Removing the subframe

I have the engine an trans pulled, all fenders off, rad support off ect. and was wondering if it was worth pulling the subframe. I am planning on paint the rest of the under body(have already done up to the floor pan support behind the tailshaft of the tranny) I wasn't sure if it was worth the trouble, i know it would make paint and cleaniong it easier. I wasn't sure what was involved with alignment and such when reinstalling it.
Here are a few pics of my progress.
When I got it
http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t256/blord14/Nova/IMG_1595.jpg
although it looks decent, it was a quickie paint job in the engine compartment and was actually quite sloppy, plus the engine needs lots of work, so i figured it was easiest to just pull it.

Engine on Hoist
http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t256/blord14/Nova/CopyofDSCN0067.jpg

Engine OUt
http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t256/blord14/Nova/CopyofDSCN0068.jpg

Down to subframe
http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t256/blord14/Nova/CopyofDSCN0088.jpg

thanks for any help you can provide

The biggest risk is a case of the "Might as Wells". You are into it pretty deep right now. You "might as well" pull the subframe off. Then you "might as well" strip the subframe down and get it blasted and painted/powerdercoated. You "might as well" get all new bushings. Then you "might as well" put the body shell on a rotisserie and detail the underside.

I say go for it, and don't look back. Make everything super clean just like the day it came off the assembly line.

SteveM.

Go ahead an pull the frame off. It makes cleaning and painting things much easier. If you are a DIY kinda guy (looks like you are) check out my build thread for ideas on how to clean up and paint your frame.

Looking back at it all, I think I should have had the frame powdercoated. Paint, no matter how good, will scratch. :awkward: But, touch up is a breeze with a rattle can! :)

Aligning the frame with the body is not a big deal - get the factory assembly manual, it details all that you need to know.

hi, were you planing on changing your body mounts? if not then leave the subframe on the car. but if you are changing the body mounts then take the subframe off. just remember to put back those alignment spacers at the firewall mounting location in the same postion or you will not be able to line up the fenders and steering box....

The biggest risk is a case of the "Might as Wells". You are into it pretty deep right now. You "might as well" pull the subframe off. Then you "might as well" strip the subframe down and get it blasted and painted/powerdercoated. You "might as well" get all new bushings. Then you "might as well" put the body shell on a rotisserie and detail the underside.

I say go for it, and don't look back. Make everything super clean just like the day it came off the assembly line.

SteveM.

Do yoiu mean something like this :D
http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd68/scherp69/PICT00146.jpg

x3 on taking the frame off. Do it now, blast it and coat it. You'll regret doing all that work and then looking at it later. This way you can take it off, check for cracks etc at the same time.

I think i am going to take it off, i already have a factory service, assembly and fisher body manual so it doenst sound too difficult. I almost didn't take it down this far, as i am a junior in high school and would like to have it at least on the road with good paint and decent interior for at least some of my senior year, we'll see how it goes. I have already cleaned up the rear underbody of my car except for the gas tank and new exhaust, bushings and shocks(dual exhaust will come after paint, budget doesn't allow) so i might as well go all out.
here are some pics of the finished rear.

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t256/blord14/Nova/DSCN0128.jpg

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t256/blord14/Nova/DSCN0127.jpg

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t256/blord14/Nova/DSCN0126.jpg

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t256/blord14/Nova/DSCN0125.jpg
I did all the cleaning and painting just lying on my back on the floor, not quite as nice as a rotisseree but a heck of alot cheaper.

I used VHT satin black epoxy paint for the underbody, it looks pretty good and is only $6 or so a can, as opposed to the eastwood kind at $10 or so a can.

I cant afford to have the frame powdercoated, so i plan to spray bomb it, will the VHT Satin black epoxy work okay for that do you think? I plan on using krylon semiflat for the rest of the underhood (firewall, inner fenders ect.)

Thanks for all the input, I really appreciate it.
Ben

I cant afford to have the frame powdercoated, so i plan to spray bomb it, will the VHT Satin black epoxy work okay for that do you think? I plan on using krylon semiflat for the rest of the underhood (firewall, inner fenders ect.)

Thanks for all the input, I really appreciate it.
Ben

Check out my build thread. :yes:

I did actually, and meant to mention that it was very well put together and very informative.
Thanks
Ben