Anyone got any tips on how to stop my subframes...

[Specialbuoy]

...Rotting? (I didn't do the dots to add suspense to this post! I ran out of room on the subject!)

Basically, I bought my first mini a few weeks ago and the MOT certificate states that new front and rear subs were put on in January 2006.

I've had a look at them myself and they're good as gold but I know it wont take long for them to go a bit dodgy, so what can I do to stop them from rotting, OR slow down the ageing of them?

I'd appreciate tips from you lot as I dont fancy forking out for new ones anytime soon, Being a student and all that!.

[jc1380s]

Hi rhysfry,

Phil is spot on - Waxoyl or underseal and lots of it!!! and do it NOW or ASAP as the dreaded tinworm has probably already started to have a go at the rear subby edges.

I would'nt bother about the front subby as they seldom, if ever rot due to all the oil that inevitably squirts out from every possible joint on tha A series engine! and while you are underneath with the underseal cover the sills and floorpan as well, new sills ar'nt cheap either and floorpans rot very well too. The wheel arches are another area that need treating, if you don't mind losing the body coloured paint behind the wheels.

I have a 1990 mini which I undersealed at 6 months old and have repeated every other year or so since and its still on its original rear subby!!!!! (Actually done it all again just yesterday, only takes an hour or so but not the cleanest of jobs!!!!!!!) Sills have been replaced and then sprayed internally with waxoyl and the front subby is as good as new.

So.....The more treatment that you can give to the underside the longer you can enjoy your Mini, the more you can p##s off the MOT inspector and the more money you can save on costly repairs.

Sounds reasonable to me!!

jc