Subframe preservation

[Joesson]

I have an idea: Perhaps I could make aftermarket tubular steel rear subframes, seeing as the OEM ones are prone to rust out. Would any of you be interested in those? It would take a bit to develop, but might be worth a try.

I think while replacements are still available from Toyota it's unlikely to be cost effective. The other unknown is how long the replacement Toyota items last - presumably if the stock one has managed 15+ years on most cars, another 15 years will see the bulk of the cars into the breakers' yards anyway?

Succinct!
Maybe a little longer as there is now an increasing awareness of this problem area and perhaps a willingness to preserve the model.

[1979scotte]

Trouble with waxoil is that it only works on new and unpolluted surfaces. On rust it dries out to a wax which is waterproof and traps any salt and residual water underneath causing a big problem. Best solution is to spray with hot soapy water inside and out after removing all the bungs then dry out with a good hot engine and run. Next put the bottom bungs in and fill with gear oil. Then spray the outside with gear oil. Drain and dry off as much as possible with a fluffy towel. Oil does not dry out and keeps all those little corrosion holes in the metal filled. Leave the bungs out. I've been fighting rust since about 1960. Ought to be a law against it. Saved the rusty brake pipes and sills on my 1995 Land Cruiser with above method. No new corrosion for years now.
My MR2 cross member is very rusty outside but clean on the inside.

The other" problem" with Waxoyl is that itneed s to be warmed up for application and consequently when the weather is warm it softens and can drip.
Spraying the underside of cars with various oils, preused and otherwise, for underbody protection was something offered in the days of leaf springs. Gear oil would not be my choice of a travelling companion in these days of more advanced chemistry.
As others have mentioned, Bilt Hamber is a Company that has specialised in combating corrosion with seemingly good reviews and was my choice.
As with all things though, preparation is key and sloshing what ever onto visibly loose corrosion and flakey paint is not the way to do it.

From experience if you use waxoyl on a turbo 2 you soon won't have any waxoyl left.

[Bossworld]

I have an idea: Perhaps I could make aftermarket tubular steel rear subframes, seeing as the OEM ones are prone to rust out. Would any of you be interested in those? It would take a bit to develop, but might be worth a try.

I think while replacements are still available from Toyota it's unlikely to be cost effective. The other unknown is how long the replacement Toyota items last - presumably if the stock one has managed 15+ years on most cars, another 15 years will see the bulk of the cars into the breakers' yards anyway?

My 06 that I bought in 2014 needed welding so if you get an uncared for example they don't last long.

I guess my point being mate that if you're going to the effort of changing it for a new one, you're likely to do the preservation techniques listed here at the same time.

To your point though, whether many cars should still be on their original subframe at this moment in time, is a scary thought.

[Ardent]

Could anyone in the know give me a quick rundown on the differences between the pre- and post facelift ones? Would an aftermarket subframe based on the post-facelift one work on all cars?

An FL Sub will fit/work on a PFL car, but not the reverse.

[Snelbaard]

Thanks for the feedback guys, I'll give it a think.

[BARNPOT2000]

https://gt4-play.co.uk/shop/mr2-roadster-rear-subframe-genuine-toyota
Saw this just now, is this a good price,£323, for a brand new subframe?

[Chilli Girl]

I'd say that price is spot on.

[1979scotte]

https://gt4-play.co.uk/shop/mr2-roadster-rear-subframe-genuine-toyota
Saw this just now, is this a good price,£323, for a brand new subframe?

I'd call Paul at TCB and see what price he can do.

[BARNPOT2000]

https://gt4-play.co.uk/shop/mr2-roadster-rear-subframe-genuine-toyota
Saw this just now, is this a good price,£323, for a brand new subframe?

I'd call Paul at TCB and see what price he can do.

Thank you , I will.

[The Other Stu]

https://gt4-play.co.uk/shop/mr2-roadster-rear-subframe-genuine-toyota
Saw this just now, is this a good price,£323, for a brand new subframe?

I bought one from Paul Pridham in June for £263. He's a forum sponsor too.

[Chilli Girl]

For a new one? That's a good price.

[The Other Stu]

For a new one? That's a good price.

Brand new and shiny

Came next day too.

[ManInDandism]

I bought one off eBay a couple weeks ago - brand new £199 + £26 postage. I think seller had more than one as well.



Just tucked away for now!

[BARNPOT2000]

https://gt4-play.co.uk/shop/mr2-roadster-rear-subframe-genuine-toyota
Saw this just now, is this a good price,£323, for a brand new subframe?

I bought one from Paul Pridham in June for £263. He's a forum sponsor too.

