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Phase 3 -- Crossmember Installation 
Now I need to install the crossmember. The prints tell me where it
goes so we follow the directions and measure forward 32 inches from the rear axle
center line and that is where the rear of the crossmember goes. I use cardboard
to make a template of the angles needed to fit the crossmember and mark and cut
it with a porta-band saw. I only cut it close leaving some extra material and final
fit it using a small 4 1/2 inch grinder. All the parts need to fit well or I will
be filling large gaps with weld and making an ugly mess. With that done, I drop plumb
bobs from the crossmember down to the floor and trianglulate the plumb bobs to
the centerline so it's square in the chassis, check it for level, and tack weld
it in.
Now to fit the rear frame rails. I have figured out that I need the rails
to be 24 inchs wide on the outside to fit my tires in the car so I install the rails
as the instructions tell me and use metal spacers I have borrowed to keep the rails
at the correct width. I continue to follow the instructions. I check to be sure the
rails are square and level and tack them in place. The final part of the frame is
the rails forward from the crossmember to the subframe. They are a pain to fit
since they have several different angles. I take my time and cut them a little
long and again final fit them with a 4 1/2 inch grinder. The last part is the rear frame brace that goes between the rear frame rails at the tail light panel. I cut and tack weld it in place. With all that done, I check everything again for square and level and finish weld all the joints. Now it's time for the ladder bar mounts ... Main Page-The Plan |