DeTomaso Mailing List: June 97, Message #11
     



From: "Ted A. Mitchell" <tmitch@gte.net>

Subject: Re: Removing sub-frame X-member

Date: Mon, 2 Jun 1997 10:49:31 -0700



I removed my original cross member and replaced it with a removable one

about 15 years ago.  The new one is VERY easy to make.  Measure the width

between the frame rails right at the point where the nuts fasten the studs

from the front of the lower a-arms, BEFORE YOU REMOVE THE ORIGINAL CROSS

MEMBER.  Take an appropriate size piece of "channel" iron (U-shape), and

cut it to the length measured.  Weld a plate (at least 1/4 inch thick) in

which you have cut a slot the width of the a-arm stud to the center of the

plate, in each end.  Cut, chisel, etc. your old cross member out, loosen

the aforementioned nuts far enough to slide the new cross member up inside

the nut and washer, rotate the  cross member 180 degrees (open side down),

and tighten the nuts.  This cross member is overkill for strength and

weight, but since it is held by only one nut and washer on each end, you

don't want any flexing.



If you are still using the stock parking brake, you will have to fabricate

the bracket attachment.



Ted (Vader) Mitchell

http://home1.gte.net/tmitch/pe.htm

http://home1.gte.net/tmitch/chpie.htm

http://home1.gte.net/tmitch/index.htm



----------

> From: JDeRyke@aol.com

> To: pantera@shiseis.com; owner-detomaso@wgate.com; detomaso@wgate.com

> Cc: brockctella@juno.com

> Subject: Re: Removing sub-frame X-member

> Date: Saturday, May 31, 1997 8:12 PM

> 

> Shane, when I removed my stock crossmember, I found under all the

> undercoating that almost half the factory spot welds attaching it to the

>  chassis were non- existent. In other words, the stock crossmember was

moving

> around under heavy cornering. And since the crossmember braces the front

> lower a-arms, this is non-good! Since it was a simple job, I made a

removable

> that at least is stronger than the partially attached stocker- concours

be

> damned; I wanta be safe at speed! J DeRyke



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