68 & 69 front crossmember

[Brad S.]

What is the differance between a 68 and 69 front crossmember? I see some of the reproduction companies list 68 alone and 69-72. Is the difference the way it is atttached to the frame extensions? As I posted in a post earlier this week the frame extensions on my car are torch slotted toward the rear about an inch thus moving the frame extensions forward about an inch . I was concerned that the frame was not correct for my car but after investigation found that the VIN on the frame is correct.I have had the frame measured and it is very close.So I am hoping that the bolt in crossmember is differant

[Joe L.]

Re: 68 & 69 front crossmember

Brad-----

The 1968 and 69-72 front crossmembers were different, but I don't know just how they differed. I can tell you that the 1969-72 crossmember is a functional replacement for and can be used in place of the 1968 crossmember. I don't know if the converse is true.

[Sal C.]

Re: 68 & 69 front crossmember

The '68 and, I believe early '69, did not have the provisions to bolt the bottom of the radiator support to it. Viewed from the bottom, the '68 unit would be smooth while the later will have two large holes for access to those bolts.

[Joe L.]

Re: 68 & 69 front crossmember

Sal-----

Thanks. That makes perfect sense. The 1968 radiator support has the "wings" which attach to the frame. So, further retention was not necessary. The 1969-72 support does not have the "wings", so the additional retention through the crossmember was likely necessary. It also explains why the 69-72 support will SERVICE 68 applications; the extra holes are just superfluous for the 68 application. I would suppose that if someone wanted to use a 68 support for 69-72, all they would have to do is to add the holes.