1963 - 3/4 speed Trans Crossmember Removal

[oldusafmsgt]

I need to remove the factory 3/4 speed trans frame crossmember from a 63. Looks like it's held in with about 6 rivets that possibly were salvaged from the Titanic. I'm converting to a factory column shift Powerglide, was a floor shift when I got the truck. I have the aftermarket trans crossmember under the rear of the glide, so I'm assuming I can remove the stick crossmember without losing any strength integrity. I also have accumulated all the correct linkage. Anyone know the best/easiest way to remove this crossmember ?

Thanks
Greg

[jonzcustomshop]

on my wifes truck, since I didn't want to deal with the rivets, I just went after it with a sawazall...

I just busted a bunch of rivets off a frame, and the best method I came up with (after a few searches on here) was to "X" cut the head of the rivet with a grinder/cutoff wheel, bust what was left off with a chisel, and push it through with a punch, and if it didn't push through with a punch, grind it smooth, and then push it through with a punch.
a couple of them were real tough, so I drilled into them with a 3/16 bit, and then pushed them through with a punch.

it is going to be real tough to access 2 of the rivets, because they are right under the floorboard.

[rbar]

I also x cut mine and ground. I sawed it in half also to not fight trying to twist it out.
Posted via Mobile Device

[oldusafmsgt]

Thanks guys, I'm trying to do it with the cab on. I have a plasma cutter, but not much room to get the torch in there. So a cutoff wheel and sawzall it is !

[padresag]

Originally Posted by oldusafmsgt

Thanks guys, I'm trying to do it with the cab on. I have a plasma cutter, but not much room to get the torch in there. So a cutoff wheel and sawzall it is !

taking the easy way out
ron