Bent Miata subframe - how bad is this?

I recently bought a '92 that I'm going way overboard on the suspension refresh for. Just went to install the rear lower control arms, and saw this

Passenger side

Driver's side

It's tweaked far enough that the control arm doesn't want to slide in. WWGRMD? Options, in increasing order of expense/difficulty

1. Hammer time enough to get the control arm in, hope that I can get the alignment close enough

2. Try to pull it back into shape with a comealong/ratchet strap/chain/similar pulling apparatus. Hope I don't make it worse.

3. Swap the subframe. This is probably the right answer, since I haven't bolted anything else onto it yet and the driveshaft is still out from swapping the diff. But, I'm running out of time and money to get this thing back together, and I really, really don't want to try and track down another.

I'd take it to a collision shop and get their opinion.

I'd replace it. You said you're going overboard on a suspension refresh, why take a shortcut after all that work?

Tracking one down is fairly easy. You call local Spec Miata shops, or you do a search on car-part.com, or you contact a Miata salvage yard.

I know logically that swapping it is the right answer, just sick of finding new things that cost me $100 on this car. It will be nice when it's done though!

I just made a trip up to our local spec miata shop yesterday, they have everything (like, everything. I bought a matching SBY gas door from them) but are generally a little expensive.

i literally tossed one of those in the trash a few months back because no one wanted it. was pristine.

In reply to Dietcoke:

Sounds like my usual luck.

I would replace it. Taking one short cut that could effect your handling stands a good chance of negating all of your other work. I tore my GTIs entire suspension down and powdercoated everything that could be, replaced all of the bushings, screws, nuts, etc. and put new brakes, struts, shocks, and coilover sleeves on it. I could have saved myself a bunch of time and money but I know I did it right and I won't have to deal with it again any time soon.

I think it's wide to decide the scope of what you want to do with a project in general too. Are you going to keep it forever? Or are you just trying to do a Sat. afternoon repair that will keep it on the road?

Dietcoke wrote: i literally tossed one of those in the trash a few months back because no one wanted it. was pristine.

We recycled a few when we had our salvage operation as well. There just isn't much call for them.

BTW, the NA and NB ones are mostly interchangeable. There's an exhaust hanger on the subframe that's in a slightly different place, and the mounts for the bracing (and thus the appropriate bracing) are different. But the geometry is the same.

Swap the subframe, or hammer time if you really can't afford it.

Really, the only thing that has me leaning toward hammertime is my frustration with how long this project has taken and the fact that the next autocross is in 2 weeks - and I finally took the plunge and started cannibalizing my other car for parts to finish this one, since I thought I was close.

I put out some feelers for a subframe but if anyone near MA has one sitting around, I'd take it off your hands. When this is done, it will have new poly bushings, control arms are all repainted and drilled for zerks, wheel bearings are new, studs replaced with ARP, tie rods and ends are new, stole the VMaxx from my other car, Porterfield R4S pads, wrapped header, new catalytic converter, etc etc

It's been a lot of time working in the driveway and a lot of small odds and ends that add up to a bunch of money.

Yeah it all adds up. I got discouraged on my car because of some of the more difficult aspects (bending and running new brake and fuel lines) and it sat for 2 years. I finally lit a fire under my own ass and decided I was going to put it back together and pay to have the work done that I couldn't do (bending brake and fuel hard lines, much easier with a lift and better tools). I spent about 2.5 solid months working on it regularly and running to parts stores 3 times a week or waiting for the UPS driver to show. I don't want to add up the receipts yet because I know it won't be pretty.

It'll be worth it in the end though. I'm very satisfied with the car now.

Spec Miata guys got back to me. They want $250 for a subframe.

GAHHHHH

Don't let a deadline for one event let you half-ass the car. It's a bad idea.

Be patient keep looking, finish the other end of the car, do other projects while looking for a good subframe. It'd be a waste to skimp now.

Try Treasure Coast Miata for a possibly better price.

In reply to einy:

They'll be cheaper but shipping to MA will be expensive. Try Leos up at Expoline in NH for comparison.

http://www.expolineauto.com/

You need to contact forum member "metalman". He's in Atlanta, but parts out Miata's all the time. He recently listed ALL Miata suspension parts for $75 here. I don't know about shipping, but the subframe would be cheap!

I found one about 40 minutes away for a good price, so I'm going to go grab it before work tomorrow.

Leos was that $250 price - think they usually scrap the shells with them on.

Thanks for talking some sense into me - pulling the bent one off after work today, weather permitting.