Fabricated front cross member

[64nailhead]

I'm sure this has been done, but I've never seen one. Has anyone every cutout a portion of the front crossmember and fabricated a center section that can be removed?

The idea is to make a crossmember that allows for removal of the oil pan with the engine installed.

 

[81cutlass]

From my mental archives

X body but same idea should work on a G

When you go really baller.

G BODY K-MEMBER INCLUDE SHIPPING1978-1988

G BODY K-MEMBER 1978-1988

doubleaaperformance.com

 

[JAMCAR223]

All kinds of clearance right there.

 

[64nailhead]

From my mental archives

X body but same idea should work on a G

When you go really baller.

G BODY K-MEMBER INCLUDE SHIPPING1978-1988

G BODY K-MEMBER 1978-1988

doubleaaperformance.com

My son found the 'baller' member you attached. Too much for this cheap SOB. Considering that I'm running a pan that is an 1" or so below the factory crossmember, I figured that if I could fabricate a member to cover that, then it would give me real clearance below the pan.

Regarding the 'cheap SOB' group that I fall into, I plan to fabricate my own core support over the winter. I found a couple online that make these. But I'm sure I can make something for less than $100 and struggle with the rest (to save $250) lol.

 

[pagrunt]

I'd say build one like a Tri-Five but that might be an issue with steering linkage. But they also used the bellhousing as part of the strenth of the front of the frame.

 

[81cutlass]

Yeah the OTHER white monte at DW (Borgessons), has the same, or at least very similar tube core support as the OTHER OTHER white monte you showed. I grabbed a driveshaft from him this spring when he was still wiring the car and before the rad was in the car and the core support is very scant compared to the OEM one. I think Borgesson bought the car with the core support in, and the core support was made by the guy who did the chassis.

 

[64nailhead]

I looked this one over as well. When I seen the one that I posted pics of (2nd one of the week), then I was determined to build one myself.

Regarding the crossmember, I believe that I should be able to use a couple of pieces of either 5/16 or3/8" plate to weld vertically onto the original crossmember and then make a very similar piece that was made in the video you attached. I am also considering a solid engine plate for the front motor mount, but I haven't decided completely on that yet. That would allow me to cut the crossmember past the motor mount pads.

 

[melloelky]

I'm sure this has been done, but I've never seen one. Has anyone every cutout a portion of the front crossmember and fabricated a center section that can be removed?

The idea is to make a crossmember that allows for removal of the oil pan with the engine installed.

look up Mark Sussino’s 1986 Pontiac Grand Prix, known as “The Champagne Express,” i know back in the high point of malibu racing(slimbo) he made one for his.it looked pretty straight forward and budget friendly.it's a wicked ride if you haven't seen it. and he's been on the drag week circuit with it before.

 

[bracketchev1221]

I've had both. My 70 had the crossmember cut out and replaced with a tube along with the rack and pinion steering to clear the big oil pan. My dad, back in the 80's did his Nova with the removable crossmember. He welded a 2X2" crossmember across in front of the engine and then cut the crossmember and then made a new one that was removable so he could drop the pan with the engine in the car. The Nova also had a full cage with a dash bar and front strut bars to stiffen the frame. You don't really gain much clearance without moving the steering linkage as well.