 downloads

Dont know if this pic helps best could do ftb you can see where the trye hit the back of the arch. :'(

[miniboo]

i reckon you need to sort out the subframe and dent first because the wheel will be set back as the whole frame and floor may well be causing it to be set back.

[Bungle]

i think it might be beter to drop the subframe and have a look and see if its still square

[Dan]

If it's that badly bent it probably needs to be on the body jig for a few hours. If the floor is bent around the subframe mountings you should really take it to a body specialist, especially if you're nervous about changing a subframe. Compared to straightening a bent shell that's easy. Sorry.

[Tony1003]

I wont be strieghtening the floor meself i just want to do asmuch of the work meself to keep tje cost down, so i should just go with taking the subframe out n then take it to the bodyshop?

[pikey7]

sub and engine out isn't that bad of a job. A few nuts & bolts here and there, and a lot of wet sleeves. Then get a mate or two, support the subframe to stop it rocking forwards/backwards, and lift the body over the engine. Its all in the haynes manual.

The problem is transporting the car to the body shop then. If you can sort that easily, then go for it.

[Pavel]

Engine and subby drop is really easy mate. I done it on a car in a field with grass up to my waist in a few hours without too much bother (except one of the bolts was knackered and having no power tools or space for a hacksaw, had to break spotwelds and rip bodywork apart heh).
As has been said above I'd drop the front subby by yourself, then trailer the remaining body to a body specialist and they should be able to straighten it out in a day. After that just put your subframe back in. Or if its really bent simply get another used one (believe someone's selling one quite cheap on TMF)...

[Tony1003]

Cheers guys your all great im removing all of the frontpanels so i wont have to lift the body over will i will just be able to roll the body back.

Ps if you havent gathered by now im a bit think

[pikey7]

so how are you going to transport a car with no front wheels to the shop? Not trying to diss or anything, I just know it can be a PITA....

[Tony1003]

I have a few contacts with car trailors that will be able to transport it if i can get them then thats how if i cant then i guess the cars stayin on the drive for a good few months till i can get some cash for the labour charges

[Dan]

Remember that a subframe doesn't balance. Chock the front and the back of it before finally unbolting it or it'll fall over. I'd check with your bodyshop first though that they actually want it without the front subframe, it's the subframes you measure off to check the alignment I think. Might be better to take out the engine and box and interior and leave a rolling shell for the bodyshop to sort out. Without a front subframe it'll be hard for the bodyshop to handle in their premesis so they might either just not do the work or charge you a bucket load for doing it.

Edited by Dan, 19 April 2006 - 09:31 PM.

[Tony1003]

Cheers for that info dan really apreciate it at least i know what direction im heading in now can start to get the endine out once i have the panels off