My Front Crossmember Notching

[az03sonoma]

I'm in the process of notching my front crossmember. Now that I think about it, I wish that I would have taken more detailed pics... I will go back today and generate a few more pictures with measurements. The project has taken me about 8 hours through a span of about two weeks with a couple of hours hear and there. I took my time and set the motor in a few times to check clearances. Using the torch then cut-off wheel is time consuming and a plasma torch would have been nice, but I'm low on $$$$$ and my labor is cheap :10:

After setting the motor in a few times and widening the opening to what was needed, I made cardboard templates of the plates that I would need. I used 3/16" plate that I got a local metal supplier down the street. I went through their scrap pile and found a 1'x2' piece that I paid $6 for. I used a torch to do a rough cut and then used the grinder to get them close to the pattern. I fit the two sides first and then fit the front plate. It took some back and forth test fitting until I got close enough to be satisfied. I tacked them into place and then set the motor back in for a final check.



http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i274/az03sonoma/Project%20S10/IMG_4950.jpg

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i274/az03sonoma/Project%20S10/IMG_4952.jpg

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i274/az03sonoma/Project%20S10/IMG_4951.jpg


I did not brace the frame, because I was not cutting the entire crossmember out and I had jack stands further back on the frame near the front cab mounts. I checked measurements at the frame before and after, nothing changed.

Pic of the motor and pan used.

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i274/az03sonoma/Project%20S10/IMG_4613.jpg

Test fit of the motor

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i274/az03sonoma/Project%20S10/IMG_4957.jpg

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i274/az03sonoma/Project%20S10/IMG_4955.jpg


Made cardboard templates to cut the filler plates

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i274/az03sonoma/IMG_5006.jpg

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i274/az03sonoma/IMG_5007.jpg


Plates tacked in place

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i274/az03sonoma/Project%20S10/IMG_4981.jpg

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i274/az03sonoma/Project%20S10/IMG_4984.jpg

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i274/az03sonoma/Project%20S10/IMG_4983.jpg

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i274/az03sonoma/Project%20S10/IMG_4982.jpg

more to come :cool4:

[az03sonoma]

Final test fit of the motor before welding up the plates

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i274/az03sonoma/IMG_4994.jpg

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i274/az03sonoma/IMG_4996.jpg

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i274/az03sonoma/IMG_4999.jpg

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i274/az03sonoma/IMG_5000.jpg

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i274/az03sonoma/IMG_5001.jpg

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i274/az03sonoma/IMG_5002.jpg

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i274/az03sonoma/IMG_5003.jpg

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i274/az03sonoma/IMG_5004.jpg

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i274/az03sonoma/IMG_5005.jpg


:10:

[Diabolical]

Absolutely fine job!
You'll be glad you didn't use the plasma gun.
The plasma super heats the metal to the point its almost like hardened steel!
Then when you try to drill or cut using a cut off wheel.. it just eats up your
bits or pads..

Keep them coming..

Mike

[az03sonoma]

Absolutely fine job!
You'll be glad you didn't use the plasma gun.
The plasma super heats the metal to the point its almost like hardened steel!
Then when you try to drill or cut using a cut off wheel.. it just eats up your
bits or pads..

Keep them coming..

Mike


Oh, I didn't know that... That's good to know. I'm trying to talk my brothers into getting a plasma cutter since I have bought a welder, tubing bender and Bend Tech Pro... They both have projects and we are helping each other out...

[dand355]

:2thumbsup::thumbup:

[az03sonoma]

Here are some measurements, after the fact...


From the center of the crossmember to the passenger side, I went 6 3/16" (shows 6", but includes the 3/16" plate...)

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i274/az03sonoma/IMG_5025.jpg

From the center to the driver's side, I went 5 11/16" (shows 5 1/2", but includes the 3/16" plate)

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i274/az03sonoma/IMG_5024.jpg

The passenger side was cut forward 3 3/16"

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i274/az03sonoma/IMG_5028.jpg

The driver's side was cut forward 3"

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i274/az03sonoma/IMG_5027.jpg

[Joker]

I love these posts that include pictures like this,it makes things easier to understand Thanks alot for sharing!

[jameskirk1]

x2 man - great post!!!

[az03sonoma]

I love these posts that include pictures like this,it makes things easier to understand Thanks alot for sharing!

No problem :10: I wish that I would have taken more pictures... digital pics are cheap!

I never modified a frame before, so I thought that I would take pictures to capture the moment and seeing that there are other people asking about it, I thought it would be good to share my experience. Travis at s10dragracer suggested that I post it in the technical sections.

I hope that is helps out anyone willing to try it on theirs. It's not that hard if you take your time and double check measurements and clearances.

[az03sonoma]

x2 man - great post!!!

thanks!:cool4:

[lsx10]

looks really good man. keep up the good work

[Diabolical]

Looks great! Now start tacking her up! ;)

[Diabolical]

A very fine job bro ;)

[sgblazer2]

nice job!!

