Exocet Update 4: Body Removal
- Nov 5, 2023
- 2 min read
11/04/23 Teardown Update: Complete
In November, we separated the Miata body (tub) from the front and rear subframes, the tub was lifted off leaving the "Miata skateboard" on the ground which we rolled out of the way. With the rear subframe removed, we were able to remove the gas tank for future use on the Exocet.
A few days prior to doing this, we soaked all of the subframe fasteners with PB Blaster multiple times. There are six fasteners on the rear subframe, three on each side, and eight fasteners on the front subframe, four on each side. We used a breaker bar to loosen all but once which finally came loose with an impact driver. We then used a cordless ratchet to zip them one at a time at each corner to avoid putting all of the powertrain weight on one or two.
Before removing any fasteners, we placed the car on jack stands holding the front and rear subframes. Floor jacks were used at the front cross member and rear diff housing for extra support. We then removed the wheels for access to the subframe fasteners.
After the subframes were freed from the body, we used the Bendpak lift to raise the body high enough that it would clear the engine. Ratchet straps were used to secure the body to the lift arms. We then replaced the wheels and lowered the skateboard to the ground using floor jacks. At that point we could roll the entire powertrain out of the way. With the rear subframe removed, we had clearance to remove the gas tank and conclude the teardown of our Miata donor car.
Time Prepping Donor: 11.5 hours (06/11/2023-08/28/2023)
Total Teardown Hours: 45.75 hours (08/29/2023-11/04/2023)
Total Exocet Build Hours: 0 hours
Total Hours on Project: 57.25 hours
Exocet Build Journal:
11/04/2023 - Peter, Paul, Samuel, Jon
- 9:15AM Start
- Put wheels on car
- Drop car onto dollies
- Place car on floor (remove dollies)
- Put front onto jack stands (jack stands placed at front pinch welds)
- Put rear onto jack stands (jack stands placed at rear pinch welds)
- Take wheels off car
- Raised car on jack stands gradually, alternating front and back
- Broke loose support bolts on front subframe
- Broke loose support bolts on rear subframe
- Put jack stands under front subframe (rear lower control arm mount point)
- Put jack stands under rear subframe (rear lower control arm mount point)
- Floor jack remained on diff pumpkin
- 11:15AM-12:15PM - Break
- Removed nuts holding struts to car body
- Broke loose all subframe fasteners
- Removed all bracing bolts
- Removed all front subframe bolts
- Removed all rear subframe bolts
- Positioned 2-post lift under pinch weld of car body
- 1PM - separated car body (tub) from the subframes and powertrain
- Put wheels on car
- Dropped rear subframe onto dollies
- Placed floor jack under transmission for support
- Dropped front subframe onto dollies
- Pushed roller skate out from under lift
- Removed fuel tank from car body
- Note: cut one of the hose lines to remove tank
- Dropped tub onto dollies
- 2PM - End of Exocet Donor Car Teardown
- 3.75 Hours to Remove Body
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