The Ford Barn

56sedandelivery · 03-16-2018, 12:15 PM

My front cross member has some hole is it from the standard rust out that these cars see. My question is do I replace it or have the holes patched over. This is a resto mod so does not have to be factory correct in any way shape or form. the pics show the parts where the holes are. I ground out the rust back to solid metal so just do not know which option to go with. They are from the back, back and bottom.

Ford blue blood · 03-16-2018, 01:03 PM

Ifin it was me....I would replace the whole cross member. Never know what is lurking, a couple of holes tells me there are a couple more waiting to show their ugly little head.

KULTULZ · 03-16-2018, 03:45 PM

And if and when you decide to replace it, please take photos of the core support assembly mount.

Daves55Sedan · 03-16-2018, 03:46 PM

If there is holes, the metal is weaker than you think. I suggest replacing the crossmember with a new one. Before installing the new crossmember paint the entire inside of it with self-etching primer and a decent coat of rust-o-leum black on the inside all around, top, bottom and sides. Outside can be painted after unit is welded in place.

56sedandelivery · 03-16-2018, 03:51 PM

Okay will replace. Anyone have dealings with Goodell Fab front cross member? Seems to be the only ones that I can find.

56sedandelivery · 03-16-2018, 03:54 PM

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Daves55Sedan

If there is holes, the metal is weaker than you think. I suggest replacing the crossmember with a new one. Before installing the new crossmember paint the entire inside of it with self-etching primer and a decent coat of rust-o-leum black on the inside all around, top, bottom and sides. Outside can be painted after unit is welded in place.

Could you use spray on undercoating?

CrownVic55 · 03-16-2018, 05:16 PM

I haven't needed one but have read reports of several people using their crossmember and all seem happy. If you are on the West side of Arkansas you would be close, they are in Coweta which is just East of Tulsa, OK.

frank long island · 03-16-2018, 05:46 PM

don't use undercoating on the inside it will burn smoke and drip all over as said in earlier post get a weld thru self etch primer for the inside also use it where you are welding to frame

56sedandelivery · 03-16-2018, 06:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by frank long island

don't use undercoating on the inside it will burn smoke and drip all over as said in earlier post get a weld thru self etch primer for the inside also use it where you are welding to frame

what makes it a weld thru primer? I have some rattle can etching primer but do not know if it is weld thru or not.

KULTULZ · 03-17-2018, 06:28 AM

Quote:

3M WELD THRU COATING II05917 12.75 OZ 3M Weld-Thru Coating II, 05917, 12.75 oz Net Wt/361 g

Aerosol coating designed to be applied to metal surfaces prior to welding to provide corrosion protection after welding. Dries fast with minimum spatter. Meets MIR requirements.

56sedandelivery · 03-17-2018, 09:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KULTULZ

Thank you!

KULTULZ · 03-17-2018, 10:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 56sedandelivery

Thank you!

You are quite welcome...

Now, if you could do me a favor-

Quote:

Originally Posted by KULTULZ

And if and when you decide to replace it, please take photos of the core support assembly mount.

If and when you decide to repair/replace the cross-member, if possible could you take detailed photos? I am interested mainly in the method the core support (radiator surround) is held up. Does your 56 still have the front engine steady rest intact?

56sedandelivery · 03-17-2018, 10:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KULTULZ

You are quite welcome...

Now, if you could do me a favor-

If and when you decide to repair/replace the cross-member, if possible could you take detailed photos? I am interested mainly in the method the core support (radiator surround) is held up. Does your 56 still have the front engine steady rest intact?

It will be a bit as a shop will be doing the work. I am in the process of getting all the pieces together for them. I can take pic of it the way it is now if you like. It looks the same as the one Goodell Fab is selling on ebay. If this old brain can remember I will ask the shop to take pics of the process.

KULTULZ · 03-17-2018, 11:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 56sedandelivery

It will be a bit as a shop will be doing the work. I am in the process of getting all the pieces together for them. I can take pic of it the way it is now if you like. It looks the same as the one Goodell Fab is selling on ebay. If this old brain can remember I will ask the shop to take pics of the process.

That's OK if you are farming it out.

They would most likely look at you sideways anyhow, sorta like Oldmics does me...

(chain rattle in background)

If you remember (I have the same malady) and can get a close-up, what I wish to see is the mounting at the bottom radiator rear mounting.

If you don't get the chance no biggie and you will remain on my Christmas Card List...

George/Maine · 03-17-2018, 11:38 AM

I have a 56sedan and laying on floor best i can get. The rad support is bolted the crossember with 2 bolts and the welding on crossmember looks to be replaced.
If you fenders are bouning up and down you crossmember is weak and needs to be replaced.

KULTULZ · 03-17-2018, 12:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by George/Maine

If you fenders are bouning up and down you crossmember is weak and needs to be replaced.

THANX for those shots.