[spib]

excellent post!!!!!! what oil pan are you using?

[Mad Max]

Custom.
You are totally right about one thing - if you take the time and don't rush, prep everything correctly, the job comes out great. I have seen so many hack jobs on vehicles by members of the ABU (Amalgamated Butcher's Union).
It amazes me that some of the hack jobs I have seen can even be driven let alone raced on a track. I can just see a rear end flying out from under a vehicle or a motor coming up through the hood :laugh4:
Nice job. :thumbsup:

[az03sonoma]

excellent post!!!!!! what oil pan are you using?


I bought the Summit 7qt when they had 10% off. http://www.summitracing.com/parts/SUM-G3502/

Tony

[az03sonoma]

Custom.
You are totally right about one thing - if you take the time and don't rush, prep everything correctly, the job comes out great. I have seen so many hack jobs on vehicles by members of the ABU (Amalgamated Butcher's Union).
It amazes me that some of the hack jobs I have seen can even be driven let alone raced on a track. I can just see a rear end flying out from under a vehicle or a motor coming up through the hood :laugh4:
Nice job. :thumbsup:

Thanks man! I've seen some pretty scary hack jobs myself, but in the offroad side of motorsports. Some of the desert races that I've been in, had some trucks falling apart after the first 10 miles of a 200 mile race...:laugh4:


Tony

[spib]

excellent post and very good pics, mine is all cut out, still need to make templates and weld in the plate, but it is cut out, thanks again for post, my new pan for my new motor fit with ease!!!!!!

[az03sonoma]

excellent post and very good pics, mine is all cut out, still need to make templates and weld in the plate, but it is cut out, thanks again for post, my new pan for my new motor fit with ease!!!!!!

Sweet! glad it was of help :10:

Post some pics of yours if you can. :cool4:

[spib]

well its slowly getting done!!!!!! thanks again for excellent post!!!!!:rock:






http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h139/spib/meloy%20toy/motorout036.jpg
http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h139/spib/meloy%20toy/motorout035.jpg

[az03sonoma]

Look'n good man! You're almost there! :10: When you're done, you'll look back and realize it wasn't all that hard. :rock:

Tony

[Blacks10ss]

http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n298/kenny231981/Black%20SS/DSC06121.jpg
http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n298/kenny231981/Black%20SS/DSC06158.jpg

[az03sonoma]

Looks good Blacks10ss :10:

I thought about doing mine that way, but I was concerned with trying to keep the two sides plumb and true. I bet you have no problem pulling the pan with the motor in. :rock:



Tony

[*hotrods*]

Looks great! I did mine akmost exactly the same. It took a lot of time but was worth it in the end. I used a Canton pan with crank scraper and trap doors.

[Diabolical]

Nice work guys!!

[Blacks10ss]

Looks good Blacks10ss :10:

I thought about doing mine that way, but I was concerned with trying to keep the two sides plumb and true. I bet you have no problem pulling the pan with the motor in. :rock:



Tony

Thanks...

I had my buddy Dave do it at Afterhours Fabercation in Nj...He braced it all be fore cutting and re building has has built full frames before so I knew he was the man for the job...

[Diabolical]

X2 on the bracing ..
You would be shocked knowing how many people just jump in and start hacking!!

[Blacks10ss]

X2 on the bracing ..
You would be shocked knowing how many people just jump in and start hacking!!


I bet and that frame's front half is way outta wack...

[spib]

Thanks again az03sonoma excellent post, I am done now need to figure out were to run front brake lines, excellent post, THANK YOU!!!!!!

[az03sonoma]

Thanks again az03sonoma excellent post, I am done now need to figure out were to run front brake lines, excellent post, THANK YOU!!!!!!

No problem, I'm glad it helped :rock::rock: post some pics when you get a chance.

Let me know what you figure out on the brake lines. I think it will be a while before I get to that point :laugh4:

Tony

[torq4u]

thanks az03sonoma been looking at my crossmember today seeing the offset and thinking don't cut it yet , now i see by your post .
awesome job!!

[scottnadeau]

Ignorant questions time: What is the advantage of a motor plate as opposed to solid mounts? My guess is that is prevents or reduces frame twist. Also - what is a midplate, and what kind of changes are made when using one (does the bellhousing move backwards?)?

[scottnadeau]

Never mind. I see that the plates he was talking about were not motor plates but plates for the notch. I originally read the thread at work and the photos were blocked...

[blazaboy86]

can the crossmemeber be cut with something other than a torch.. I don't have a torch..sawzall or cut off wheel maybe?

[torq4u]

can the crossmemeber be cut with something other than a torch.. I don't have a torch..sawzall or cut off wheel maybe?

i went after mine with a sawsall , cuts like butter :)