Front Crossmember Bolts

[Ray C.]

Hi!

I am in the process of re-assembly of my 61. I am currently assembling the front suspension. When disassembling the front crossmember, the four bolts near the engine compartment where inserted from the bottom up and the front four bolts were inserted from the top down. Is this correct?

Thanks Ray
#36314

[John H.]

Re: Front Crossmember Bolts

As I recall, the four inboard bolts on each side were installed upside-down ("nuts-up" in car position) to avoid interference between the threaded end of the bolts and the bumper brackets.

[Mike M.]

Re: Front Crossmember Bolts

John: thought all 16 were nuts up as front crossmember was installed, on the line, with frame upside down. ??? mike

[Ray C.]

Re: Front Crossmember Bolts

Mike:

I believe that the crossmember on the 61 was never removed from the car. I posted in reference to the rear bolts to receive confirmation. 61 AIM shows a diagram of the front bolts being inserted from the topside I could not find a reference to the rear. The front four nuts on the 61 were on the bottom.

Thanks John for the response!

Ray

[John M.]

Re: Front Crossmember Bolts

Mike,
My 60 had the same bolt layout as Ray's car does. My 60 had never been apart before I restored it.

Regards, John McGraw

[Joel M.]

Re: Front Crossmember Bolts

Ray--- I too will be re-installing my front crossmember next week(57). When it came apart all nuts were down but had been hit in front at some point and crossmember may have been previously removed and reinstalled. Also had no bumperette support bars on it. Hope we can get a definative direction to go on this. I can only assume 57 would be the same.

[James F.]

Re: Front Crossmember Bolts - Ray & Joel

Ray & Joel,
FWIW, my '56 crossmember has never been removed from the frame. All bolts were installed from frame topside, nuts below (closest to road). Regards,

[Joel M.]

Re: Front Crossmember Bolts - Ray & Joel

Jim, Thank you very much, That settles it for me. Mine were that way also and appeared to have never been out and cannot see why 57 would be diff from 56. I'm gonna go for it that way------- regards, Joel Miller

[Clare Carpenter]

Assume the same for '62: Front Crossmember Bolts

Never noted when I disassembled my '62. Assumed the AIM would clarify if any question. I'm guessing a '62 would have the bolts situated the same way as a '61. Right or wrong?

[Joel M.]

Re: Assume the same for '62: Front Crossmember Bol

Clare- I checked my totally original unrestored unmolested 62 today (Been in storage since 75) and found the following----- All eight rear bolts both inside and outside frame / 4 left and 4 right are nuts up --- All eight front bolts both inside and outside the frame / 4 left and 4 right are nuts down. Really don't know where this leaves Ray and I on 57's as Jim's 56 is all nuts down. Right now leaning towards Jim's config. Regards Joel Miller

[Clare Carpenter]

Re: Assume the same for '62: Front Crossmember Bol

Thanks Joel, It seems like I vaguely recall mine being the same on disassembly. Nothing like a "benchmark" as a reference point.