Rear Subframe Fabrication

[J03]

How do chaps,

I'm hopefully seeing a fabrication company this week about having the rear subframe jigged & re-designed as a tubular steel construction (A bit like the below all being well) I've no idea on cost yet, it probably won't be viable knowing my luck, but as they're now discontinued I thought it was worth a quick chat with them.

Now before I go, first & foremost would people be interested in something like this as an alternative to OEM & secondly, do you have any input regarding the design etc..

[tomaky]

Firstly yes! obviously price dpendant.

[1979scotte]

They're not discontinued just 300+ from toyota.
Interested in anything that doesn't rust from the inside.
Could be interest from people who fit larger gearboxes like s54 or e153 as they require a notch from stock.

[J03]

Yes sorry I should've put that a different way, no more production just what's left in stock.

Nice idea re the other gearboxes, if the frame can "pinch in" around that area it would open it up to both markets.

[Jrichards20]

Yes! Most certainly, again dependant on price. Regards to design, would be great if you could accommodate the engine swaps  s:) s:)

[1979scotte]

Yes sorry I should've put that a different way, no more production just what's left in stock.

Are you sure?
If so glad I'm having a brand new one fitted and an older one in stock.
Makes this idea even more appealing.

[shnazzle]

Has my thumbs up. I'd rather replace mine with a tubular frame with a bit better rust prevention and potentially a bit lighter?
Our is it likely to be the opposite?

[J03]

I tried to order from Japan but was told that the part is now discontinued, along with a few other bits & bobs, namely ABS motor bracket & all rear control arms. Stock will be kicking about in various different countries & like you say, Toyota GB are able to source/order in for you, but the fact it's so susceptible to corrosion doesn't fill me with confidence when spending £300 plus. BUT if this proves to be an expensive exercise then I'll have no choice.

Meeting with them on Friday now, so I'll update then.

[Topdownman]

Yes! Most certainly, again dependant on price. Regards to design, would be great if you could accommodate the engine swaps  s:) s:)

It seems like a good idea to allow for more clearance so that it would work for standard and modified cars as you want a single option to make this more viable.

Looks good and like Scott says, this would inspire more confidence as you can see whats going on.

I understood that manufacturers have to ensure spares are available for at least 10 yrs after production stops?

Hopefully I wont need one of these myself for a while though!

[Treboeth]

Yes! Most certainly, again dependant on price. Regards to design, would be great if you could accommodate the engine swaps  s:) s:)

It seems like a good idea to allow for more clearance so that it would work for standard and modified cars as you want a single option to make this more viable.

Looks good and like Scott says, this would inspire more confidence as you can see whats going on.

I understood that manufacturers have to ensure spares are available for at least 10 yrs after production stops?

Hopefully I wont need one of these myself for a while though!

We are nearly at the 10 year point  s:cry: :cry: s:cry:

Very good idea.

What would be the  insurance implications modifying a structural part of the car?

[tommyzoom99]

im interested as long as its not silly money for 1

cheers tommy

[J03]

What would be the  insurance implications modifying a structural part of the car?

Good call, I'll look into it   s:wink: :wink: s:wink:

[StuC]

What would be the  insurance implications modifying a structural part of the car?

That is a good call. I guess that might depend on each insurance company. In it's simplest form it is a mod.

[Jrichards20]

I would guess at being similar to adding bracing? Just declare it and it will fit into one of the smaller mod categories.

[tom84]

Hi iam interested price dependant cheers tom

[gazza1286]

Not much change from £750 I wouldn't have thought...... Nice idea though.

[Webrondek]

Looks good

[Jrichards20]

Not much change from £750 I wouldn't have thought...... Nice idea though.

I'm oooooot!

[Mikeymead]

Also interested, price dependent of course.

[Anonymous]

Interested, but it will need to clear an e153 gearbox

[J03]

Dropped off the subframe earlier, they're going to jig it up & then give me some idea of costs. It's a low priority job though seeing as I won't be rebuilding the 2 until next year, but I'll update here when I have more info.

After initial talks, I'm hoping I can get a batch of 10 made up for around 350 per unit, but that's just speculation at the mo. If there's more interest it'd obviously bring the cost down.

[Treboeth]

So basically it would be 16% more expensive than stock but potentially have a longer service life.

Any idea how much longer this would last? Speculate away   s:mrgreen: :mrgreen: s:mrgreen:

[Mikeymead]

Well £350ish is only a little bit dearer than stock so could be viable in my opinion, are these for PFL or FL?

[1979scotte]

To be viable it needs to fit all models without modification.
So FL PFL and those with s54/e153 convertion.
For 400 or less it is a viable option.
For those who use there cars all year round/  do high mileage / not garaged the crossmember won't last.
Surely this option can't be worse corrosion wise possibly stronger too.
Would it end up being heavier than stock it's pretty light if you've ever carried one.

[Treboeth]

Think we are all waiting for the definitive spec/prices etc for a group buy decision  :-) :-) :-)
It's all on you  s;-) ;-) s;-)