1939 Standard front crossmember question
 

Hello all,

I have not attempted to load photos yet, so I will explain this the best I can. I am in the process of replacing the front crossmember in my 39 Standard Coupe. At some point in time, someone had welded a small steel plate to the top of the crossmember for strength or to fix a crack, and in doing so, also welded the hanger bolts to the crossmember (ugly). My question is this...there is a 1/4" thick piece of steel welded to the underside of the old crossmember where the top of the spring seats. The new (used original) crossmember is void of this steel plate. Is this steel plate suppose to be there, or is it most likely a part of the above described repair?

Thanks in advance,
Sam

Re: 1939 Standard front crossmember question
 

Hi Sam,the answer is no....nothing from factory is ever welded to the frame or crossmembers, if they did it then it would be riveted like the rest of the frame.

Re: 1939 Standard front crossmember question
 

It was a high stress area prone to cracking, and it used to be pretty common to find that a stiffener plate had been installed or welded in to the cross member.
They usually had a square slot for the spring bolt to pass through.
There is a " front cross member reinforcement " listed in the 1938-39-40 Ford Factory chassis parts catalogue. Page 20. PN 68-5021-B. Priced at 0.55c.
However the roads are much better now than in those times.

Re: 1939 Standard front crossmember question
 

Makes sense. I feel better now :) Thanks for the quick responses!

Re: 1939 Standard front crossmember question
 

Second question...What size grade 8 bolt should I use to install the new crossmember? I'm assuming the small rivet holes need to be opened up for a decent size bolt. Thanks!

Re: 1939 Standard front crossmember question
 

Rivets are really the way to go.
You can buy them.
Try Roy Nacewicz.

Re: 1939 Standard front crossmember question
 

You can also use Button head "Allen" bolts in 5/16" I think. These look like rivets
Then, if you want you can weld in a couple of unseen areas.

Re: 1939 Standard front crossmember question
 

I like that button head idea. Thanks!