littlekev Posted April 22, 2020 Report Share Posted April 22, 2020 Since I was refurbing the back axle, thought I might as well do the subframe as it looked pretty corroded. Did it on my garage floor so thought it would be a nightmare job but hasn't turned out too bad. One of the captive nuts has gone so I'll need to open that up but thankfully the subframe isn't too bad. Once places open up again I'll get it blasted and painted. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mk2 Posted April 22, 2020 Report Share Posted April 22, 2020 that's not too bad compared to one of mine. Show us pics how you did that captive nut. They're loads'a fun........... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
James_VW Posted April 22, 2020 Report Share Posted April 22, 2020 Is that the sub frame bolt? was it just spinning and so you've cut the head of the bolt off? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
littlekev Posted April 22, 2020 Author Report Share Posted April 22, 2020 Yes james that's right, will cut it open at the weekend. I'll post pics, could be a right mess 🤣 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mk2 Posted April 23, 2020 Report Share Posted April 23, 2020 I have an idea where it might be possible to simply drill a big hole (about 20mm diameter) right through the side of the reinforcing plate (lots of small drill holes in a circle-old skool styleee). Then once you can see the captive nut, plug everything with lots of weld, locking it back in again, being careful not to mess up the thread. Might work? Last time I did it with an angle grinder and a small die grinder, it was a nightmare. About 4h work start to finish, just for a loose nut. There is loads of anti rust wax in there (or should be). Take care when welding. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
James_VW Posted April 23, 2020 Report Share Posted April 23, 2020 (edited) Could you put a hole saw through it? Would that then leave you with a nice circle to weld back up with? I've never done it, just a thought? Edited April 23, 2020 by James_VW Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
imaparana Posted April 23, 2020 Report Share Posted April 23, 2020 is it worth refitting the subframe while you weld the captive nut back on? just so its in a close to factory location? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rich Posted April 23, 2020 Report Share Posted April 23, 2020 The captive nut has some play in it so it needs to be fluid. When you find it spinning you should open the leg instantly and weld it in place so you retain location. I once did a car and we could only get three subframe bolts in due to previous... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
littlekev Posted May 10, 2020 Author Report Share Posted May 10, 2020 Finally got round to this captive nut, straight forward enough so far. 20 minutes with a grinder and some messing about to get the captive nut cage out. No idea when I'll get back to welding it back up, will wait til I've got the subframe refurbed. Some pics.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mk2 Posted May 11, 2020 Report Share Posted May 11, 2020 I thought there was loads of wax in there. At least there should have been? I've noticed on a few Vdubs, the offside of the car has wax, but not the nearside sub frame mounting. I wonder if there was something happening for a few months on the production line. Fritz, the wax injecting waterproofer was off sick or enjoying too many late nights... (or was it Jean-Claude on the Belgium line?) Fabulous pics by the way. Very useful. Shows, if you're careful, it is possible to drill a decent hole in the side at the bottom. Then before attempting to remove the bolt bung a plug of weld in. Then, in theory, if it rounds off, you might be able to weld something onto the threaded part and loosen it. Maybe the action of welding the captive nut may also help loosen the thread...? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
littlekev Posted May 11, 2020 Author Report Share Posted May 11, 2020 I've looked before and couldnt find any pics so thought it would be useful to share, I sprayed rustoff in the small hole at the other side after this one failed which I think helped to free it off. I'll get a new bolt and re use the original nut/block. I'll post pics Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
littlekev Posted May 23, 2020 Author Report Share Posted May 23, 2020 Subframe blasted and primed Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mk2 Posted May 23, 2020 Report Share Posted May 23, 2020 Any tricks to clean the insides? Looks good BTW. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
littlekev Posted May 24, 2020 Author Report Share Posted May 24, 2020 I was just going to spray the inside with grease or sealant Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
littlekev Posted September 4, 2020 Author Report Share Posted September 4, 2020 Finally got round to fitting subframe and welding captive nut in place, just need to clean up welds, put on some bodysealant and paint.. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LR5V Posted September 4, 2020 Report Share Posted September 4, 2020 Nice work Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
littlekev Posted October 22, 2020 Author Report Share Posted October 22, 2020 Finally got axle, subframe, suspension and brakes etc rebuilt and car driven out of garage. Quite happy with ride height (standard shocks and eibach springs) although I'm sure it may settle down once driven. Next step is to get camber/alignment set up and motd as its been off the road for 5 years. Have also fitted 280mm front brake conversion and hel brake lines. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
C3peteo Posted October 22, 2020 Report Share Posted October 22, 2020 What did you get those 280 front brakes off? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
littlekev Posted October 22, 2020 Author Report Share Posted October 22, 2020 G60 caliper carriers and g60 discs with standard calipers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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