C2 - Crossmember Cushions/Bushings

[Rory Riedy]

Posted this question some time ago, got absolutely no response.

How can you tell if you need to change out the rear crossmember cushions/bushings (I think some of you refer to this as the sombrero cushion or bushing)?

I am at the point of reassembly where I need to make a decision quick.

If I knew the exact procedure for changing it out I would not hesitate. Unfortunately I haven't been able to find anything that tells me how to go about it. therefore I am afraid to attempt it.

I don't know if it is a do-it-yourself project whether special tools are needed or not.

I know many of you had to make this same decision. What did you do? Is the change out something that is fairly simple & I am making too big a deal out of it.

As I stated in my last post I search the archives to no avail. All I could find was how difficult it was to remove the crossmember from the frame. Not a word about evaluating or changing out the cushion/bushing or reinstallation of the crossmember with the new bushings.

I could sure use your knowledge & experience. Is there anyone out there?

Sorry for the begging, just trying to do the right things right.

Thanks,
Triple R

[Scott Marzahl]

Re: C2 - Crossmember Cushions/Bushings

I can tell you what a Corvette shop told me when I brought my crossmember in to ask them the exact same question. Mine had a few cracks showing on the inside and they said, don't worry about it, they're fine. Everything fits together nice and snug.

[Joe L.]

Re: C2 - Crossmember Cushions/Bushings

Rory------

The cushions to which you refer usually don't need to be replaced. To tell if the do, all that is necessary is an inspection of them. If there are no "chunks" missing, no serious and obvious deterioration, and if the cushions still fit tightly to the "sombrero" brackets, then they should still be fine for further use.

If they do need to be replaced, there are no special tools required but it's almost imperative that the job be done with the assistance of an hydraulic press. The removal and installation procedure can be found in the factory service manual.

[George C.]

Re: C2 - Crossmember Cushions/Bushings

Rory,
I changed the bushings on my 65, because as you are probably thinking, I changed everything else so why not. They are a little hassle to get out, and the repro's available are not exactly like the originals. As others have said yours probably do not need to be replaced unless you have chunks of rubber missing. I would clean them up and re-install the cross member and continue on with your project.

George

#36908

[Wayne M.]

If you're REALLY picky ... (pre-mid '65 cushions)

If the judges don't already note, in the future they will count the number of retaining tabs. Prior to '65 VIN S116517 there were four tabs bent over; after that there were 8. Courtesy Tech Service Bulletin TSB # 1174, Nov 29, 1965.

Reason given that was "under certain driving conditions, the rear suspension isolation mounts can pull out of the rear suspension crossmember".

Not that I'm spreading phobias....

[George C.]

Re: If you're REALLY picky ... (pre-mid '65 cushio

Wayne,

Not that it would ever pass judging, but I actually used a die grinder and cut the 8 tabs to look like four. I didn't do it for the judges, but for myself, because at a quick glance it looks "more" original. Gee I hope they don't fall out.

George