Front Panel & Subframe questions!

[Dean250]

My front Panel has a bit of rust on it, but upon removing my bonnet and the plastic covers whilst I was carrying out mechanical work on the car I noticed that the Bonnet Bracket had been welded back on at some point, when I got the car the bottom edge of the bonnet was bent, as the safety strap had snapped.

Is it difficult to replace this Panel or should it just un bolt, there car isn't with me at present so can't really see what it would take to replace.

I seen a front panel here which made me consider replacement and it would also get rid of the surface rust.

http://www.clevelandpanels.com/renault/renault-clio-96-98/front-panel-complete.html


They also sell subframes, mine appears to be ok but it's very rusty underneath the Rad to the point where I was going to have a little bit of plate welded in.

http://www.clevelandpanels.com/renau...-subframe.html

[Vandella]

the subframe wont be a willy one as they are thicker skinned.. u could get a new one and add the welds to try and match... and make stronger

[jamiecrookston83]

I have a complete front panel you can have mate. I can send it with the rocker covers.

[crazyasswhiteboy]

i would only replace the panel if it really needed to, ie to rusty or to bend to striagthen as the front panels are welded on and its a big job, As for the subframe would ether get a new one from renault think their £400 as mine had one on , or put a plate in yours then get it sand blasted prime and painted, thats what i would do ?

[Dean250]

Jamie, how come you have a replacement front panel?, mine isn't bent but the welds on the bonnet mounting brackets look poor, I wonder if they have came off/loose when bonnet went forward!

find out how much the postage is and I will cover it mate!

my subframe cleans up well, just a leaky rad and thin plate under it caused it to go in a hole when removing the rad and it's seating grommet.

It will be easier to cut out and weld a new piece in as the rest of the frame looks good!, I would like to remove it and get it blasted and re coated grey just don't know if I will get the time, will think about it whilst doing the steering rack.

[Wobba]

What do you mean by bonnet bracket? Do you mean the bonnet catch for holding it upright, which is bolted onto the slam panel I believe. The slam panel itself is bolted onto the front section. I have heard of a case where the slam panel was welded on after an insurance repair as well...

The whole front section is not a job you want to do really, though I know you can get the sections still to do it.

As for subframe, can buy an old one, get it sorted out and swap it with yours perhaps?

[Dean250]

sorry mate I mean the 2 bonnet hinges, that the bonnet bolts to. Basically the bonnet on the car had flipped forward when the strap snapped. The front panel is original and rusty, the bonnet is perfectly aligned so what I think has happened is that when the bonnet has gone forward it's loosened the hinges so they have been welded.

I just don't like a bodge job but to be honest replacing the front panel could lead to a lot of problems with misalignment so prob just have to leave it!.

does the subframe need to be a Williams one or is it the same for all clios? mine has rusted under the rad too

[Dean250]

The thin plate under the rad is well gone but the rest of the subframe cleans up well, I started dressing this up and treating the rust but put a hole in one of the mounts when fitting the new rad. So either need to cut that out of replace the subframe

[16v_paddy]

Best thing to do with the subframe is whip it off & get it shot blasted & powdercoated

[northy]

that subframe is a easy repair for a welder mate