Cleaning up the replacement subframe tonight, prior to sandblasting hopefully tomorrow, then re-paint on Friday.

I'm working on the principle that the car is recoverable and can keep this subframe therefore it might as well be a nice one. If that doesn't work out, at least I have a clean subframe for something else.

I removed as much of the loose rust and paint as I could with a wire wheel on the grinder which hopefully should make sandblasting quicker and therefore more likely to be squeezed in tomorrow :)

http://forum.a8parts.co.uk/attachmen...1&d=1608143083

http://forum.a8parts.co.uk/attachmen...1&d=1608143083

Ready to drop off in the morning

http://forum.a8parts.co.uk/attachmen...1&d=1608143083

Great work and a joy to read. Thanks for sharing Michaela +++

not replacing the bushes then?

No, the subframe bushes are fine. Its just really crusty, although tbh fairly representative of most D2s out there now.

Are you planning on doing anything with the inside of the subframe MJ? I was thinking of swilling some rust converter around the inside on the one I have when I get around to it.

I usually fill them with expanding foam, although I won't have time with this one. I may do it when it comes back off to get the crack welded.

This is it with the first coat of paint

http://forum.a8parts.co.uk/attachmen...1&d=1608367753

I really hate painting subframes! Its not difficult, just messy and so time consuming. Plus why do I only seem to do them in the winter? This is in my office with the heater on so the paint works. If I could find someone to do this job for me I would gladly farm it out, but it will barely fit in my local powdercoater's oven. Plus, powder means the bushes have to come out which adds considerable cost, in some cases unnecessarily.

Second coat today, then a day to dry so probably back on the car on Monday. Front lower control arms today.

It might be messy and time consuming, because one has to wait before painting the next layer.
But it looks so much better, and the knowledge that it will not start rusting again anytime soon, makes me love the process. I'd volunteer if I lived close by.
Although I agree it is a pain in the winter, when the temperature is to low.

Quite amazing really. You do all kinds of detailing and even manufacture items... but hate this.

I would have been more annoyed with the process getting the part prepared for the paint

Oh I dislike that bit equally as much, but at least once I've got all the larger chunks off and degreased it (in the case of the front ones) I can send that part out and get it sandblasted. I really need to just outsource the whole process so I get back a nice new subframe to put back on.

More progress on the car today. Mike came over and we swapped out the front lower arms which has straightened out the front end perfectly. The displacement of the wheel was because the large inner bushing on the right lower rear arm was distorted and so had pushed the bottom of the strut forward. With four new arms the front suspension measures within 1mm each side to fixed points on the body +++

http://forum.a8parts.co.uk/attachmen...1&d=1608397764

Mikki, what paint are you using on that subframe?