55.2-59 1957 Bellhousing crossmember - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

qbeanie · 06-27-2018, 08:20 PM

A recent post stated that the bellhousing crossmember is required to maintain the rear cab mount integrity. It was also mentioned the front spring mount is attached to this member. I was going to remove this crossmember to allow more clearance for my 700r transmission but i am rethinking that. Can this crossmember be removed by cuttng the rivits and installing bolts? Can this member be trimmed and then boxed? Please share your experiences. Thanks.

mikebte · 06-27-2018, 09:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by qbeanie

A recent post stated that the bellhousing crossmember is required to maintain the rear cab mount integrity. It was also mentioned the front spring mount is attached to this member. I was going to remove this crossmember to allow more clearance for my 700r transmission but i am rethinking that. Can this crossmember be removed by cuttng the rivits and installing bolts? Can this member be trimmed and then boxed? Please share your experiences. Thanks.

I removed mine on my 59, installed bolts and have been fine. 0 issues, but I added a crossmember on the rear of my transmission and one for my engine mounts. Just my experience.

dsraven · 06-28-2018, 01:13 AM

when I removed mine for a frame boxing exercise I had to cut it to get it out. removing the rivets wasn't enough. not enough room to get it outta there. 57 gmc.

mikebte · 06-28-2018, 01:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dsraven

when I removed mine for a frame boxing exercise I had to cut it to get it out. removing the rivets wasn't enough. not enough room to get it outta there. 57 gmc.

Agreed, I split the member down the center followed by grinding off the rivets and punching them out with a hammer. No easy foot to remove, but it can be done.

capnduane · 06-28-2018, 05:36 PM

On my 55 2nd V8 I cut the crossmember about 6in on each side, from the frame, and removed it. I have a full circle aluminum bellhousing and could not access the clutch with the crossmember in there. Like Mike, I have a crossmember at the rear of the trans and under the mid of the engine as well. Been a couple of years, and no problems yet....

06-27-2018, 08:20 PM	#1
qbeanie Registered User Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Scottsdale, AZ Posts: 40	1957 Bellhousing crossmember A recent post stated that the bellhousing crossmember is required to maintain the rear cab mount integrity. It was also mentioned the front spring mount is attached to this member. I was going to remove this crossmember to allow more clearance for my 700r transmission but i am rethinking that. Can this crossmember be removed by cuttng the rivits and installing bolts? Can this member be trimmed and then boxed? Please share your experiences. Thanks.

06-28-2018, 01:13 AM	#3
dsraven Registered User Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: calgary alberta Posts: 8,337	Re: 1957 Bellhousing crossmember when I removed mine for a frame boxing exercise I had to cut it to get it out. removing the rivets wasn't enough. not enough room to get it outta there. 57 gmc.

06-28-2018, 05:36 PM	#5
capnduane Registered User Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Moreno Valley, Calif. Posts: 244	Re: 1957 Bellhousing crossmember On my 55 2nd V8 I cut the crossmember about 6in on each side, from the frame, and removed it. I have a full circle aluminum bellhousing and could not access the clutch with the crossmember in there. Like Mike, I have a crossmember at the rear of the trans and under the mid of the engine as well. Been a couple of years, and no problems yet.... __________________ '55 Chevy 1/2ton pickup w/ Pontiac 350 and Muncie M21 close ratio 4speed "Red Ryder"



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