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Removeable Crossmember

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Old Nov 4, 2011 | 01:24 AM
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Default Removeable Crossmember

I'm thinking about changing my 64 to having a removeable crossmember. I'm expecting to have to pull the tranny a time or two. I'll have the body off next winter so will do the alterations then. Anyone have plans of how to achieve that?

Bud.
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Old Nov 4, 2011 | 08:44 AM
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You will be glad that you made the change. I installed a 74 automatic
crossmember in my 63 and it simplifies the removal of the transmission.

Dave
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Old Nov 4, 2011 | 08:50 AM
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What cross member is used and what's involved to make the change?

Tom Parsons
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Old Nov 4, 2011 | 11:11 AM
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This thread has potential, thanks
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Old Nov 4, 2011 | 11:33 AM
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Old Nov 4, 2011 | 11:44 AM
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If you're using side exhaust, splitting the crossmember through the pipe holes looks like a good way to go. I'm doing it on mine this winter.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1967-...item1c1ffb0420
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Old Nov 4, 2011 | 11:44 AM
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Originally Posted by SLWRNU
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Old Nov 4, 2011 | 03:12 PM
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Originally Posted by claysmoker
If you're using side exhaust, splitting the crossmember through the pipe holes looks like a good way to go. I'm doing it on mine this winter.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1967-...item1c1ffb0420
Thanks, I saved the pic. Anybody else fab it this way? Pics?
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Old Nov 4, 2011 | 03:34 PM
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Another crossmember mod.

http://69vettester.com/richmond.htm
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Old Nov 4, 2011 | 03:41 PM
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I am going to make the swap as well when I do my frame work but will keep the underbody exhausts. Have been told the automatic removable crossmember from '68-'79 works. Paragon has the end brackets that weld to the side rails and bolt the crossmember on. I've found some less expensive shop built approaches as well. One was slicing the fixed crossmember about 1/3rd in from the frame rails and welding in two splice plates on each end so the center section can drop out.

Here is the link, http://www.5speedtransmissions.com/c3_vette_3550.html

Anybody seen any better ways to achieve this?
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Old Nov 4, 2011 | 07:27 PM
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I'm gonna keep my under-car exhaust. Looking at the pics from slalomfiend, was wondering if cutting the top of the exhaust holes off would have any effect on the integrety of the frame?

Bud
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Old Nov 4, 2011 | 08:20 PM
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Originally Posted by Bud2
I'm gonna keep my under-car exhaust. Looking at the pics from slalomfiend, was wondering if cutting the top of the exhaust holes off would have any effect on the integrety of the frame?

Bud
i don't know about the frame, but it would certainly weaken the crossmember unless you boxed the top straight across.
Bill
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Old Nov 4, 2011 | 08:40 PM
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I cut the center cross-member on the 65 and made a removable section when I put the RG 5 spd in. Trans removal/installation is a breeze. Cutting the cross-member with the body on is a bit of a pain. Not allot of room. I have side-pipes so I cut through the center of the exhaust holes vertically. Then welded plates across the 1/2 moon shapes left on the frame. I made a box section with the trans mount, welded plates on the ends of the box with nuts welded ot the insides. I bolt the center section in from the outside in through the space made by the 1/2 moons. I don't have any pictures but it works.

Tom
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