s3 picture frame

[driver]

Hi everyone , Has anyone ever changed or removed the picture frame ?
if so any advice?.
thanks Rob Gill.

[JJC]

Hi Rob : I have a Series 3 OTS. I am not familiar with a part known as the "picture frame" . Please enlighten me, and I will try to advise, if I can.

JJ

[mgcjag]

Hi Rob....the S3 dosnt have a picture frame like the S1/2(front frame attached to side frames)....it has a removable front crossmember....details on how to remove in the service manual in the Engine removal section...Steve

[driver]

Thanks , i have seen that in the service manual but I was hoping someone may have removed it with engine in situ If at all possible

[mgcjag]

Hi Rob....removing the cross member is one of the steps well prior to removing the engine...Steve

[angelw]

Steve Wrote:

the S3 dosnt have a picture frame like the S1/2(front frame attached to side frames)....it has a removable front crossmember....details on how to remove in the service manual in the Engine removal section...Steve

Hello Steve,
S1 and S2 Picture Frame is a coined name for what is correctly titled Front Crosssmember Assembly. Notwithstanding that the S3 has a removable Top Crossmember, SNG Barratt refer to it as a Picture Frame on their web sight and I've always heard it referred to as a Picture Frame, even by those after market manufacturers such as E-Type Fabs.

Rob Wrote:

Thanks , i have seen that in the service manual but I was hoping someone may have removed it with engine in situ If at all possible

Hello Rob,
The removal of an S3 Picture Frame is eminently possible with the engine in situ. We do this on quite a regular basis when having to repair the lower member, damaged through inappropriate use of a jack.


Before Repair


After Repair

Also when stripping a car for restoration, we normally support the engine, remove everything around it (engine frames, picture frame, etc) and then move the engine away when all is removed.

Regards,

Bill

[mgcjag]

Hi Bill...thanks for clarifying..........Rob...my misunderstanding.....thought you just wanted to remove the top crossmember.....as Bill said above yes the frame can be removed without removing engine....but its a whole lot of work..you just need to look and see what needs to be removed to get it out..........Steve

[Ole-xke1974]

More a guestion than anything.
When removing the “picture frame” with the engine in situ, would it not be advised to support the engine and suspension to take the load off the side frames when the side to side stability provided by the picture frame goes away ?
FYI. I have had my frames off the car but with suspension dismantled and engine out.
Cheers .... Ole

[mgcjag]

Yes...as mentioned by Bil above..if you dont support the engine and the body you will be in serious trouble..Steve