Main crossmember question?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 232
Likes: 2
From: Langley B.C Canada
Main crossmember question?
I notice on alot of corvettes including mine, the main crossmember is pushed in on the bottom from (I'm guessing) speed bumps, but has anybody repaired them, or know of a way to pull the dent out? The only good thing that has come from it, is it make a great pocket to put your jack stands under.
DM
DM
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 11,872
Likes: 12
From: Waterloo ontario Canada
I think most are dented from jacking. I rolled a 1/8th stainless plate to match the contour of the crossmember and then welded it in all around, It goes from 'A arm channel to A arm channel and full length front and back.
I also welded a large nut off to one side and made a hook that screws into this nut for towing. It gives me a low point to attach a tow rope/strap.
I also welded a large nut off to one side and made a hook that screws into this nut for towing. It gives me a low point to attach a tow rope/strap.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 4,883
Likes: 11
From: North Easton Mass
There are probably a lot of crossmembers dented in by Bubba mechanics who didn't know where the correct jacking points are on the frame. My own son, Bubba Jr., put a dent in the side-rail of our Vette by jacking it in the wrong place. I prefer to dent fraimerails by dropping things like engines on them. 
Rick B.
Rick B.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 16,945
Likes: 9
There's a company that makes a special tool that you insert through a spring pocket to get the dent out, I forgot the name but if you google search maybe i'll pop up.
I will just weld a nice smooth panel over it and be done with it.
I will just weld a nice smooth panel over it and be done with it.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 3,330
Likes: 13
From: Europe , Luxembourg
Hi
When I went through the first governmental bi-yearly car inspection, I saw that the inspector intended to jack the car up right there.
I complaint bitterly as a dent inwards was already existing and he tryed to explain to me, that they always do this. I told him to stop right now and use a piece of wood to spread the load to the front and aft side whalls of the frame and he told me he would drop the car that way.
Well, he finally gave up and jacked it up under the aft sidewall.
I will also weld a stronger plate under there and may be also atttache a towing hook to this.
Günther
When I went through the first governmental bi-yearly car inspection, I saw that the inspector intended to jack the car up right there.
I complaint bitterly as a dent inwards was already existing and he tryed to explain to me, that they always do this. I told him to stop right now and use a piece of wood to spread the load to the front and aft side whalls of the frame and he told me he would drop the car that way.
Well, he finally gave up and jacked it up under the aft sidewall.
I will also weld a stronger plate under there and may be also atttache a towing hook to this.
Günther
