12 replies to this topic

[benjwildeboer]

So I need a new rear subframe on the Red Baron.

Now, my plan was to buy one with all the suspension and brakes gubbins and just do a straight swap, but they seem a bit thin on the ground really.

There are hundreds of just bare rear subframes for sale, on ebay and elsewhere. I was just wondering how much of a pain it would be to build it all up?

If I was going to go down that route, I'd take the subframe off the car, swap over all the parts to the new frame, then fit it as a whole.


Your thoughts?

Cheers
Ben

[vaughn1]

easy enough mate, even do one side at a time so you have a reference piont if you get stuck, the only trouble i can see you having is bleeding the brakes but even with a fully built subby your going to have to bleed them.

its only nuts and bolts at the end of the day

[spritebug10]

So I need a new rear subframe on the Red Baron.

Now, my plan was to buy one with all the suspension and brakes gubbins and just do a straight swap, but they seem a bit thin on the ground really.

There are hundreds of just bare rear subframes for sale, on ebay and elsewhere. I was just wondering how much of a pain it would be to build it all up?

If I was going to go down that route, I'd take the subframe off the car, swap over all the parts to the new frame, then fit it as a whole.


Your thoughts?

Cheers
Ben

Its a fairly straight forward job really. I did it to my Old mini about 3 years ago and remember it being pretty simple . I need to do it again on my current mini project!
I might take some picture and upload them on here for future reference.

Cheers Mark.

[Barman]

I'm rebuilding my rear subframe at the moment... very straightforward with a Haynes manual and Intermong access!

[benjwildeboer]

thanks chaps, I guess I could just stop moaning and get on with it lol.

Although, I have spotted this:
http://cgi.ebay.co.u...=item2eaf0391ae

This is their website: http://www.subframes4minis.me/

Does anybody have any experience of these guys? Would be a huge weight off my shoulders to be honest, so I'd be willing to pay the extra for the fitting service!

Cheers
Ben

[nicksuth]

thanks chaps, I guess I could just stop moaning and get on with it lol.

Although, I have spotted this:
http://cgi.ebay.co.u...=item2eaf0391ae

This is their website: http://www.subframes4minis.me/

Does anybody have any experience of these guys? Would be a huge weight off my shoulders to be honest, so I'd be willing to pay the extra for the fitting service!

Cheers
Ben

Sounds strange ! only one feedback and it's negative !!

[benjwildeboer]

thanks chaps, I guess I could just stop moaning and get on with it lol.

Although, I have spotted this:
http://cgi.ebay.co.u...=item2eaf0391ae

This is their website: http://www.subframes4minis.me/

Does anybody have any experience of these guys? Would be a huge weight off my shoulders to be honest, so I'd be willing to pay the extra for the fitting service!

Cheers
Ben

Sounds strange ! only one feedback and it's negative !!

hmm yeah, that's what I was a bit concerned about. Was just wondering if anybody on here knew anything more about them?

Would be awesome if it turned out to be all good!

[94mayfair]

thanks chaps, I guess I could just stop moaning and get on with it lol.

Although, I have spotted this:
http://cgi.ebay.co.u...=item2eaf0391ae

This is their website: http://www.subframes4minis.me/

Does anybody have any experience of these guys? Would be a huge weight off my shoulders to be honest, so I'd be willing to pay the extra for the fitting service!

Cheers
Ben

Sounds strange ! only one feedback and it's negative !!

hmm yeah, that's what I was a bit concerned about. Was just wondering if anybody on here knew anything more about them?

Would be awesome if it turned out to be all good!

http://cgi.ebay.co.u...=item2eaf0391ae
the e-bay above listing could turn out to be an open cheque for someone if you read the blurb,???

[benjwildeboer]

http://cgi.ebay.co.u...=item2eaf0391ae
the e-bay above listing could turn out to be an open cheque for someone if you read the blurb,???

hmm good shout dude, I think I'll leave it!

I think if you could take your car to them for one of their inspections it would be worth it, but too risky for me...

[mgb1978]

I'd avoid them as well. They wil sell you a subframe for £199 but will only charge you £99 for it if they fit it??
This obviously doesn't include the fitting charge, which could be very expensive !!
And it's a fairly safe bet that they will find a few bits that need replacing while they are at it.

[Deathrow]

Thats probably because the labour charges will be extortionate to make their "deal" worthwhile for them.

The rear subframe isn't too complicated an animal, you shouldn't have any problems changing over the stuff yourself. You should have a trusty torque wrench handy though for the bolts that need torquing up (radius arm bolts come to mind).

Since you're replacing the frame, it's always good to check all components as you swap them over:

• Radius arms - Check bush and pin condition as well as rubber seals on the ends.
• Suspension knuckles - Check these are ok, or just replace as they're not very costly.
• Rubber doughnuts - Check these aren't past it, if they are it's easier to replace them now.
• Brake hoses - Check the rubber for signs of perishing.

This is all easier to do when swapping the components over, you can check the wheel bearings and brake components easily enough with it fitted to the car.

[benjwildeboer]

I'd avoid them as well. They wil sell you a subframe for £199 but will only charge you £99 for it if they fit it??
This obviously doesn't include the fitting charge, which could be very expensive !!
And it's a fairly safe bet that they will find a few bits that need replacing while they are at it.

yeah nar mean, not really worth the risk i don't think!

Thats probably because the labour charges will be extortionate to make their "deal" worthwhile for them.

The rear subframe isn't too complicated an animal, you shouldn't have any problems changing over the stuff yourself. You should have a trusty torque wrench handy though for the bolts that need torquing up (radius arm bolts come to mind).

Since you're replacing the frame, it's always good to check all components as you swap them over:

• Radius arms - Check bush and pin condition as well as rubber seals on the ends.
• Suspension knuckles - Check these are ok, or just replace as they're not very costly.
• Rubber doughnuts - Check these aren't past it, if they are it's easier to replace them now.
• Brake hoses - Check the rubber for signs of perishing.

This is all easier to do when swapping the components over, you can check the wheel bearings and brake components easily enough with it fitted to the car.

thats cool, cheers dude. Well I'm gonna keep a lookout for a fully built up one on ebay etc., but looks as though I'll probs end up getting a bare one and having to build it up myself.

cheers for the advice man.
Ben

[Redbaron6969uk]

Here is an idea.............how about I remove my rear subframe dismantle it, refurb all the components, complete all the repairs on the shell, paint and under seal and call them in to fit a new subframe......easier job for them and they would have supplied and fitted it.......but no nasties for them to find and charge me for. so it should only cost me £99 + about and hours labour.????????? lol