Front cross member replacement

[Patrick S.]

Is it necessary to add extra body support when taking off the front cross member? The radiator support is on that suspension member. I don't want to find out the hard way that the front body was damaged due to lack of support.

[John H.]

Re: Front cross member replacement

Is it necessary to add extra body support when taking off the front cross member? The radiator support is on that suspension member. I don't want to find out the hard way that the front body was damaged due to lack of support.

Patrick -

If the car is going to sit for a long time without the front suspension crossmember, I'd support it under the radiator support. However, the front body section on a C1 is FAR stiffer in both torsion and bending than any midyear or C3, and isn't likely to move. The weak point is at 12 o'clock in the front wheel wells - if you note a "bulge" in the outer fender panel in that area, it definitely needs support.