Williams question

[Dean250]

Replaced my Radiator and coolant bottle today but the subframe underneath the radiator was in a bad way, I've removed all the loose rust, treat it with some chemical rust stuff then sealed but it's still weak.

anyways my car came with it's front bumper off, but I'm just wondering is there a cover missing that protects the underneath?

The clio 16v has a full front cover that would protect this area, i know the williams does have a gearbox oil cover but does it also have this cover?

if so it's missing from mine!

[Dean250]

Very rusty, notice on the second picture the bottom passenger side mount for the rad had corroded through! has anyone else had this area as bad as this?!

[GaryBarnz]

Hi Dean, My Clio has exactly the same problem. It doesn't seem to be a mileage related issue as my Clio has less than 36k on the clock and is garaged. When it went in for it's last service I was advised to look at a replacement sub-frame for next year as it has rust on the radiator side. I contacted Renault to try & buy a new sub-frame but they are not available any longer even at 700 Euros a pop. No choice but to look for a salvage one to be shot-blasted and powder-coated which I have been able to do. The next problem is trying to obtain all the ancillary bits and pieces that go with the sub-frame; some parts are no longer available in the UK; e.g. part 7700 801 875, which is the spacer bush. However, managed to obtain the missing UK bits via www.ebay.fr and www.google.fr. All do-able with a bit of help via alta vista babelfish! Matt is excellent! I am sure he can help with a subframe if necessary. Regards Gary

[Dean250]

Hi mate thanks for the reply, so isn't there a cover missing? Can only assume a leaky rad in the past has caused it, the rest of the sub frame looks reasonable so I was going to look at cutting the flat area out and welding a new piece in then undersealing.

my car is on 91k now, yours being so low there must be parts of the frame you can reuse?

[GaryBarnz]

Hi Dean, Sorry for late reply. No not aware of any cover. Yes - I hope the subframe won't be too bad when removed so I can go through the same shot- blast & powder coat process.