front subframe

alectroll · Post by **alectroll** » Mon Aug 31, 2009 4:49 pm

Hi all, just had a look under the front of my van. I need advice really, is the metal bar type thing that runs directly across under my radiators the front subframe? And if it is can it be replaced?? Mine seems to be, ahem, a little bit corroded!!!

Thanks all, sorry for not being overly mechanically minded!!

bigdaddycain · Post by **bigdaddycain** » Mon Aug 31, 2009 5:02 pm

Do you mean the cross section that is body coloured? when you say corrosion, are we talking about some surface corrosion, or the type of corrosion that makes crumbling sounds when you push a thumb against it? If we are both talking about the same bit, i had mine stripped and re-painted with some of that stone chip/underseal stuff the last time mine was in the bodyshop, i only had the odd scab of surface rust on the leading edge,i suspect from flying stones etc over the years... The open apertures on my front bumper have now been meshed to offer some protection from flying debris.

See the section with the (admittedly) scruffy cabling on it? Do you mean that cross section?

alectroll · Post by **alectroll** » Mon Aug 31, 2009 5:06 pm

Its the bit of metal that runs directly behind the front bumper and just below/in front of the radiator. looks as though its got the towing bracket on it. And the corrosion definitely is NOT surface!!! I dont even want to put a screwdriver anywhere near it as i think it'll go straight through!!

bigdaddycain · Post by **bigdaddycain** » Mon Aug 31, 2009 5:28 pm

Ah...Ok we are talking about the same part then... Without jacking my bongo up (it's too low to clamber underneath) i don't know offhand if it's welded to the chassis, or bolted up... If it's bolted up then i reckon it's a relatively easy swap ovver from a breaker with a decent section...It's obviously more complicated if it needs grinding off, and a new section welding on. One thing is for sure, temporary bracing will need to be welded across before the strut is removed to make sure that nothing moves whilst it's off being replaced.

alectroll · Post by **alectroll** » Mon Aug 31, 2009 6:47 pm

Thanks for taking the time to go and get a pic, yes its definitely the same bit!! Yet more money to be spent on the old van!!!

bigdaddycain · Post by **bigdaddycain** » Mon Aug 31, 2009 7:26 pm

The actual section shouldn't cost more than about £30 or so from a breaker i'd have thought...It'd be a lot simpler if it was just a bolt on part though.

bigdaddycain · Post by **bigdaddycain** » Mon Aug 31, 2009 7:27 pm

Is the majority of the rust on the leading edge facing the front of the bongo?

alectroll · Post by **alectroll** » Mon Aug 31, 2009 9:18 pm

It seems to be along the leading edge and then a heck of a lot underneath one part of it, it definitely needs replacing as it's actually holed!!!. Its off back to the garage tomorrow to go up on the ramp to have a look at something else so will have a prod about and see what the score is.

missfixit70 · Post by **missfixit70** » Mon Aug 31, 2009 10:16 pm

Does this help - http://www.lushprojects.com/bongopartsm ... mgno=.html

alectroll · Post by **alectroll** » Tue Sep 01, 2009 9:08 am

Wow!! you absolute dancer!!! Exactly what i needed, many many thanks for the help!!!

Now where the h### do i get a replacement for that!!??

spitineye · Post by **spitineye** » Tue Sep 01, 2009 3:09 pm

alectroll wrote:Wow!! you absolute dancer!!! Exactly what i needed, many many thanks for the help!!!

Now where the h### do i get a replacement for that!!??

are we looking at part 53-160B?

I got mine from AVA Leisure I think. I think they all refer to it as the front cross-member. £70 should get you one. Removing the old one and replacing the new one is the tricky part. Took my mechanic the best part of a day to do it! lots of cutting, grinding, spot welding, swearing etc got it tho.

alectroll · Post by **alectroll** » Tue Sep 01, 2009 3:18 pm

Yep thats the very part, the guy who works on my van up here took one look at it on the ramp earlier and basically burst out laughing on the spot it was so bad!! i'm just wondering how the radiator is still in place, think its that thats holding the cross member in place actually!!!

Muffintop · Post by **Muffintop** » Thu Sep 03, 2009 11:00 pm

Hello there just looking through site and gathering information on Front crossmembers.. as you do! And with interest read your conversation.. Thanks for the info. picked up a few tips and i would like to say that the illustrations were fab. now i can see exactly what i have spent my money on.....

. I have just found a Front crossmember at a fair price.. although having to wait a week or so for delivery... and after a bit of searching...Planning to get it fixed in place next week along with both sills.

I believe the garage will plate the sills as cannot find any one who sells them???
The budget/estimate just about matches the money we got off the Mango Bozda when we bought it.. so fairs fair eh??

(MOT and fog light bulb extra!!!)

Then it gets a good under wax!!!!! and respray...and.....
Cheers Muffintop

Post by **Simon Jones** » Fri Sep 04, 2009 6:23 pm

There is a supplier on ebay who was selling them for about £50 brand new. As previously mentioned, its a major job to change it. I had some rust on mine, but it was just causing the paint to flake off, so it was possible to clean it, treat the rust & then Waxoyl

alectroll · Post by **alectroll** » Sun Sep 06, 2009 10:43 am

Bloody hell!! that is certainly a very major job, looks as thought my bank balance is goint to take yet another hit!! What is the description on evilbay for the bit please?

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