hole in crossmember - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**MidLifer** · 06-17-2014, 10:01 PM

While I was taking my 1950 3100 apart, I found this hole in the front crossmember and thought, hey, that's strange, maybe the PO cut it out when changing the radiator? But then I saw in a build thread or 3 that others have the same kind of holes. Can anyone clue me in on what causes these and how you've fixed them? Enough to weld up filler or should I replace the member?

**oldman3** · 06-17-2014, 11:33 PM

I've worked on three of these and never saw anything like that. If the remainder of the crossmember is good, I would weld in a piece...Jim

dwcsr · 06-18-2014, 01:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MidLifer

While I was taking my 1950 3100 apart, I found this hole in the front crossmember and thought, hey, that's strange, maybe the PO cut it out when changing the radiator? But then I saw in a build thread or 3 that others have the same kind of holes. Can anyone clue me in on what causes these and how you've fixed them? Enough to weld up filler or should I replace the member?

I see that often, Its the radiator bolt pulling through after years of flex in that area. Just weld in a patch and drill the holes for the rad mount bolts

**MidLifer** · 06-18-2014, 02:05 PM

Thanksfor setting me straight. I figured "billy" (my nickname for the PO, as in "hill") must have cut the member to get a radiator out when a bolt froze.

Compared to my 71, this project has had more than its share of surprises...the longer these trucks live, the more people f&$k with them...

**mr48chev** · 06-18-2014, 02:22 PM

I'd say Dave hit it right on the money. Looking at the other side it looks like the bolt holes over there are wallowed out from things moving around.

**LEEVON** · 06-18-2014, 03:22 PM

The frame that came with my '50 had that plus alot of heavy pitting. I pitched it in favor of one in much better condition, but that was just across town for $50. Speedway does sell all the crossmembers now, that's an option!

http://www.speedwaymotors.com/Radiat...kup,63704.html

**MidLifer** · 06-18-2014, 03:28 PM

Leevon, that radiator mount looks interesting, thanks, but on my truck there is a single crossmember that also acts as a front engine mount for the I6. If I was going V8 I probably could (would have to?) use that part, but I'm staying with the stovebolt.

My frame is otherwise in great shape, save for one cracked running board mount, which I can probably also fix with a bit of welding, so I'm gonna stick with it.

06-17-2014, 10:01 PM	#1
MidLifer Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: South NJ Posts: 1,268	hole in crossmember While I was taking my 1950 3100 apart, I found this hole in the front crossmember and thought, hey, that's strange, maybe the PO cut it out when changing the radiator? But then I saw in a build thread or 3 that others have the same kind of holes. Can anyone clue me in on what causes these and how you've fixed them? Enough to weld up filler or should I replace the member? Attached Images

06-17-2014, 11:33 PM	#2
oldman3 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: West Plains, Missouri Posts: 7,559	Re: hole in crossmember I've worked on three of these and never saw anything like that. If the remainder of the crossmember is good, I would weld in a piece...Jim __________________ my build thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=459839 Jimbo's long bed step build:http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...t=464626<br />

06-18-2014, 02:05 PM	#4
MidLifer Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: South NJ Posts: 1,268	Re: hole in crossmember Thanksfor setting me straight. I figured "billy" (my nickname for the PO, as in "hill") must have cut the member to get a radiator out when a bolt froze. Compared to my 71, this project has had more than its share of surprises...the longer these trucks live, the more people f&$k with them...

06-18-2014, 02:22 PM	#5
mr48chev Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Toppenish, WA Posts: 15,705	Re: hole in crossmember I'd say Dave hit it right on the money. Looking at the other side it looks like the bolt holes over there are wallowed out from things moving around. __________________ Founding member of the too many projects, too little time and money club. My ongoing truck projects: 48 Chev 3100 that will run a 292 Six. 71 GMC 2500 that is getting a Cad 500 transplant. 77 C 30 dualie, 454, 4 speed with a 10 foot flatbed and hoist. It does the heavy work and hauls the projects around.

06-18-2014, 03:22 PM	#6
LEEVON Moderator Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Ozark, MO Posts: 4,888	Re: hole in crossmember The frame that came with my '50 had that plus alot of heavy pitting. I pitched it in favor of one in much better condition, but that was just across town for $50. Speedway does sell all the crossmembers now, that's an option! http://www.speedwaymotors.com/Radiat...kup,63704.html __________________ '20 Silverado Trail Boss ~ '17 Tahoe ~ '79 K15 Sierra Grande ~ '76 Blazer 2wd ~ '71 Cheyenne swb ~ '55 Pontiac Safari ~'50 3100 bagged ~ '80 Wife ~ Late model kids

06-18-2014, 03:28 PM	#7
MidLifer Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: South NJ Posts: 1,268	Re: hole in crossmember Leevon, that radiator mount looks interesting, thanks, but on my truck there is a single crossmember that also acts as a front engine mount for the I6. If I was going V8 I probably could (would have to?) use that part, but I'm staying with the stovebolt. My frame is otherwise in great shape, save for one cracked running board mount, which I can probably also fix with a bit of welding, so I'm gonna stick with it.

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