Engine frame removal

[alunwill]

Advise please.

What's the best way to remove the front subframe.

Take it off as a full assembly or in 3 bits.

Also what are the pitfalls, if any

Many thanks

Alun

[Gfhug]

Alun, I presume the engine is out? Also the forward bonnet support/pivot frame?
Forward suspension all removed?
How/where are you supporting the body?
You can take the front picture frame off first, then remove each of the side frames in turn.
Beware the reaction plate is held in place at the rear of the side frames.
Oh, and take lots (and lots) of photos as you go step by step.

Good policy to buy new frames, get in touch with Andy Rayner at Hutsons for the best fitting and quality.

Geoff

[alunwill]

Hi Geoff,

Yes everything is off the front subframes. The frames are new together with all the bodywork apart from the bulkhead. This is how I bought the resto project.

It looks as though the PO just didn't get round to relacing the foot pedal panel so I've decided to change this before it goes to paint.

I've not taken the front frame off before, hence my question. Remove as one complete assembly or as 3 individual sections.

[abowie]

I can't see why you can't take it off in one piece.

[Gfhug]

Alun, now you’ve explained then you can do as Andrew says and remove as one piece. Down to how easy you find doing it as a one man job or with help. After its been painted spray inside with anti-corrosion, you’ll find holes ideal for this, but don’t, of course, drill any new holes in the frames.

Geoff

[alunwill]

Took the frame off yesterday

Used the rope-trick to take the weight of the bonnet whilst I removed the bonnet and took the frame off in 4 sections. In the end, doing it in one piece was a bit impractical.

There's a fair amount of tension in that frame once bolted together. I can see fun and games getting those holes lined up to put it back together. Glad I'm doing it for the first time before paint!

Alun