sub frame removal

[gazman276]

how big a job is it to drop the sub frame and reinstall it as those of you who remember me know its been sitting a while now and its starting to show so what i want to know is can i remove this so i can wire brush clean it paint and seal it then put it back on the car cos i would like to restore it all (clean rust off as it is only surface new brake pipes and every thing while frame's off ,underseal body and frame ) cos im not losing this i love it and ive never driven it yet
so please let me know [quote][/quote]

[woodwizzard]

I'm probably being a bit dim, but what do you mean by sub frame

[Road Hog]

If you mean , seperate the body from the chassis , it is a lot of work.

[TonyG]

Ahh, sub frames - Minis, 1100s and the like. Lots of fun. (Sorry, you probably don't know what I'm talking about - before your time!)

I'd really strive to get the best access you can to a Frontera via trolley jack, axle stands etc. Ramps are fine but I'd still want secondary emergency support to the height the ramps placed the car. I'd then pressure wash it with a Karcher.

Once dried then some old cushions or even bubblewrap for your comfort - a wire brush, circular wire brush on electric drill, wide bladed chisel or similar (a pair of goggles handy at first). Corroding brake pipes are a 4x4 problem and I'd guess do bring about the premature death of many Fronteras. If just a few white-ish spots then a gentle brushing with something like a suede brush can reveal the extent of corrosion. The SWB also has a spot where the pipes disappear beneath a non removeable plate - you can just see a small section through a round cut out. This can be a weak spot, but you can get your hand inside to apply grease etc. If you have to remove pipes then "Plus-gas" is a wonderful product if you can still obtain it (releasing fluid). But there is a LOT of pipework to dual systems and it's not for the feint hearted. I'd just replace what it MOT fails on - and Waxoyle the rest at the same time. Bodywork wise they are not too bad (I've seen much worse). The rear sills can rot from the inside on the SWB, as can the outriggers (outer body supports). All will be visible when wire brushed.

I know it would be great to just lift off the body like an old Landrover or Suzuki - but one hell of a job! But if this is your intention some photos here would be appreciated of your progress. I know what it's like to either scrap or sell an old car and then wish you'd made the effort to restore it. I once scrapped a Vauxhall Victor 2000 (the superb '68 to '71 shape) that was bodily and mechanically sound, and over 20 years later it still niggles me I'm lucky with my SWB as we've had it since practically new and the underbody is in a unique condition, in fact I must do some photos for here sometime.

Tony.

[alex]

Actually, 2 people, big stands and a good engine lift or forklift and its a simple job.

Need to isolate the wiring loom, heater pipes, steering, fuel lines etc and undo bolts. Lift body, roll chassis from under andvoila its all available.
Reverse to re fit.

Ryan, Nifty and myself removed Nifties body and swapped for a new one. Only nasty issues were electrical (mostly imobiliser).
Wouldnt do it just to paint it though. Although there are a lot of jobs made really easy for it, even gearbox drops etc.

[gazman276]

thanks for all your replys but i like tony's idea the most and the brake line's are finished and the rubber pipes have had it on the ends aswell they are all rusted beyond repair but never fear will keep a photo record of the "before and after" thing just for the fun of it ha ha will keep you all upto date
thnks oh and by the way i do remember the old minis b4 bmw wrecked them such a shame to a good car and the victor was ok

[gazman276]

hi too all been a while but had three ops started a new job and then got cracking have lifted the body off the chassis not easy pulled my back muscles in the process but its done will get photos up asap for all too see.
its stop job at the moment as my back froze on me on thur so im off work and stuck in the house but as soon as im up again will carry on and post pics to keep you upto date