Front crossmember replacement
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 969
Likes: 1
From: NJ
Front crossmember replacement
The front crossmember has some rust damage and since I am replacing the radiator support, it just makes sense to do the crossmember as well.
Here is the question..... I have the car up on 4 blocks (the recommended jack stands areas). If I remove the front crossmember, is it safe to assume that the rest of the frame will not get out of alignment? I'm not sure how much of a role the front crossmember actually plays with keeping the overall frame structure straight and aligned. Or is it just for front weight support?
Thanks
Here is the question..... I have the car up on 4 blocks (the recommended jack stands areas). If I remove the front crossmember, is it safe to assume that the rest of the frame will not get out of alignment? I'm not sure how much of a role the front crossmember actually plays with keeping the overall frame structure straight and aligned. Or is it just for front weight support?
Thanks
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,481
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
I've never seen a Corvette frame out of alignment unless it had been whacked. After you remove the radiator support, be very careful with the front clip. Don't put any weight on it because it will only be hanging there.
Last edited by Easy Mike; Oct 1, 2012 at 11:21 AM.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 4,883
Likes: 11
From: North Easton Mass
The front crossmember has some rust damage and since I am replacing the radiator support, it just makes sense to do the crossmember as well.
Here is the question..... I have the car up on 4 blocks (the recommended jack stands areas). If I remove the front crossmember, is it safe to assume that the rest of the frame will not get out of alignment? I'm not sure how much of a role the front crossmember actually plays with keeping the overall frame structure straight and aligned. Or is it just for front weight support?
Thanks
Here is the question..... I have the car up on 4 blocks (the recommended jack stands areas). If I remove the front crossmember, is it safe to assume that the rest of the frame will not get out of alignment? I'm not sure how much of a role the front crossmember actually plays with keeping the overall frame structure straight and aligned. Or is it just for front weight support?
Thanks
Rick B.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 3,330
Likes: 13
From: Europe , Luxembourg
Hi
The very front one is bolted, at least on the early C3s.
This is then one forward of the radiator, I mean.
Not the one between the radiator and the engine.
Which one do we talk about ?
Rgds. Günther
The very front one is bolted, at least on the early C3s.
This is then one forward of the radiator, I mean.
Not the one between the radiator and the engine.
Which one do we talk about ?
Rgds. Günther
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Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 969
Likes: 1
From: NJ
Thanks for the above answers.
From the pictures it looks like the new part already comes in painted black. Would you recommend I put an extra coat outside and inside to be safe or is it overkill?
Same for the radiator support.....
From the pictures it looks like the new part already comes in painted black. Would you recommend I put an extra coat outside and inside to be safe or is it overkill?
Same for the radiator support.....
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 199
Likes: 1
From: League City Texas
We are talking about the engine crossmember correct? Unless you have some add-on B.S. the only crossmember is the main engine crossmember. 1 question,... are you insane? Do you realize it's welded in? The strongest part of the car. It can be done. Pull the motor, all the suspension. Pay up the wazoo for the donor x-member. Thennnn you need a 220 welder, that is if you can hammer the donor into the correct place. Take a lot of measurements before you cut. Point to point. I have repaired cars and vettes for 39 years. I HAVE NEVER SEEN ANYONE CHANGE AN ENGINE CROSSMEMBER. My best advise if it is clearly gone,....... get another frame.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 969
Likes: 1
From: NJ
We are talking about the engine crossmember correct? Unless you have some add-on B.S. the only crossmember is the main engine crossmember. 1 question,... are you insane? Do you realize it's welded in? The strongest part of the car. It can be done. Pull the motor, all the suspension. Pay up the wazoo for the donor x-member. Thennnn you need a 220 welder, that is if you can hammer the donor into the correct place. Take a lot of measurements before you cut. Point to point. I have repaired cars and vettes for 39 years. I HAVE NEVER SEEN ANYONE CHANGE AN ENGINE CROSSMEMBER. My best advise if it is clearly gone,....... get another frame.
https://www.paragoncorvette.com/p-35...ossmember.aspx