Twingo Twingo GT

[DaveL485]

I bet shipping cost more than the bloody item!

 

[Aldo]

I bet shipping cost more than the bloody item!

€45

 

[Aldo]

Subframe arrived tonight, a lot quicker than I expected. However, no ARB or wishbones etc. Not ideal since I'm needing the wishbone bolts.
On the plus side, it's in great condition. Only a few little bits of surface rust.

Hopefully start putting it back together on monday. My only other issue at the moment is the state of the caliper bleed nipples, they're almost rusted away.

 

[DaveL485]

My only other issue at the moment is the state of the caliper bleed nipples, they're almost rusted away.

Careful you don't snap them off, maybe heat the local area a bit before you crack them off. Use a hex socket so it doesnt round.

 

[Aldo]

Making a bit of progress now. Hopefully have it painted by tonight and ready to mount.

Careful you don't snap them off, maybe heat the local area a bit before you crack them off. Use a hex socket so it doesnt round.

They are already a bit round tbh. Like everything attached to the car, the calipers could be doing with a replacement. Possibly just leave as is, pistons are free to move. Visit them at a later date.

 

[Brigsy]

New subframe looks decent

Should be able to crack the bleed nipples off if careful. I recently got the front ones out of my clio dci and they were solid with rust, shock the surrounding area of the caliper with a hammer whilst turning gently, i always try to nip them up slightly to crack the rust before loosening.

If all else fails, welder out

 

[DaveL485]

I've also had moderate success with heating before cracking off.

 

[Will D93]

My method if at all interested,

wire wheel all around nipples (not your own)

Give the nipples themselves a dunt with a hammer, and surrounding area

Release oil of some sort and a single hex socket, or good mile grips if the faces are mince.

and yes there’s always the welder if needed!

 

[DaveL485]

Give the nipples themselves a dunt with a hammer

Sounds like my saturday night in

 

[Aldo]

I'll have a bash with some heat and penetrating lube, see how I get on. Vice gripes might be the order of the day.

Looks like the ARB powerflex to OE part numbers arent 100%. Should have went with measurements over part numbers.

 

[Adey]

yeah they are tight but those look a little small.

 

[Aldo]

It was all going so well... offered up the new subframe and the two front mounting points are 10mm off to the near side. Red line being the centre of the chassis leg.



The car doesnt seem to have had any repair work structurally, but there are indications of a bump on the offside. Non gen headlight etc. Shed!

 

[Duncan Grier]

Do you still have your old subframe to compare against?

If you release the ARB on the wishbones does this make any difference?

 

[Adey]

yeah as grier has said, might be worth taking some measurements off the old subframe and the new one plus the fixing points under the car just to confirm what part is out of shape.

 

[DaveL485]

Thats quite a way out, but you should establish which one is out - new or old subframes. Take the measurements between each mount hole - so a square around the edge and an X across the middle.

 

[Aldo]

Went out with a tape measure today. The measurements confirmed that the car and subframe are off. Underlined is the new subframe. If the car was a bit more valuable or special, I'd look into repairing but I'm popping smoke.



Now sold to a mate. Collecting after lockdown.

Show me the next moneypit!

 

[DaveL485]

That x measurement is quite telling - unfortunate! Reckon you'll get another?

 

[Aldo]

That x measurement is quite telling - unfortunate! Reckon you'll get another?

I was really on the fence about sourcing another car to reshell, but in honesty I'd struggle for the time. The situation has annoyed me more than anything.

My mate has a Twingo that they've had in the family since new, a perfect candidate. So we've struck a deal and I'm keeping a few bits from it.

I was quite close to buying a Megane 250 when I got rid of my M140i last year. So I think that's where I may be headed.

 

[DaveL485]

So I think that's where I may be headed.

Good choice, that would be my next move from the Meglio

 

[Aldo]

Progress on putting the Twingo back together has been slow. However, it's only a few bolts away from being back on all 4 wheels.

I've put a deposit on a megane 250, so hopefully it's as good as it reads. A mate is currently living 30 mins away from it, so I'm trusting him to view it for me.

Seems a nice spec, cup pack, xenons, leather recaros, KW V3s. Also had some attention recently, new tyres, a driveshaft and the geometry setup.

Anyone recognise the reg or car? From the Winchester area.