Just ordered one from Paul, might fit it over the winter, but might acquire new arbs and new bushes first... 😎

[BARNPOT2000]

If replacing a subframe with a new one would members recommend pre painting or powder coating before fitting? Powder coating sounds better but then I guess not easily repaired if scratched or damaged, any thoughts?

[1979scotte]

If replacing a subframe with a new one would members recommend pre painting or powder coating before fitting? Powder coating sounds better but then I guess not easily repaired if scratched or damaged, any thoughts?

It's the inside you need to worry about

[BARNPOT2000]

If replacing a subframe with a new one would members recommend pre painting or powder coating before fitting? Powder coating sounds better but then I guess not easily repaired if scratched or damaged, any thoughts?

It's the inside you need to worry about

Absolutely, Bilt Hamber stuff will be going inside, just not sure if its worth getting the subframe powder coated or would a thorough paint job be the better option?

[J88TEO]

I bought one off eBay a couple weeks ago - brand new £199 + £26 postage. I think seller had more than one as well.



Just tucked away for now!

That's a very good price!
Do you have the seller's name?
Cheers.

[Bossworld]

If replacing a subframe with a new one would members recommend pre painting or powder coating before fitting? Powder coating sounds better but then I guess not easily repaired if scratched or damaged, any thoughts?

It's the inside you need to worry about

Absolutely, Bilt Hamber stuff will be going inside, just not sure if its worth getting the subframe powder coated or would a thorough paint job be the better option?

I think the latter is still worth doing. I put two coats of Hammerite smooth black on both cars I've had a replacement subframe on, the factory powdercoat didn't seem particularly great

[BARNPOT2000]

If replacing a subframe with a new one would members recommend pre painting or powder coating before fitting? Powder coating sounds better but then I guess not easily repaired if scratched or damaged, any thoughts?

Thanks, I was thinking about using hammerite. Did you seal up the 4 Corner holes as well or leave them to allow any inside moisture to dry naturally?

It's the inside you need to worry about

Absolutely, Bilt Hamber stuff will be going inside, just not sure if its worth getting the subframe powder coated or would a thorough paint job be the better option?

I think the latter is still worth doing. I put two coats of Hammerite smooth black on both cars I've had a replacement subframe on, the factory powdercoat didn't seem particularly great

Thanks, I'll probably hammerite too. Did you seal the subframe holes in the corners or leave them as vents to dry any moisture that might occur inside?

[Bossworld]

If replacing a subframe with a new one would members recommend pre painting or powder coating before fitting? Powder coating sounds better but then I guess not easily repaired if scratched or damaged, any thoughts?

Thanks, I was thinking about using hammerite. Did you seal up the 4 Corner holes as well or leave them to allow any inside moisture to dry naturally?

It's the inside you need to worry about

Absolutely, Bilt Hamber stuff will be going inside, just not sure if its worth getting the subframe powder coated or would a thorough paint job be the better option?

I think the latter is still worth doing. I put two coats of Hammerite smooth black on both cars I've had a replacement subframe on, the factory powdercoat didn't seem particularly great

Thanks, I'll probably hammerite too. Did you seal the subframe holes in the corners or leave them as vents to dry any moisture that might occur inside?

I didn't seal it, I have seen the various posts afterwards (and get the logic) but I had a mechanic fit my subframe after I'd painted it up (I sprayed cavity wax over it and into it too; whether that will have made any long term difference once up to temp, I'm unsure).

At the time I wasn't as mechanically minded (and I got taken to the cleaners as a result) but I'd go back to my other point about longevity of the car itself, I reckon a replacement subframe will probably outlive most MR2s.

[ManInDandism]

I bought one off eBay a couple weeks ago - brand new £199 + £26 postage. I think seller had more than one as well.



Just tucked away for now!

That's a very good price!
Do you have the seller's name?
Cheers.

mr.blue-skies 

Just seems to sell an assortment of car parts for loads of different marques and models.

[J88TEO]

Thanks.

[BARNPOT2000]

If replacing a subframe with a new one would members recommend pre painting or powder coating before fitting? Powder coating sounds better but then I guess not easily repaired if scratched or damaged, any thoughts?

It's the inside you need to worry about

Absolutely, Bilt Hamber stuff will be going inside, just not sure if its worth getting the subframe powder coated or would a thorough paint job be the better option?

I think the latter is still worth doing. I put two coats of Hammerite smooth black on both cars I've had a replacement subframe on, the factory powdercoat didn't seem particularly great

Just starting to think about the upcoming subframe replacement I have planned and was wondering if you sprayed or brushed the hammerite please? I think I'll be painting before fitting, brushing will no doubt give a thicker coat but spray will be neater, any preferences?

[Ardent]

I brushed mine. 2 coats.