Mounting an engine crossmember in a 59? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Caveman49 · 11-30-2007, 07:08 PM

Looking for some opinions, thoughts, whatever, on the following....
I'm using the bolt in engine crossmember on a stock 59 frame and would like to hear from you folks with the experience. First pic is of the 350 engine sitting on the crossmember, second pic is of the crossmember resting at the bottom of the inner frame (the position of crossmember with engine pic), and the third pic is with it in the center of the frame.
What I'd like to know is, which position would be the best to bolt it in, the bottom of the frame, or the center, or if it even matters? The only benefit I can see at this point for center frame, is it'll give me more clearance from the front frame where the harmonic pulley is located............thoughts, suggestions would be much appreciated. Thanks, Lee

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55dude · 12-01-2007, 08:09 AM

looks like if it clears everything with it towards the top frame rail putting it there won't hurt a thing. i have seen lots of those swaps with notched front crossmembers and that is ok as long as it's notched and reinforced.

GATORBUILT '59 · 12-01-2007, 09:16 AM

When I originally had that exact crossmember, the first thing I noticed was the clearance issue with the crankshaft pulley. So I pulled it to the top of the rails.

Caveman49 · 12-01-2007, 06:42 PM

Thanks for the feedback guys, I believe I'll mount on the upper side like you did Gator. Makes sense, now to have at it

GATORBUILT '59 · 12-02-2007, 10:20 AM

Don't forget to use GRADE 8 bolt Hardware.

Caveman49 · 12-02-2007, 07:52 PM

You know Gator, I haven't even looked at the bolt grade on those that came with the crossmember. I imagine they should do the job. I got another suprise last night working on it. Pulled the front tire off to see how this thing was converted to a 5 lug, and it seems someone tapped and drilled the 6 lug hubs to make it work, wierd, never seen such a thing, I'll have to take some pics of this.....
I'm not real thrilled about that setup, so I'll probably convert to front disc on the stock suspension. I guess that'll call for a new master cylinder too.

Any recommendations for reasonable conversion kits? Anybody???

Thanks,
Lee

11-30-2007, 07:08 PM	#1
Caveman49 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Alabama Posts: 78	Mounting an engine crossmember in a 59? Looking for some opinions, thoughts, whatever, on the following.... I'm using the bolt in engine crossmember on a stock 59 frame and would like to hear from you folks with the experience. First pic is of the 350 engine sitting on the crossmember, second pic is of the crossmember resting at the bottom of the inner frame (the position of crossmember with engine pic), and the third pic is with it in the center of the frame. What I'd like to know is, which position would be the best to bolt it in, the bottom of the frame, or the center, or if it even matters? The only benefit I can see at this point for center frame, is it'll give me more clearance from the front frame where the harmonic pulley is located............thoughts, suggestions would be much appreciated. Thanks, Lee [IMG][/IMG] [IMG][/IMG]

12-01-2007, 08:09 AM	#2
55dude Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: tacoma wa. Posts: 1,037	Re: Mounting an engine crossmember in a 59? looks like if it clears everything with it towards the top frame rail putting it there won't hurt a thing. i have seen lots of those swaps with notched front crossmembers and that is ok as long as it's notched and reinforced.

12-01-2007, 09:16 AM	#3
GATORBUILT '59 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Pearland,TX. Posts: 141	Re: Mounting an engine crossmember in a 59? When I originally had that exact crossmember, the first thing I noticed was the clearance issue with the crankshaft pulley. So I pulled it to the top of the rails. __________________ http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=212604

12-01-2007, 06:42 PM	#4
Caveman49 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Alabama Posts: 78	Re: Mounting an engine crossmember in a 59? Thanks for the feedback guys, I believe I'll mount on the upper side like you did Gator. Makes sense, now to have at it

12-02-2007, 10:20 AM	#5
GATORBUILT '59 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Pearland,TX. Posts: 141	Re: Mounting an engine crossmember in a 59? Don't forget to use GRADE 8 bolt Hardware. __________________ http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=212604

12-02-2007, 07:52 PM	#6
Caveman49 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Alabama Posts: 78	Re: Mounting an engine crossmember in a 59? You know Gator, I haven't even looked at the bolt grade on those that came with the crossmember. I imagine they should do the job. I got another suprise last night working on it. Pulled the front tire off to see how this thing was converted to a 5 lug, and it seems someone tapped and drilled the 6 lug hubs to make it work, wierd, never seen such a thing, I'll have to take some pics of this..... I'm not real thrilled about that setup, so I'll probably convert to front disc on the stock suspension. I guess that'll call for a new master cylinder too. Any recommendations for reasonable conversion kits? Anybody??? Thanks, Lee

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