NEED HELP pls - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

shifty · 03-26-2006, 06:30 PM

Hey y'all, i ran into a snafu and need some help.

got my cab off today and i ran into a snag. I'm using an aftermarket ECE crossmember for my LS1/T56 swap b/c the stock one won't work as well.

the bolt holes for the xmemeber line up perfectly with the stock holes EXCEPT the xmember is ½" too far forward when i use the stock holes. i need some advice. here are some pics, i will post questions after. please help if you can.

PIC #1 - stock holes in framerail:

PIC #2 - the holes i need to have in framerail to use xmember:

i need to know:

1) Is using two oval holes for the mount a bad idea (slippage, etc)?

2) How would I *properly* turn that round hole into a pill-shaped hole like in the second picture? A drill obviously will not work here. I need to know what tool to use and what attachment/bit/whatever and any tips on how to keep the hole straight to look like the stock one.

i'm really looking forward to advice. thanks to anyone who can chip in. if anyone is here in the GA area and has any experience with this, i'll trade what few parts i got or kick you a 12-pack or something for your help.

**Palf70Step** · 03-26-2006, 06:42 PM

Shifty

IDon't think the two oval holes would be a big problem. Does the ECE cross member just mount to the upper rail, or the upper and lower rails?

To enlarg the hole to oval, drill another hole where you want the end to ber, then use a dremel or jig saw to connect the two holes. Wala,,,oblong hole. Smooth edges with a file.

shifty · 03-26-2006, 06:48 PM

it mounts to top and bottom rails (rests on the inside of the framerail like the stock AT one).

i hear what you're saying about making the holes longer, but i don't think that will work in my case because the distance i need to go us much smaller than that and i don't want to get sloppy and make it super long. i've never been comfy with cutting my frame to swiss cheese

. i literally just need to make it the same size as the other oval stock hole.

larry may · 03-26-2006, 07:10 PM

Make a template transfer the with a scribe . Get a rotorary file with 1/4 inch shank put the file in a drill or dremeltool cut to the scribed mark. Then its done.

Tx Firefighter · 03-26-2006, 07:23 PM

Use a carbide grinding burr in a die grinder. Wear eye protection.

shifty · 03-26-2006, 07:41 PM

oops, just linked up the pictures

forgot that before.

i don't have that great of an air compressor - sounds like you guys are roughly suggesting the same thing. i'll hafta check that out tomorrow, doubt i'm going to get this done tonight like i want to.

junkyardjohn · 03-26-2006, 10:04 PM

Shifty.... You Can Use A Carbide Burr In An Electric Drill Also. Get One With 1/4" Shank. They Are About $7 At Any Hardware Store. With Them You Can Oblong The Hole 1/16" Or 1/4" Or Whatever. John

**VetteVet** · 03-26-2006, 10:47 PM

Shifty you could make that hole the way you want in about 5 minutes with a good round file if you have the clearance. It needs to be for metal not wood of course.

http://shorinternational.com/FilesTaperedWidth.htm

03-26-2006, 06:48 PM	#3
shifty Questionable Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Atlanta Posts: 13,373	Re: NEED HELP pls it mounts to top and bottom rails (rests on the inside of the framerail like the stock AT one). i hear what you're saying about making the holes longer, but i don't think that will work in my case because the distance i need to go us much smaller than that and i don't want to get sloppy and make it super long. i've never been comfy with cutting my frame to swiss cheese . i literally just need to make it the same size as the other oval stock hole. __________________ If I've got anything up for grabs, it'll be here: 7-hole gauge cluster for a 67-72 p/u FREE (link) I can't check the forum daily. If I don't reply to you within 24 hours, drop me a PM! I'm (hopefully) still alive and will reply faster to a PM. Last edited by shifty; 03-26-2006 at 06:50 PM.

03-26-2006, 07:10 PM	#4
larry may Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: MISSOURI Posts: 3,256	Re: NEED HELP pls Make a template transfer the with a scribe . Get a rotorary file with 1/4 inch shank put the file in a drill or dremeltool cut to the scribed mark. Then its done.

