Changing front lower crossmember
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 1,806
Likes: 258
From: Dublin Ohio
Changing front lower crossmember
I'm switching from a reproduction to an original.
Do I need to be concerned with supporting the core support for the 1 minute or so I have no crossmember?
Do I need to be concerned with supporting the core support for the 1 minute or so I have no crossmember?
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,274
Likes: 4,366
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi Barry,
No.
Each side of the core support will still be bolted to the reinforcements riveted into the aprons.
The fenders, hood, grills, will still be supported by the 2 side bumper braces which will remain in place. So make sure those bumper bolts are all tight… both at the frame extensions and at the bumpers.
Remember you'll need to remove and then re-install the lower brackets for the bumper-ettes as part of this change.
Regards,
Alan
No.
Each side of the core support will still be bolted to the reinforcements riveted into the aprons.
The fenders, hood, grills, will still be supported by the 2 side bumper braces which will remain in place. So make sure those bumper bolts are all tight… both at the frame extensions and at the bumpers.
Remember you'll need to remove and then re-install the lower brackets for the bumper-ettes as part of this change.
Regards,
Alan
Last edited by Alan 71; Jul 13, 2017 at 11:51 AM.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 1,806
Likes: 258
From: Dublin Ohio
Thank you sir.
Once the crossmember is in, is it safe to then change the frame extensions, one side at a time?
I'm actually replacing frame extension all the way to the "twisty" brace on the bumper on both sides, plus the aforementioned crossmember.
Once the crossmember is in, is it safe to then change the frame extensions, one side at a time?
I'm actually replacing frame extension all the way to the "twisty" brace on the bumper on both sides, plus the aforementioned crossmember.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,274
Likes: 4,366
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi B,
Now I'm not sure what you're asking.
The frame extensions only go as far forward as the front crossmember.
It's the large side bumper brackets that extend from the frame extensions forward to the 'twisted' brackets at the outer corners of the bumper.
So, just what are you replacing and why?
Regards,
Alan
Now I'm not sure what you're asking.
The frame extensions only go as far forward as the front crossmember.
It's the large side bumper brackets that extend from the frame extensions forward to the 'twisted' brackets at the outer corners of the bumper.
So, just what are you replacing and why?
Regards,
Alan
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,274
Likes: 4,366
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi,
In that case you WILL need to be concerned about supporting the front of the body while you're doing the work.
Because of the bumper, grills, and headlights, the front is quite heavy.
Is the front clip well bonded back at the cowl?
This work will take more than a little time. The bumper, brackets, extensions, and crossmember, will all need to be fitted and aligned.
It's likely the center horseshoe bumper bracket will need to be aligned too.
Regards,
Alan
You're first post asked only about the front cross member, not the frame extensions or bumper brackets.
In that case you WILL need to be concerned about supporting the front of the body while you're doing the work.
Because of the bumper, grills, and headlights, the front is quite heavy.
Is the front clip well bonded back at the cowl?
This work will take more than a little time. The bumper, brackets, extensions, and crossmember, will all need to be fitted and aligned.
It's likely the center horseshoe bumper bracket will need to be aligned too.
Regards,
Alan
You're first post asked only about the front cross member, not the frame extensions or bumper brackets.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 1,806
Likes: 258
From: Dublin Ohio
Correct. I wasn't concerned about changing an extension out because my plan was to change one frame extension at a time (and nothing else) so the crossmember would still be bolted in to the other extension the core support and the horseshoe, and I can put a jack under the crossmember on the side I'm working on.
That's why it wasn't in my first post.
I'm taking one piece out, bolting a piece in. Taking another piece out, bolting a piece in.
That's why it wasn't in my first post.
I'm taking one piece out, bolting a piece in. Taking another piece out, bolting a piece in.
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Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,274
Likes: 4,366
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi B,
I'm not sure if you can successfully do it one piece at a time.
I think it would be wiser to support the front of the clip, remove all the old parts you're replacing, install the new parts, and then align the extensions, crossmember, brackets, and bumper.
I think it's expecting a bit much to assume that all the welded nut positions, and drilled holes on these new parts will be in exactly the same positions as the old parts.
Regards,
Alan
I'm not sure if you can successfully do it one piece at a time.
I think it would be wiser to support the front of the clip, remove all the old parts you're replacing, install the new parts, and then align the extensions, crossmember, brackets, and bumper.
I think it's expecting a bit much to assume that all the welded nut positions, and drilled holes on these new parts will be in exactly the same positions as the old parts.
Regards,
Alan