Galvanised Subframe

[Tonks4x4]

I know it has been discussed before but I have just had another batch of subframes done for myself and some friends.

I have now found the best process for the best result for a fit and forget option for the subframes on your S2.

First process is to have the subframes dipped which removes all paint, rust, debris and any organic material leaving just metal.

Once this has been done you can make any repairs, alterations or welding etc.

Then off to galvanising



This can then be T-Washed, etch primered, high build primered and then painted. For a high gloss finish of your choice.

It is a fairly costly process and would not be cost effective to do just 2 subframes on their own.

I don't have any for sale but just thought I would share what I have found to be the best option to outlast any car.




Tonks4x4 - The Land Rover Specialist

[rxl]

price? wanted to do my subframes in next weeks...

[Tonks4x4]

Both processes have a minimum order so would cost you over a couple of hundred quid, I had a batch of other Land Rover stuff done including chassis and bulkheads so can't give an exact price


Tonks4x4 - The Land Rover Specialist

[spink]

Looks really good. I've often thought about this being the only way to fully protect subframes (used to work in a galv plant briefly).painting/powder coating probably only protects 60-70% of the surface area leaving the insides to rot away.

Did you have them shotblasted aswell or just put in the caustic/acid tanks?

[martinws]

I had my subframes and wishbones shot blasted and galved last year and just T washed and por15ed them. The shot blast n galv cost me £114 inc vat at Scottish galvanizers in Glasgow.

[Error404]

I always understood that the galv process would warp press formed steel due to the heat, I guess not?
This begs the question, can you galv a complete shell?

[rynaqui]

I'm in if the price is not too steep! Would this be front and rear?

[driftin jo]

I always understood that the galv process would warp press formed steel due to the heat, I guess not?
This begs the question, can you galv a complete shell?

That depends on the process, you are referring to hot dip, however galvanizing can done by electrolysis, 'electroplating'. This is how it was first done and where it got its name from.

If it is done this way there is no heat, so yes you could do a shell, expensive though

[Tonks4x4]

We have bulkheads done also which are pressed steel, you do end up with a rough surface finish and there is an element of warping. I would not like to do a shell as there would be a huge amount of bodywork to be done afterwards




Tonks4x4 - The Land Rover Specialist

[driftin jo]

Did you know that the 100/200 quattro's were fully galvanised in 1985, the later cars
only got part galvanised due to cost issues and cheaper corrosion techniques were developed,
although these were not as good. I had an Audi 100 quattro and it came with a 10 year anti corrosion warranty.
They even made an Audi 100 shell from aluminium in 1985! see pic . This was obviously a tester for the later production A8.

[Error404]

I had guessed our cars (B3/B4) the panels were pressed from galvanised stock then assembled, which is why they seem to rust from the spot welds - where the zinc plating was vapourised

[AndyP]

That depends on the process, you are referring to hot dip, however galvanizing can done by electrolysis, 'electroplating'. This is how it was first done and where it got its name from.

If it is done this way there is no heat, so yes you could do a shell, expensive though

The problem with the electrolysis method is it only works on 'line of sight', which means none of the inside of the subframe would get coated. The hot dip process does not have this problem, I would also have thought that a subframe is sturdy enough to avoid any warping, body panels on the other hand??

[driftin jo]

The problem with the electrolysis method is it only works on 'line of sight', which means none of the inside of the subframe would get coated. The hot dip process does not have this problem, I would also have thought that a subframe is sturdy enough to avoid any warping, body panels on the other hand??

That's nonsense sorry, as long as the solution is pumped around and through chambers you can plate anything with electrolysis.

A friend of mine had a subframe chrome plated and I can assure you it was coated on the inside.

[A80Avant]

If that's nonsense I would be interested as well but given the fact that this is something you do once the car is stripped down I find it difficult in regards to timing of when to have it done.

[Error404]

Definitely do it after you've stripped it Vas