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Front lower detachable cross member fitment

cmayna

cmayna

DILLIGARA?
Donator
Geez,
I feel like a newbie all over again. The 65 vert I'm working on is currently motorless. The lower detachable cross member, that resides under the motor/tranny, was removed earlier and I want to install it back so I could use it to turn the car with the help of the floor jack.

Issue is that it seems the front frame rails or lower portions of the shock towers have tweaked inward just a tad not allowing me to attached the cross member. Off about 1/4" max. Can I assume that this is caused by the lack of the motor's weight which might cause the frame rails/shock towers to tweak outward just a tad?

Can't say I remember having this problem with either Red or Shag.
 
I currently have the motor out of my '67 Mustang. I coincidentally removed my crossmember brace as I messed up the paint in the process of pulling the motor. I repainted it and put it back in without any trouble. It was out for about three weeks and the frame rails did not shift without the weight of the motor.
 
It has possibly been out for an extended time or even removed and left out with the engine still in. Maybe previous body damage caused it to be off.

It should fit back in without issue. Sounds like issues that may need to be looked into more.
 
Craig:
I'd try installing an export brace across the two shock towers and the cowl. I don't believe in the structures relaxing like you describe, unless the frame rails are so rusted out and should be replaced. I could imagine that the other problem you're facing is due to a previous accident.
 
Yes, I was also thinking about installing an export brace as well, though I really don't think I need to. Thus I'll need to look further into this and talk to the owner.

Is the dimension from frame rail to frame rail the same for 65/66 as for 67/68? I'd think they are but not certain. If they are different does anyone have a 65/66 with the motor out that could give me a measurement? I'll need to determine exactly where to measure at.
 
IMHO
The car has been had an accident in the past.
Maybe it had been hit on a wheel itself.
Maybe the framerail is slightly bent
Just my 0.02ct opinion.
Do some measuring on the front portion of the car.
 
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