I am doing a nut and bolt restoration on my 66 Coupe which I have owned for the past 20 yrs. I have dismantled the whole car except for the front subframe. Should I lift the car off the subframe with the help of a few friends or should I jack the car and then lower the subframe with a mini-crane? Please take into consideration that the rear end of the car is suspended on stays.
Best regards,
Manuel.
Subframe removal
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Manuel
Re: Subframe removal
Sorry guys, but I realized that I did not mention that the subframe is still loaded with engine, gearbox and suspension.
Manuel.
Manuel.
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Julian
Re: Subframe removal
Hi Manuel.
It sounds like your fulvia is in the same condition as mine.
I removed the engine, gearbox and subframe as one unit, with myself and a strong friend lifting the whole body up and over the engine/subframe and rolling it backwards on the rear wheels. If the car is stripped to a shell it is not to heavy. I would not advise that you try this on stays and would recommend that you either bolt the back axel back on or make up a strong body stand on casters.
Before the lift you must strip out the radiator and obviously disconnect all engine to car pipes/ wires etc. When lifting the car be careful not to damage the gear lever. My car is a S2 so there is more space at the back end of the gearbox.
Once the engine/subframe is out, I found the easiest way of working on the car was to leave the back axle and wheels in place and make up a body stand on casters for the front. This supports the car under the jacking points and allows the car to be rolled around the workshop as required.
Hope this helps and good luck
Julian
It sounds like your fulvia is in the same condition as mine.
I removed the engine, gearbox and subframe as one unit, with myself and a strong friend lifting the whole body up and over the engine/subframe and rolling it backwards on the rear wheels. If the car is stripped to a shell it is not to heavy. I would not advise that you try this on stays and would recommend that you either bolt the back axel back on or make up a strong body stand on casters.
Before the lift you must strip out the radiator and obviously disconnect all engine to car pipes/ wires etc. When lifting the car be careful not to damage the gear lever. My car is a S2 so there is more space at the back end of the gearbox.
Once the engine/subframe is out, I found the easiest way of working on the car was to leave the back axle and wheels in place and make up a body stand on casters for the front. This supports the car under the jacking points and allows the car to be rolled around the workshop as required.
Hope this helps and good luck
Julian
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P. de R. Leclercq
Re: Subframe removal
I have written out the procedure for removing the subframe; it can be found in the hints and tips section I think - or search this forum
Paul
Paul
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Axel
Re: Subframe removal
Hi Paul,
at this time I'm also in the job of dropping the whole subframe thing including engine, gearbox and so on. (S2 Coupé)
First of all thanks for the excellent description you wrote. I think everything should be done up to now, except of one little detail: I'm stuck with removing the steering column from the steering box, can't locate the M8 nut and bolt you mentioned.
Could it be that it's hidden under the rubber sleeve which is leading to the passenger compartment? I'm a bit scared to damage it, it's a bit hard to reach, because it's hidden tight under the brake servo and rubber parts are not that cheap in most cases.
Thank you, Axel
at this time I'm also in the job of dropping the whole subframe thing including engine, gearbox and so on. (S2 Coupé)
First of all thanks for the excellent description you wrote. I think everything should be done up to now, except of one little detail: I'm stuck with removing the steering column from the steering box, can't locate the M8 nut and bolt you mentioned.
Could it be that it's hidden under the rubber sleeve which is leading to the passenger compartment? I'm a bit scared to damage it, it's a bit hard to reach, because it's hidden tight under the brake servo and rubber parts are not that cheap in most cases.
Thank you, Axel
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Paul de R. Leclercq
Re: Subframe removal
You are correct; the pinch-bolt that locates the end of the steering-column to the splined input shaft on the steering-box is concealed inside the circular rubber sleeve fitted between the steering box and the body.
I have never worked out how the Works fitted these - perhaps if one removes the brake-servo it might be possible with persistence and strong fingers. Needless to say, my car no longer features this!
Paul
I have never worked out how the Works fitted these - perhaps if one removes the brake-servo it might be possible with persistence and strong fingers. Needless to say, my car no longer features this!
Paul
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Manuel
Re: Subframe removal
To Julian and Paul,
Thanks for your advice. I will get back as soon as I do the job.
Manuel from Malta.
Thanks for your advice. I will get back as soon as I do the job.
Manuel from Malta.
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Axel
Re: Subframe removal
So I think I have to twist my fingers, ouch!
You've made me couriuos, how did you carry off getting rid of this "feature"?
Did you declare the bolt to be redundant or invented some special trick?
Thanks again, Axel
You've made me couriuos, how did you carry off getting rid of this "feature"?
Did you declare the bolt to be redundant or invented some special trick?
Thanks again, Axel
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P. de R. Leclercq
Re: Subframe removal
No! I got rid of the rubber boot and put up with the draughts!
Paul
Paul