ford focus mk1 - help with front subframe

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Sun 14 Apr 2019 16:37
ford focus mk1 - help with front subframe - marty57ruby

I have a 3"x 4" hole in my front subframe and was wondering if i could fill it with fibre glass as it has to go for its mot soon would this pass with fibre glass?

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Sun 14 Apr 2019 18:05
ford focus mk1 - help with front subframe - Big John

No, it will need properly repairing cutting back to very sound metal and welding - which will end up making the hole much bigger and it is hard to weld in situ. Best to replace it , subframes are not that expensive to buy - but are labour intensive to fit.

If the rest of the car is not in fantastic condition this might not be an economically viable repair

Edited by Big John on 14/04/2019 at 18:14

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Sun 14 Apr 2019 20:26
ford focus mk1 - help with front subframe - marty57ruby

Thanks for the quick response. I will look at prices before I decide.

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Sun 14 Apr 2019 21:26
ford focus mk1 - help with front subframe - elekie&a/c doctor
I would check the rear of the car for rot before proceeding with any repairs at the front. Look around the rear sills and inner chassis legs, near the rear suspension arms.
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Sun 14 Apr 2019 21:50
ford focus mk1 - help with front subframe - Big John

I'd add rear wheel arches to that list - Check wheel arch/inner wing and lift rear seat base out to have a look , also look under boot carpet (rot can compromise rear shock absorber attachment and if bad the rear seatbelt anchoring.

On older ones look everywhere, lifting up carpets, seats etc...

Edited by Big John on 14/04/2019 at 21:57

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Sun 14 Apr 2019 22:07
ford focus mk1 - help with front subframe - Galaxy

You could probably get a decent second hand subframe from a scrapyard. It would work out much cheaper than buying a brand new one.

Make sure you find someone who is willing to fit a SH one first, though.

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Sun 14 Apr 2019 22:56
ford focus mk1 - help with front subframe - Big John

I'd say the biggest cost is the labour. New ones seem fairly cheap on that popular auction web site

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