03-26-2006, 07:23 PM	#5
Tx Firefighter Watch out for your cornhole ! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Azle, Texas Posts: 14,162	Re: NEED HELP pls Use a carbide grinding burr in a die grinder. Wear eye protection. __________________ I'm on the Instagram- @Gearhead_Kevin

03-26-2006, 07:41 PM	#6
shifty Questionable Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Atlanta Posts: 13,373	Re: NEED HELP pls oops, just linked up the pictures forgot that before. i don't have that great of an air compressor - sounds like you guys are roughly suggesting the same thing. i'll hafta check that out tomorrow, doubt i'm going to get this done tonight like i want to. __________________ If I've got anything up for grabs, it'll be here: 7-hole gauge cluster for a 67-72 p/u FREE (link) I can't check the forum daily. If I don't reply to you within 24 hours, drop me a PM! I'm (hopefully) still alive and will reply faster to a PM.

03-26-2006, 10:04 PM	#7
junkyardjohn Registered User Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: SOMERSET KY. Posts: 6,425	Re: NEED HELP pls Shifty.... You Can Use A Carbide Burr In An Electric Drill Also. Get One With 1/4" Shank. They Are About $7 At Any Hardware Store. With Them You Can Oblong The Hole 1/16" Or 1/4" Or Whatever. John __________________ junkyardjohn 69 1 TON TOW TRUCK // 84 4WD CUCV BLAZER// 85 1 TON 4WD STAKE TRUCK// 86 M1031 5/4 TON 4WD CUCV// ALOT OF OLD TRUCKS FOR ONE OLD MAN TO DRIVE. THERES ROOM FOR ALL OF GODS CREATURES RIGHT NEXT TO MY MASHED POTATOES// LIFE MEMBER OF P.E.T.A (PEOPLE EATING TASTY ANIMALS) DON'T RENT U-HAUL ALWAYS TELL THE TRUTH IT WILL AMAZE PART OF THE PEOPLE & ASTONISH THE REST

03-26-2006, 06:30 PM	#1
shifty Questionable Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Atlanta Posts: 13,373	NEED HELP pls Hey y'all, i ran into a snafu and need some help. got my cab off today and i ran into a snag. I'm using an aftermarket ECE crossmember for my LS1/T56 swap b/c the stock one won't work as well. the bolt holes for the xmemeber line up perfectly with the stock holes EXCEPT the xmember is ½" too far forward when i use the stock holes. i need some advice. here are some pics, i will post questions after. please help if you can. PIC #1 - stock holes in framerail: PIC #2 - the holes i need to have in framerail to use xmember: i need to know: 1) Is using two oval holes for the mount a bad idea (slippage, etc)? 2) How would I properly turn that round hole into a pill-shaped hole like in the second picture? A drill obviously will not work here. I need to know what tool to use and what attachment/bit/whatever and any tips on how to keep the hole straight to look like the stock one. i'm really looking forward to advice. thanks to anyone who can chip in. if anyone is here in the GA area and has any experience with this, i'll trade what few parts i got or kick you a 12-pack or something for your help. __________________ If I've got anything up for grabs, it'll be here: 7-hole gauge cluster for a 67-72 p/u FREE (link) I can't check the forum daily. If I don't reply to you within 24 hours, drop me a PM! I'm (hopefully) still alive and will reply faster to a PM. Last edited by shifty; 03-26-2006 at 07:40 PM.

03-26-2006, 06:42 PM	#2
Palf70Step State of Confusion! Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Gulfport, MS USA Posts: 47,249	Re: NEED HELP pls Shifty IDon't think the two oval holes would be a big problem. Does the ECE cross member just mount to the upper rail, or the upper and lower rails? To enlarg the hole to oval, drill another hole where you want the end to ber, then use a dremel or jig saw to connect the two holes. Wala,,,oblong hole. Smooth edges with a file. __________________ Bill 1970 Chevy Custom/10 LWB Fleetside 2010 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner SR5 Double Cab - DD Member of Louisiana Classic Truck Club (LCTC) Bill's Gallery Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift. Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God!

03-26-2006, 10:47 PM	#8
VetteVet Msgt USAF Ret Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Kalamazoo, Michigan Posts: 8,719	Re: NEED HELP pls Shifty you could make that hole the way you want in about 5 minutes with a good round file if you have the clearance. It needs to be for metal not wood of course. http://shorinternational.com/FilesTaperedWidth.htm __________________ VetteVet metallic green 67 stepside 74 corvette convertible 1965 Harley sportster 1995 Harley wide glide Growing old is hell, but it beats the alternative.



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