71 crossmember
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 1,255
Likes: 297
From: Slovenia, EU
2017 C3 of Year Finalist
71 crossmember
Hi!
I have a 71 vette with th400 tranny. I would like to modify the crossmember so that I can fit exhaust system more easely. I just wont to cut away lower part of the holes made in crossmember. Has anyone removed the crossmember from their vette? Is there anything I should be careful about?
I have a 71 vette with th400 tranny. I would like to modify the crossmember so that I can fit exhaust system more easely. I just wont to cut away lower part of the holes made in crossmember. Has anyone removed the crossmember from their vette? Is there anything I should be careful about?
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 17,646
Likes: 189
From: Who says "Nothing is impossible" ? I've been doing nothing for years.
You have to support the tranny, remove the exhaust pipes that go through it other than that use the search function at the top as many members have removed and/or modified their crossmember at one time or another 
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,112
From: Crossville TN
You can't cut the bottoms of the pipe transfer tubes out without greatly reducing the strength of the crossmember for supporting the transmission. You might be able to cut them open at the bottom and then make a couple of bolt-on plates to close them back up and restore structural integrity.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,112
From: Crossville TN
Lot of work making something that 'exotic'. Looks great, though. The aftermarket replacement crossmembers are nothing but a 1.5" (about 35mm) dia steel tube with plates on the ends for mounting to frame and a 'box' member in the middle for the tranny mount. It also has the E-brake pulley support welded to it. I added two exhaust 'hangers' to mine so that I could attach the exhaust pipes to it.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,481
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
How often do you intend to change out the exhaust?
I can't see the purpose of a "quick change" crossmember for pipes which might be under the car fifteen or twenty years.
I can't see the purpose of a "quick change" crossmember for pipes which might be under the car fifteen or twenty years.
