C1 front cross member

[Arnie Bailey]

I have my first C1 and have a question about the front cross member.

On the top of the cross member I have two holes that have square reinforcement plates around them. The person who pointed them out to me thought that they were added on. To me they look original. Could it be that the cross member was replaced. Do the sedan cross members have these holes? The holes are located on the inward side of the two humps on the top of the cross member. I could email pictures to anyone who is intersted.

Thanks,
Arnie

[Mike E.]

Re: C1 front cross member

What year do you have? The answer is not the same for all 53-62.

[Arnie Bailey]

Re: C1 front cross member

I'm sorry, I have a late 1961 (June 28 I think).

[Mike E.]

Re: C1 front cross member

That is a replacement front crossmember---61 and 62 didn't have the squares--it's a passenger car unit, and the only differences in the crossmember itself is those squares and where the holes are drilled/not drilled for the bumperette brackets. With the fan shroud lower pieces installed, what you have is virtually undetectable, and functionally correct.

[Arnie Bailey]

Re: C1 front cross member

Mike,

Are you saying that I will need to drill some holes for the bumperette brackets?
The bumpers were not on the car when I got it.

Thanks
Arnie

[Mike E.]

Re: C1 front cross member

Exactly.

[Gary C.]

Re: C1 front cross member

Arnie, check to make sure you have the aluminum shims between the front cross member and the frame. Think they were still used in '61? Gary....

[John M.]

Re: C1 front cross member

YEp, all cars from 57 on used the shims! They added some much-needed caster to the front suspension to help high speed stability.

Regards, John McGraw