NC front subframe replacement & rust killing video

Technical Area Steering & Suspension
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My video on removing the front subframe, chassis rust fixing and the fitting replacment powdercoated subframe.

7 Likes
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These are the best MX5 based videos on you tube, watched them all !
Thanks for posting them

1 Like
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Thank you very much for your kind words.

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Impressive, although I have to say that from the pics the rust didn’t look that bad.

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Completely, get under there and fix it before it is bad. Thanks for watching.

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Hi Nick - Where did you source the subframe? Also, I’m assuming you replaced many of the suspension bushes and bolts?
Thanks,
Dave

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The lower arms were replaced last year and the top wishbone bushes earlier this. The bolts into the lower arm where new, I re-used subframe, top wishbone and shock bolts.

I got the subframe off ebay from a vehicle dismantler.

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Hi Nick - thanks for that. I’m looking at a refurbished front subframe on eBay which looks like it’s been grit blasted and then painted, it looks good. However, and given the MXs desperate history for rust, I’m concerned I’m just buying trouble, a cosmetic job. I’m trying to get a bit more information from the seller but it’s a no returns sale, I’m also 250 miles away.
Dave

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Its always hard to know how well the item has been sandblasted, but you have to take a gamble sometimes.

Here are some subframes ready to go:
MAZDA MX5 MK3 MK3.5/75 FRONT SUBFRAME RECONDITIONED BLASTED POWDER COATED NEW | eBay

or

MAZDA MX5 NC (mk3) FRONT SUBFRAME FULL REFURB AND POWDER COATED | eBay

Or do what I do and get the subframe unrestored and get your local powercoater to sort it.

I have the subframe and brace forsale for £100, but you will need to arrange collection

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Silly question but what’s with the foam filled cavity on the uprights on the front subframe? Is it to stop water ingress? Does it have to be refilled? Presumably when it’s blasted most will be destroyed…

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I just did a quick google, not a lot on it. But in general term it looks like it is added for strength.

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Hi Nick - thanks for your help.
D

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Just seems like a water trap to me. At least if it’s clear you can cavity wax it and any water that goes in can run out of the bottom

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From memory it’s only put in the NC Roadster Coupe subframes and it’s for sound deadening.

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But I have it on my nc3…

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Sorry, edited, I meant RC not RF. Although RF may have it too.

1 Like