|
By stlroken - 16 Years Ago
|
|
Just back from vacation and while going through the Black Hills was at a stop and came back to the car and was told that my front cross member were in very bad shape and should be replaced. Don't know why I never noticed before. It a '56 Victoria, V8, Auto with no pwr steering. Where do I get a NEW front cross member and what bushings etc should I get and have replaced while the cross member is being replaced. More summer trips planned so I want to get this fix asap...Thanks
|
|
By PWH42 - 16 Years Ago
|
|
Goodell Fabrications in Coweta Oklahoma makes a replacement crossmember for 54-56 Fords.I used one of them in a car a couple of years ago and was satisfied with the results.It does not look like the original,but is probably better than original.You won't need any new bushings,but you probably should replace the bolts that hold the suspension arms to the crossmember.They are available from any of the vendors that specialize in mid 50's Ford parts.Their phone number is 918-636-7071.
|
|
By crenwelge - 16 Years Ago
|
|
I have purchased 3 of the Goodall crossmembers and am pleased with them. The front crossmember was very prone to rust out even in areas that didn't have salted roads because dirt got trapped in them and remained moist. The reproductions are noticeably different, but I think they are an improvement. On the first one I took all kinds of measurements and mad a jig to install the new one which proved to be unnecessary. While the crossmember was out I replaced the upper and lower control arm bushings. With the springs still caged, I just knocked the crossmember in until the clearance was correct at the lower control arm bushings. Then I simply welded her in.
|
|
By simplyconnected - 16 Years Ago
|
|
Those #1 crossmembers typically rust out. Mine was gone on the '55 Customline. The car wouldn't turn corners. I don't know who is doing the work, but the old one needs to be cut out with a torch. You can put all the shims and bolts back in with a new crossmember, and weld it back on your frame and gussets. I made my own out of 3" angle iron and a bed frame. It's far better than stock and it works perfectly. You can find them on eBay, and tee-bird.com sells them (Part Number: 5019A). When you pull out your bolts, you may just use the old ones (I did). They don't turn or wear, but sometimes they pit from rust. Hope this helps. - Dave
|
|
By Hoosier Hurricane - 16 Years Ago
|
|
BED FRAME? I find that material to be a sort of spring steel, difficult to drill, and difficult to weld. Tends to crack alongside the weld. Like welding a leaf spring.
|
|
By speedpro56 - 16 Years Ago
|
|
There is a NOS one on epay, item # 370214285973 that's up for bid.
|
|
By stlroken - 16 Years Ago
|
|
Again Thanks to all....what of fountain of knowledge. I will be ordering a crossmemember from Gary at Goodall Fabricatons in Coweta, Ok. Talked to him...he has them in stock and seemed very nice to work with and a very reasonable price $299.99 that includes shipping. I have been told that there are some crossmembers that are being sold that are made "out of country" that are of inferior material and don't fit right...something to keep in mind. Guys....THANKS AGAIN for all of your help.
|
|
By simplyconnected - 16 Years Ago
|
|
Hoosier Hurricane (6/17/2009)
BED FRAME? I find that material to be a sort of spring steel, difficult to drill, and difficult to weld. Tends to crack alongside the weld. Like welding a leaf spring.Ha! Yeah, bed frame. Check out the pics on my site, it's stamped sheet metal. It was VERY easy to weld because it is heavy mild steel. For the bolt holes, I used 1" pipe nipples inside the assembly. Dimensions are right on, and it's strong as hell. (I love 6013 welding rod.) - Dave
|
|
By aussiebill - 16 Years Ago
|
|
Hi, to make sure replacement front X member lines up accuratley, i use two 1" steel bars to aligne front holes with holes in rear x member. i just trim new one up pretty close, slide the 1" bars through front member and keep trimming member till the bars will slide into rear holes. Keeps lower bushs in original geometery. regards aussie bill.
|