Removable Crossmember and new oil pan install

a sawzall works but in order to remove the lttle tabs that are spot welded I use a 1/2 drill bit and drill the spot welds not all the way thru but just enough to be able to pull the tabs off.

Ron

I tried a sawzall, I had better luck with my air chisel, I was able to"peel" the cross member away from the frame and since I didn't do the job on a lift the sawzall was kind of unwieldy due to its length.


Gary #06984

I did the job about a month ago. I installed an Aviaid Pan and Larry Stock's (PPC, Reno) removable chassis and handbrake crossmembers.

I did the job with the car on jack stands so as Gary said the Sawzall is a bit difficult to maneuver. I ended up cutting through the OEM crossmember just short of the ends with the Sawzall and then using a hammer and cold chisel to knock through the spot welds. It came off surprising easily and then I just tidied it up with the grinder disc.

Here’s a photo of the handbrake crossmember. My apologies for the quality it’s a bit difficult to just stick your arm under, get the distance correct and click.

And yes, as you see my oil pan needs to come off again, the front seal is leaking! That's what comes of trying to do it lying on your back, with too little room.

Julian

Thanks to all that have replied so far. I hope to start this week.

John

This might be a good time to upgrade your oil pump. Melling is good and that's what I did when I put in my removable crossmember. Also it might be helpful to cut a pice of wood the width of the old crossmember and put it in place before you cut out the old one. I have heard of them squeezing together once the old one is removed. Have fun it's a good modification.

quote:

Originally posted by accobra:
a sawzall works but in order to remove the lttle tabs that are spot welded I use a 1/2 drill bit and drill the spot welds not all the way thru but just enough to be able to pull the tabs off.

Ron

Johnny, a alternative method to Ron's drilling of the spot weld, is to grind the spot weld, once the weld has been removed from the outer piece of metal, you should be able to use a chisel and hammer.

What it should like after, note the metal under the outer panel hasn't been compromised.

Hope this helps

Mark 6808