Rear subframe corrosion

I've got an 59 plate LE500 with rear subframe corrosion. Can anyone recommend smewhere in Stoke/Derby area to investigate and remedy at a reasonable price.

That rather depends on what you consider reasonable.

This guy  comes highly recommended, and is Derby-based.

You need to be prepared for a lot of work, if the subframe is rusty, then it is also likely that other rust will be found upon removing the engine. There is also a garage in Derby called  KD MOT  who specialise in MG's.

Are you not tempted to have a go yourself?

 

As Daedalus states I also recommend having a word (or Facebook message) with Dave from MgMobileMechanic.  Give you an idea at least.  But it COULD be a big job.  Could you help by a bit of DiY? 

The simplest and cheapest solution is to find another subframe, I bought both front and rear ones, the rear one came complete with suspension. I had them both steel shot blasted then galvanised, while the subframes were at the galvanisers I cleaned up the suspension. Doing that simple part will save you hundreds of pounds in mechanics time. You can just have the subframe blasted and paint it yourself, Jotun make a range of epoxy primers that can be brushed on, 60% of commercial ships are painted with Jotun paint. There’s no need for a top coat if the sun doesn’t shine on it, available in many colours too. Powder coat may look good but water will permeate through the smallest chips and while it looks pretty on the surface it’s not so good underneath. Apply Dinitrol every three years if not galvanised, Waxoil needs doing every two years and Lanoguard every year. 
 

And the total cost was??

I don’t remember the exact costs for everything but on checking my bank statements the steel shot blasting was a £100 and the galvanising was £272 including collecting and delivering back to me, so £185 each. I got quotes from several galvanisers and chose the cheapest, some of them don’t want to deal with private customers due to the hassle. If I had painted with Jotun epoxy primer they would have cost £85 each. Obviously it depends on how much you pay for the subframes but when I bought mine they were on eBay for £50 each, the rear one came with a complete suspension including springs. A bit of dismantling and they easily fit in a small hatchback. I remember that I bought one from “the cowbridge lad” on eBay the other was somewhere in north London, I collected it when we were visiting our eldest son. 

I am in Derby, and I have rear subframe which you can have for free if you can pick it up. it has surface rust in the usual places, but will clean up fine.

Can I correct the suppliers name please, it is Corbridgelad & although certainly not the least expensive, supplies items of consistent quality.
What’s more, he’s a nice bloke.
M

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