Crossmember is Out!
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 3,286
Likes: 8
From: San Jose California
Crossmember is Out!
The surgery is done and I believe a success! Hardly a scratch to my floor pan from the blade. I had bought two packs of blades, 6" and 9". I ended up needing one about 7.5" for the final cut. Of course the stores are now closed. Thankfully Bubba happened to stop by and helped me cut a 9" blade done to size with the Sawzall. Perfect. For marking the cut, I used red duct tape on both sides of the line I scribed across the bottom of the crossmember. The tape wrapped up the sides and over the top and stayed very square. I suppose one could use a different color, but the red fit the mood for the occasion.
Once I get the engine and trans out, I will fabricate the saddle for re-installation. I intend to use a length of thick sidewall pipe (slightly larger inside diameter of the bolt used to secure the bracket) inside each outboard portion of the crossmember so that I won't crush the crossmember when I torque up the bolts securing the center section. I think Chevy uses this same idea within the frame where the steering box bolts up.
Thanks to everyone for your great help, pictures, suggestions, and most of all - encouragement! More pictures will follow as my work continues.
Chuck
[Modified by Chuck Harmon, 12:08 AM 7/4/2003]
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 12,399
Likes: 247
From: San Jose CA
Re: Crossmember is Out! (Chuck Harmon)
Awesome work, Chuck.
See you tomorrow after my early morning date with the Austrian Oak.
We'll see how long it takes me to do a rear spring and shock swap!
I just hope you have a 9/16" socket to get those center spring bolts off with. If not, I may have some at home I can bring.
-Steve
[Modified by Pacin'California, 2:08 AM 7/4/2003]
See you tomorrow after my early morning date with the Austrian Oak.
We'll see how long it takes me to do a rear spring and shock swap!
I just hope you have a 9/16" socket to get those center spring bolts off with. If not, I may have some at home I can bring.
-Steve
[Modified by Pacin'California, 2:08 AM 7/4/2003]
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 1,396
Likes: 6
From: Indiana
Re: Crossmember is Out! (Chuck Harmon)
Chuck, I can't belive you actually cut your car :nonod: I was only kidding when I said you should do it :jester :jester
Seriously though. Like the old saying goes..... Anyone can restore a car, but it takes a real man to cut one up!!
Nice job! The cuts look very straight too :thumbs:
Seriously though. Like the old saying goes..... Anyone can restore a car, but it takes a real man to cut one up!!
Nice job! The cuts look very straight too :thumbs:
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 65,492
Likes: 230
From: Orange Park Florida
Re: Crossmember is Out! (Chuck Harmon)
You know, Chuck, We all needed to see the look on your face watching that first stroke of the sawzall into that frame....musta been gruesome!!!
kinda like reaching for the soap in the shower....
GENE :D :D :lolg: :lolg: :lolg:
not downing YOU per se....I felt the same way....
kinda like reaching for the soap in the shower....
GENE :D :D :lolg: :lolg: :lolg:
not downing YOU per se....I felt the same way....
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 65,492
Likes: 230
From: Orange Park Florida
Re: Crossmember is Out! (Chuck Harmon)
OH NO, this car WAS expecting it, but I did not know what to expect upon doing the cut, things like frame loading, maybe a rail twist due to being jacked but none of that happened, I still like the angle iron layed on top rear and drilled through with bolts, and a bottom flange also....making the center slide to the rear for removal...it does not leave the bolts alone to hold any twist or weight loading, but acts to keep the loading off the bolts....but of course it can only be welded on the rear section, anything in front needs be bolted , obviously...
GENE
GENE
