OT frame modification ???

[greg g]

To allow room for the Chevy trans in the Studebaker truck frame, I will need to remove the stock cross member. The design is similar to the MOPAR frame in that the rear motor mount and the transmission mount was just aft of the bellhousing on this X member, the new bell is deeper and larger in diameter so the X member needs to go. However, the rear of the front leaf springs mount to the frame and the cross member seems to reinforce that area. The new cross member will be about 18 to 20 rear of the current location. I would like an opinion as to whether I should fabricate another cross piece that will clear the trans but re support the inside spring mount. The frame is pretty stout in the area, the rear spring mounts are alot like the front of the rear springs on our cars. the front mounts have shackles like the back of the rears. Currently I plan to grind off the rivets holding the top and cut the bottom to free this one and move it back, reconfigure it with an attachment plate and mount it to the bottom of the frame channel to support the rear of the GM tranny

[Plymouthy Adams]

Greg..just got back in from a road trip...could not get on site very well..limited access to computer and the one I did get to was on dial-up...enough said there.!!!

I looked at the shot of your crossmember...as it attaches to the side rails, only thing coming to mind at the moment, not clearly pictured is the 18-20 inches to the rear...concern here is the mounting of the master cylinder and if the newly positioned cross member is of the design to refit here and clear. Other than that the install is looking clean thus far...few more pictures would be great...

[greg g]

We were camping for the weekend, sent you a PM as this is OT.