[88502]

Is there a difference between a trans cross member for a convertable and hardtop? I ask because I thought the convert frame was boxed in the area of the cross member mounted.
Thank you
Bill

 

[YenkoChevelle69]

Yes, it is narrower b/c of the boxed area.

 

[Dean]

Yes, it is narrower b/c of the boxed area.

Are you sure about that Yenko?

( I really don't know )

 

[Derek69SS]

Yes, it's narrower. You can use one from an El Camino, as they are boxed too.

 

[YenkoChevelle69]

Are you sure about that Yenko?


( I really don't know )

Yep! Like 3-4 inches. :thumbsup:

 

[DZAUTO]

Absolutely, positively, for sure, the conv (and Elky) tranny cross member is shorter (or is it narrower?) than all other 2-4dr and wagons.

 

[88502]

The way the frame is boxed it looks like they would be the same size, any one actually measure one? The one on my 70 SS has the rubber mounts so I have no idea if it is even close to a normal one. The one from my 72 SS (hardtop) measures 55". I am thinking about boxing my frame 70 SS and wondering if I could just use a cross member from a covert/ Elco
Thanks
Bill (88502)

 

[1badss396]

Bill I can measure mine when I get home today, its on a 69 convertible.
I just painted it last night.

 

[Dean]

Yes, it's narrower. You can use one from an El Camino, as they are boxed too.

Thanks, that does make sense because if you look at the picture of my convertible frame above, the mounting holes are not very close to the back (outer edge) of the frame and I would think that on a coupe they would be.

I just found out a couple of days ago that the 4 speed crossmembers are different that automatic crossmembers due to a shifter mounting bracket being on the back of the 4 speed crossmember so I guess there were 4 different 70 crossmembers.

 

[1badss396]

my cross member is 48 1/2" thats for a convertible.

 

[Derek69SS]

The way the frame is boxed it looks like they would be the same size, any one actually measure one?

On the picture Dean posted, you can see a weld seam in about the middle of the top surface of the frame-rail. This is where the frame ends on any frame other than the convert/elky frames. They are an open channel, about 6" tall and 3" wide. Convert/elky frames are 6" tall and 6" wide and boxed. The crossmember sits on the part that is...

Regular Frame: ]
Boxed Frame: [] welded together.

 

[1badss396]

I dont know were the crossmember sits on the vert yet till I install my tranny. I do know it does go in were Dean posted the picture in 2 of the holes which ones I dont know till I install engine & tranny.
As for the weld it does go along the entire lenght of the frame boxed in.

 

[YenkoChevelle69]

I just found out a couple of days ago that the 4 speed crossmembers are different that automatic crossmembers due to a shifter mounting bracket being on the back of the 4 speed crossmember so I guess there were 4 different 70 crossmembers.

Yep, but the 4 speed trans X member is only manditory for the factory Shifter. The Hurst shifters don't require the bracket.

 

[88502]

Derek69SS
Thanks ,I didn't know that the frames were larger, now it is all clear.
Thank you to all that replied
Thanks
Bill (88502)

 

[Dean]

That all makes sense.

I also have a coupe in the garage but didn't necessarily want to crawl under it and try to measure.

I stuck a 700R4 on my engine and dropped it in just to see where the crossmember would be which was the third and (almost fourth) holes back) then pulled it off and set a T400 on.
The T400 is exactly 4" longer then the 700R4.