The OP has a 56 that someone did a 302 swap on and butchered the front clip mounting(s). Trying to figure out how originally assembled as engineering drawings were deleted from the MPC.

Most photos found on the net are either in-concise or the car has been modified from factory assembly.

KULTULZ · 03-17-2018, 01:00 PM

BTW-

The 56 being discussed is @ this thread- https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=239366

The best shot I have stumbled across is below and the actual mount is hidden by the sway bar/electrical harness-

Ole Don · 03-17-2018, 04:15 PM

On any new or clean old bare metal, I blew out the junk on the bottom, then wiped down the metal with acetone on a paper towel, then spray with rattle can red oxide. In the doors, I try to get it up around the hinge mounts, then make it heavy enough so it drips out the bottom holes. I removed the rear seats, and side panels, and in the trunk too. It worked well as long as I kept the cars.

56sedandelivery · 03-18-2018, 11:42 AM

Here are some pics of the front crossmember on my 56. First 3 are from the top the last two from the bottom.

KULTULZ · 03-18-2018, 03:44 PM

So, your front clip is removed?

How was the core support mounted to the cross-member flange?

THANX! for taking the photos.

03-16-2018, 01:03 PM	#2
Ford blue blood Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Birmingham, AL Posts: 814	Re: To patch or replace frame crossmember? Ifin it was me....I would replace the whole cross member. Never know what is lurking, a couple of holes tells me there are a couple more waiting to show their ugly little head. __________________ Bill, certified Ford nut. 2016 F-150 2016 Focus 08 Shelby GT500 57 Ford Ranchero 36 Chevy, 351C/FMX, 8", Mustang II

03-16-2018, 03:45 PM	#3
KULTULZ Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: IN A 'GALAXIE' FAR FAR AWAY Posts: 6,466	Re: To patch or replace frame crossmember? And if and when you decide to replace it, please take photos of the core support assembly mount. __________________ *** - WHY IS IT ... - ... that everything you buy in the grocery store is either wrapped in or contained in plastic but the government doesn't want you to carry it out in a plastic bag? WONDERING IN W(BY GOD)V ... DIAGNOSED CDO** - (OCD In Correct Alphabetical Order)

03-16-2018, 03:46 PM	#4
Daves55Sedan Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Granite City, Illinois Posts: 3,008	Re: To patch or replace frame crossmember? If there is holes, the metal is weaker than you think. I suggest replacing the crossmember with a new one. Before installing the new crossmember paint the entire inside of it with self-etching primer and a decent coat of rust-o-leum black on the inside all around, top, bottom and sides. Outside can be painted after unit is welded in place.

03-16-2018, 03:51 PM	#5
56sedandelivery Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2018 Location: Arkansas Posts: 525	Re: To patch or replace frame crossmember? Okay will replace. Anyone have dealings with Goodell Fab front cross member? Seems to be the only ones that I can find.

03-16-2018, 05:16 PM	#7
CrownVic55 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Collinsville, OK Posts: 171	Re: To patch or replace frame crossmember? I haven't needed one but have read reports of several people using their crossmember and all seem happy. If you are on the West side of Arkansas you would be close, they are in Coweta which is just East of Tulsa, OK.

03-16-2018, 05:46 PM	#8
frank long island Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: westbury ny Posts: 854	Re: To patch or replace frame crossmember? don't use undercoating on the inside it will burn smoke and drip all over as said in earlier post get a weld thru self etch primer for the inside also use it where you are welding to frame

03-17-2018, 11:38 AM	#15
George/Maine Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Mid coast Maine Posts: 1,878	Re: To patch or replace frame crossmember? I have a 56sedan and laying on floor best i can get. The rad support is bolted the crossember with 2 bolts and the welding on crossmember looks to be replaced. If you fenders are bouning up and down you crossmember is weak and needs to be replaced.

03-17-2018, 04:15 PM	#18
Ole Don Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: St. Michael, Minnesota Posts: 1,713	Re: To patch or replace frame crossmember? On any new or clean old bare metal, I blew out the junk on the bottom, then wiped down the metal with acetone on a paper towel, then spray with rattle can red oxide. In the doors, I try to get it up around the hinge mounts, then make it heavy enough so it drips out the bottom holes. I removed the rear seats, and side panels, and in the trunk too. It worked well as long as I kept the cars.

03-18-2018, 03:44 PM	#20
KULTULZ Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: IN A 'GALAXIE' FAR FAR AWAY Posts: 6,466	Re: To patch or replace frame crossmember? So, your front clip is removed? How was the core support mounted to the cross-member flange? THANX! for taking the photos. __________________ *** - WHY IS IT ... - ... that everything you buy in the grocery store is either wrapped in or contained in plastic but the government doesn't want you to carry it out in a plastic bag? WONDERING IN W(BY GOD)V ... DIAGNOSED CDO** - (OCD In Correct Alphabetical Order)