All,

In doing my frame-off restoration I've worked my way to the rear differential crossmember and I've a couple questions on what I've found.

This car (1972) has had some work done on the rearend so I am checking out what is original and what is not. The first issue I found was in cleaning the differential support was that the paint/coating on it was different then anything I found on the rest of the frame and suspension. This seems to be some kind of rubber paint. Not any rubberized undercoating I've ever seen, it's thin and smooth, but smears like rubber when wire-wheeling. So first question, aftermarket I assume? Or something I should look to duplicate?

Second question is on the numbers stamped onto this piece. I have an "80" stamped inside a circle, but I also have a 7 digit number stamped in which does not match any part of the VIN. Did these rear spring support crossmembers have some ID numbers stamped on them and should it have matched the VIN?

Last question... the cushions in the mounts that are in ends of the crossmember, these look a bit difficult to replace. I was going to do them just because I am replacing all rubber parts in this 42 year old car. I see these are available from some vendors, as is the crossmember, with cushions, itself. The above stamped number is related here, if the one I have is already not original then I might consider replacing the whole crossmember including new cushions, otherwise if the part is original then I would try and just replace the cushions. Anyone have any advice here?

thanks as usual to the members here for any thoughts.

 

Hi g,
The differential cross member on my 71 had the same finish as the other separate components of the frame… a quick dip in semi-flat black. I believe this is typical for this part.
It too has an assortment of stamped symbols and numbers.
A double diamond logo, a number 381 7928 on the top side, and a faint group 39xx7x9? on the bottom side.
What makes you think the bushings need to be replaced? Can they just be cleaned up and lubricated instead of installing new bushings or crossmember?
Regards,
Alan

 

Hi Alan,

The numbers I found on this are very similar to the 39xxx you have. It just appeared more like a VIN than a part number is why I was wondering about this. Thanks million for verifying on yours.

As far as the bushings, I was just basically replacing everything rubber on this car, figured 42 year old rubber had probably deteriorated. I don't see where these look worn, or bad, so I may just go with them as is then. I could figure how to press them back in, but getting them out looked like a real pain.

Thanks again for the advice here, it's always appreciated.