Center Crossmember Removal

[Hijinx]

Got the '73 up on stands today to start the header and ignition install. One thing I wanted to do was to clean up some stuff underneath the car. I think I have seen a thread on this, but can the center crossmember be removed? I want to sandblast it and paint, preferably off the car. It looks like I can remove the bolts, the tranny mount and pipes and remove it, but I know these things can be harder than they look. Thoughts?

 

[Twin_Turbo]

Early C3's have a welded in crossmember, I think they changed it somewhere in '73 (but I could very well be wrong). If it's a bolt in it's really easy to remove. loosen tranny mount, jack up tranny a little, remove exhaust, remove e-brake pulley, remove bolts & pins (inside frame rail) and take it out.

 

[moxy]

cross member

auto cross members are bolted in and four speeds are welded in

Thanks

 

[Hijinx]

Mine is a bolt in unit. Many times they are hard to remove, has anyone taken one out?

 

[Eric]

Mine is a bolt in unit. Many times they are hard to remove, has anyone taken one out?

I've never removed mine but I did loosen one side after installing my exhaust in order to make a little adjustment to the position of the pipe. The bolts were a bear to break loose but one they broke loose it was no problem at all to loosen. Just be sure to have a breaker bar handy just in case. Remember, that bolt has probably been there for 30 years.

 

[Cream79L82]

This may not be of any help since my car is 6 years younger, but I had mine all the way off about 2 weeks ago when I took the tranny off to change my flexplate. There are two vertical bolts on each side and one long horizontal one. If it's anything like mine, you should be able to get it off in no time.... just don't forget to support that tranny!!

 

[Hijinx]

Well, the cross member and everything came out without a hitch. Actually, fairly easily. Got clear road to get the new headers in now. Thanks for the advice.