Subframe strengthening

[S2central.net]

My front subframe is mechanically sound and I am going to get it blasted and repainted (cannot decide on POR15 or Powder Coat) but before I do that I was wondering if it's worth getting it stitch welded or strengthened in other ways to add stiffness and robustness.

I had a quick search on the forum to see if anyone else has BTDT but it doesn't seem so.

Any thoughts or experiences welcome.

[s2driveruk]

Always thought they actually look pretty solid off the car let alone bolted up with a set of solid or poly bushes...i had mine blasted zinc'd and powder coated and being under the car the other weekend it was still looking in decent shape...was done 6 or 7 years back and last year can ran throught the winter.

[S2central.net]

I agree as there are loads of spot welds around the seams. Just wondering if it's worth beefing them up anywhere as the car should see the odd track day if this project ever completes.

[Error404]

I stitch welded mine around the seam, same with rear wishbones

[S2central.net]

The rear wishbones would definitely benefit from that - easy to see where along the seams. Harder to see on the subframes but I will definitely investigate before I get them blasted.

[speeding-g60]

i weld mine completely around all seams. moving around a lot to disperse heat of course.

and when i ran stamped control arms, same thing weld the joint.

did it do anything? sheesh i am not smart enough to be able to measure anything like that.

might as well in my case, my time i own and it was no big deal. also lets you clean up scrappy stuff in the process.

[terrybullwon]

Problem is the sub frame will move on the mounts before it will make the sub frame change shape.

[S2central.net]

Do you mean there is a chance of deforming it during welding operations ?

[diesel des]

I welded all the seams on both my subframes for the urq.

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[S2central.net]

Fancy doing two more sometime ?

[diesel des]

Could be done Paul. They don't weld very neatly as even when blasted their is so much crap in the seam.

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[AndyP]

Could be done Paul. They don't weld very neatly as even when blasted their is so much crap in the seam.

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I tried TIG welding mine after blasting and had the same issue, I gave up in the end. Probably have more sucess with a MIG,

[diesel des]

Even with the mug it spits etc.

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[terrybullwon]

Do you mean there is a chance of deforming it during welding operations ?

I mean under hard corning on good tyres the sub frame will move on the 4 bolts

[diesel des]

I tied the subframe bolts into the cage in an effort to stop this. Is this a common issue?

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