To patch or replace frame crossmember?

[56sedandelivery]

My front cross member has some hole is it from the standard rust out that these cars see. My question is do I replace it or have the holes patched over. This is a resto mod so does not have to be factory correct in any way shape or form. the pics show the parts where the holes are. I ground out the rust back to solid metal so just do not know which option to go with. They are from the back, back and bottom.

 

[Ford blue blood]

Ifin it was me....I would replace the whole cross member. Never know what is lurking, a couple of holes tells me there are a couple more waiting to show their ugly little head.

 

[KULTULZ]

And if and when you decide to replace it, please take photos of the core support assembly mount.

 

[Daves55Sedan]

If there is holes, the metal is weaker than you think. I suggest replacing the crossmember with a new one. Before installing the new crossmember paint the entire inside of it with self-etching primer and a decent coat of rust-o-leum black on the inside all around, top, bottom and sides. Outside can be painted after unit is welded in place.

 

[56sedandelivery]

Okay will replace. Anyone have dealings with Goodell Fab front cross member? Seems to be the only ones that I can find.

 

[56sedandelivery]

If there is holes, the metal is weaker than you think. I suggest replacing the crossmember with a new one. Before installing the new crossmember paint the entire inside of it with self-etching primer and a decent coat of rust-o-leum black on the inside all around, top, bottom and sides. Outside can be painted after unit is welded in place.

Could you use spray on undercoating?

 

[CrownVic55]

I haven't needed one but have read reports of several people using their crossmember and all seem happy. If you are on the West side of Arkansas you would be close, they are in Coweta which is just East of Tulsa, OK.

 

[frank long island]

don't use undercoating on the inside it will burn smoke and drip all over as said in earlier post get a weld thru self etch primer for the inside also use it where you are welding to frame

 

[56sedandelivery]

don't use undercoating on the inside it will burn smoke and drip all over as said in earlier post get a weld thru self etch primer for the inside also use it where you are welding to frame

what makes it a weld thru primer? I have some rattle can etching primer but do not know if it is weld thru or not.

 

[KULTULZ]

3M WELD THRU COATING II05917 12.75 OZ 3M Weld-Thru Coating II, 05917, 12.75 oz Net Wt/361 g

Aerosol coating designed to be applied to metal surfaces prior to welding to provide corrosion protection after welding. Dries fast with minimum spatter. Meets MIR requirements.

 

[56sedandelivery]

Thank you!

 

[KULTULZ]

Thank you!

You are quite welcome...

Now, if you could do me a favor-

And if and when you decide to replace it, please take photos of the core support assembly mount.

If and when you decide to repair/replace the cross-member, if possible could you take detailed photos? I am interested mainly in the method the core support (radiator surround) is held up. Does your 56 still have the front engine steady rest intact?

 

[56sedandelivery]

You are quite welcome...

Now, if you could do me a favor-



If and when you decide to repair/replace the cross-member, if possible could you take detailed photos? I am interested mainly in the method the core support (radiator surround) is held up. Does your 56 still have the front engine steady rest intact?

It will be a bit as a shop will be doing the work. I am in the process of getting all the pieces together for them. I can take pic of it the way it is now if you like. It looks the same as the one Goodell Fab is selling on ebay. If this old brain can remember I will ask the shop to take pics of the process.

 

[KULTULZ]

It will be a bit as a shop will be doing the work. I am in the process of getting all the pieces together for them. I can take pic of it the way it is now if you like. It looks the same as the one Goodell Fab is selling on ebay. If this old brain can remember I will ask the shop to take pics of the process.

That's OK if you are farming it out.

They would most likely look at you sideways anyhow, sorta like Oldmics does me... (chain rattle in background)

If you remember (I have the same malady) and can get a close-up, what I wish to see is the mounting at the bottom radiator rear mounting.

If you don't get the chance no biggie and you will remain on my Christmas Card List...

 

[George/Maine]

I have a 56sedan and laying on floor best i can get. The rad support is bolted the crossember with 2 bolts and the welding on crossmember looks to be replaced.
If you fenders are bouning up and down you crossmember is weak and needs to be replaced.

 

[KULTULZ]

If you fenders are bouning up and down you crossmember is weak and needs to be replaced.

THANX for those shots.

The OP has a 56 that someone did a 302 swap on and butchered the front clip mounting(s). Trying to figure out how originally assembled as engineering drawings were deleted from the MPC.

Most photos found on the net are either in-concise or the car has been modified from factory assembly.

 

[KULTULZ]

BTW-

The 56 being discussed is @ this thread- https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=239366

The best shot I have stumbled across is below and the actual mount is hidden by the sway bar/electrical harness-

 

[Ole Don]

On any new or clean old bare metal, I blew out the junk on the bottom, then wiped down the metal with acetone on a paper towel, then spray with rattle can red oxide. In the doors, I try to get it up around the hinge mounts, then make it heavy enough so it drips out the bottom holes. I removed the rear seats, and side panels, and in the trunk too. It worked well as long as I kept the cars.

 

[56sedandelivery]

Here are some pics of the front crossmember on my 56. First 3 are from the top the last two from the bottom.

 

[KULTULZ]

So, your front clip is removed?

How was the core support mounted to the cross-member flange?

THANX! for taking the photos.