One Big Hurdle Out of the Way --- Have been working for the past couple of months on fabricating and installing a replacement for my frames main crossmember. The original was located where the new park brake had to fit on the back of the Allison 6-speed. To say it was a chore is a major understatement. It was also nerve wracking. In fact, I left the old one in place until the new one was completely installed for fear that cutting it might lead to some major movement that I could never correct.
The plan called for fabbing and bolting two C-channels that fit inside the original frame...then welding the actual crossmember to them going from side to side. I opted for bolting the C-channels to the frame with eight, grade 8, 1/2" flange bolts to avoid overheating the old metal, which I have been told can lead to cracking. MUCH more work, but I don't want to risk this old gal breaking in two.
I now have to build another crossmember to replace the front engine mount brace that was cut out long ago by whoever installed the 350 Chevy V-8 that was in this rig when I found it (the new engine is a little Cummins 4BT).
I posted some pix in my Flickr Album below for anyone so interested.
