Subframe
10-21-11
I had already separated the subframe from the chassis, and pulling the front springs is a bit dangerous even with the sub attached, due to the pressure they are under. Therefore, I took a few precautions so I wouldn't be eating spring. First, only loosen the nut on the lower control arm..DO NOT REMOVE IT. This nut will act as a "stop" for the released spring. As an extra precaution, I wrapped a chain around the spring and placed a floor jack a few inches below the control arm. I then wrapped a tie down around the front axle of the jack and the frame. Using a pickle fork and a 5 lb hammer, I separated the lower balll joint. Once it "popped" onto the loosened lower nut, I released the chain and then lowered the jack. The spring just falls out with a little help from a prybar. It worked great and at no point was there any uncontrolled leverage created by the spring. The last pic shows the tools I used.
I had already separated the subframe from the chassis, and pulling the front springs is a bit dangerous even with the sub attached, due to the pressure they are under. Therefore, I took a few precautions so I wouldn't be eating spring. First, only loosen the nut on the lower control arm..DO NOT REMOVE IT. This nut will act as a "stop" for the released spring. As an extra precaution, I wrapped a chain around the spring and placed a floor jack a few inches below the control arm. I then wrapped a tie down around the front axle of the jack and the frame. Using a pickle fork and a 5 lb hammer, I separated the lower balll joint. Once it "popped" onto the loosened lower nut, I released the chain and then lowered the jack. The spring just falls out with a little help from a prybar. It worked great and at no point was there any uncontrolled leverage created by the spring. The last pic shows the tools I used.
11-15-11
Was able to get the subframe completely stripped. This is rather symbolic as the car is now completely dissmantled and moving forward we will start putting the car back together. Next we will clean, sandblast and paint the subframe as well as all of the subframe components.
12-11-11
We have stripped the subframe (by hand with wire wheels and sanding disks...next time I will bring it to a sandblaster!). It is now etched with Eastwood After Blast and has 1 coat of Eastwood Extreme Chassis Primer:
12-16-11
Final coated with 2 coats of Eastwood Extreme Chassis Satin Black. It's still a little shiny as it is still drying:
