10 replies to this topic

[TheJohnnyFoley]

Hey all,

I have a 99 spec miata.

 

Here is my dilemma I bought this car about 2 years ago got a good season out of here then Tore her down and didn't have much time due to work to get all this put back together. Even worse didn't have the money to pay someone to repair it. 

 

ISSUES: Front frame rail is rusted in front of the sub frame mounts, It was a salvage title from water damage btw.

 

This is the start of finding the rust. I was planning on replacing all the parts but wasn't sure how bad it was. So i kept searching. This was all the rust found and cut out. The Other side was almost the exact same...... UGGGGGHHHHH

 

 IMG_0070 (1).JPG   97.55KB   2 downloads

 

So was on to the hopeful fix in the DIY realm. I found sheet metal that was the same thickness as the OEM spec and bent a inner and outer skin and welded them into place. Only to find that the remaining OEM material is just so contaminated that all it does is blow holes in it. So here is my tack in.....

 

 IMG_0145 (1).JPG   116.11KB   2 downloads

 

Now the Real question is I know it looks bad and its not safe but figured i would give it a shot. I have failed so I am here at this point now. 

 

What are all the parts that I need to replace the inner and outer pieces of the lower frame rail now. ( the upper appron is in perfect shape btw)

 

This is the parts list that I have put together. I already have the stabilizer brackets On order.

Driver

Part # : NC10-54-310 FRAME(L),SIDE-INNER

Part # : NC10-54-35XA REINF.(L),FRAME-FRT SIDE

Part # : NC10-54-320 FRAME(L),SIDE-FRONT

 

Passenger

Part # : NC10-53-310 FRAME®,SIDE-INNER

Part # : NC10-53-35XA REINF.®,FRAME-FRT SIDE

Part # : NC10-53-320B FRAME®,SIDE-FRONT

 

Can anyone tell me if I am missing anything. Id love to get some advice on how to do it or what it cost to get it done. Thank you ahead of time!

[TheJohnnyFoley]

Images are upside down not sure how to fix that sorry!

[Tom Hampton]

What year is the car?

Is this a racecar, trackday, or street car?

[TheJohnnyFoley]

What year is the car?

Is this a racecar, trackday, or street car?

 

it is a 1999. It is a spec miata.

[Tom Hampton]

Re-Tub it.

[davew]

This is very common on northern cars. The multiple layers of steel make great hiding places for water and then rust. Since it is in front of the subframe mounts, it is really not that important. All this section does is hold the bumper/radiator etc in position. Last time I checked the individual pieces where not available, but the entire frame rail was.

 

dave

[ner88]

If you are in Florida, you should be able to find a good, rust free, used front clip.

just cut off what you need.

[OrangeCrush86]

If you replace the frame rail section be sure to do 45 degree cuts to increase load distribution. You should try to avoid a vertical cut.

 

If it were me I would rather find a new tub as rewelding the cage in will probably be easier than welding the frame rail. Those multi layered spot welded pieces suck to work on.

[Jim Drago]

You are there now..

If it were me and I made the mistake to start with a donor like this I would fix at this point.

 

I would personally plate it on both sides... I would insert a piece inside the rail and weld it in place. Then section in a non rusted piece from another car in the yard.

 

But as Dave said, it is in front of the subframes, so it is really holding sheet metal in place. If done as I said and welded correctly it will be plenty strong for impact. The cars are designed to crumple, that will be stronger than it was originally designed.

 

BTW, check lower quarter panels and rocker, right in front of rear wheel

Jim 

[TheJohnnyFoley]

If you replace the frame rail section be sure to do 45 degree cuts to increase load distribution. You should try to avoid a vertical cut.

 

If it were me I would rather find a new tub as rewelding the cage in will probably be easier than welding the frame rail. Those multi layered spot welded pieces suck to work on.

 

Unfortunately I messed up the opportunity to do that as There was a lot more rust than expected. How ever I do have a parts car that I could cut up if needed but wanted to get fresh stuff if possible.... But it is a parts car so...... Let the inner debate begin.

 

You are there now..

If it were me and I made the mistake to start with a donor like this I would fix at this point.

 

I would personally plate it on both sides... I would insert a piece inside the rail and weld it in place. Then section in a non rusted piece from another car in the yard.

 

But as Dave said, it is in front of the subframes, so it is really holding sheet metal in place. If done as I said and welded correctly it will be plenty strong for impact. The cars are designed to crumple, that will be stronger than it was originally designed.

 

BTW, check lower quarter panels and rocker, right in front of rear wheel

Jim 

Jim, are you talking about welding a plate parallel to the inner frame that is left essentially closing it off and then weld in a 1"(just a random size) diameter tube between them? Then replace the outer skin of what is needed. 

 

Thanks for the responses. I wish I had the money to get a new shell and start over buy hey when you don't have the funds you don't have the funds! I just wanna race!

[Jim Drago]

Unfortunately I messed up the opportunity to do that as There was a lot more rust than expected. How ever I do have a parts car that I could cut up if needed but wanted to get fresh stuff if possible.... But it is a parts car so...... Let the inner debate begin.

 

Jim, are you talking about welding a plate parallel to the inner frame that is left essentially closing it off and then weld in a 1"(just a random size) diameter tube between them? Then replace the outer skin of what is needed. 

 

Thanks for the responses. I wish I had the money to get a new shell and start over buy hey when you don't have the funds you don't have the funds! I just wanna race!

I'm not understanding.. 

basically put a layer of metal inside the rail and weld it up..  Then weld the plate you did or a piece from a parts car fluch or overlap what you cut out

Jim