At some point in the past I ran across a thread where someone walked through his fabrication of a front crossmember, complete with pics. Of course, confident in my infallible memory, I didn't bother to bookmark it at the time. I'm pretty certain it was either here or on the main board, but after searching a few times I haven't found it again. It's even possible it was on another site altogether (and I've searched those, too), but I'm wondering if this rings a bell with anyone? For some reason I'm thinking it was chalupa? Is it sitting right in front of me and I'm just not seeing it?
Just to add - I'm thinking it was Chalupa55 that posted it, but all the pics he posted have been deleted in this thread: http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/group.php?do=discuss&discussionid=8302&pp=20
it was here and chalupa. heres the pics in my photobucket http://s200.photobucket.com/albums/aa99/old_ladys_mad/55%20ford%20fairlane/cross%20member/
Don't Ya just hate Photobucket? A lot of good valuable pictures that could be of help expire and go off to no mans land.Chalupa55 hasn't posted since Sept,since He moved to Colorado we pretty much lost Him.
old lady's mad - Thanks. He still has those in his album, along with a few more: http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/album.php?albumid=15875 Just not the "good" ones showing the work ***embling them. It seems like a pretty straightforward fab, but I'm always open to learning from someone else's hiccups. Jeff - yeah, it seems like that happens far too often.
It's likely that chalupa either deleted or moved his pics in PhotoBucket; I've never 'lost' any photos I've posted there, unless thru my own error.
You have got to applaud people who go to the trouble of fabricating replacement panels, etcc for their cars. My only suggestion for most is that if one is available from a supplier why would you bother? Goodell Fabrications make front crossmembers for our cars which are very affordable and they work. I have used several of them in the past on 56 sedans and they are a no brainer. With an angle grinder, mig welder, a couple of hand tools and a couple of friends to help lift the front clip off, it is a days work to replace. Just a suggestion for those without fabricating skill. Regards
Goodell Fab gets $300 for it's crossmembers,Chalupa was doing them for members for $175 a savings of $125 that could be spent on more goodies.I might just have to track Him down and see what's up.Email is on the way.
I've only heard good things about Goodell, but I've got all the tools to make one myself so I'm thinking it might be good addition to the winter project list. The other consideration is shipping. Living in Alaska, shipping can be a real bug-a-boo. If someone is even willing to ship it to you, you often choke on the S&H.
I didn't realize chalupa was making them and selling them. That's a whole different ball game. That is quite a saving and well worth considering in the future. Dennis Carpenter charges $400 and you then have to weld ou radiator support bracket on them. Let's hope chalupa is Stella making them. Regards
Goodwell gets $329 for their cross members now . I bought one this past summer for my 55 . Very nice piece I must say and fit like a glove . The hard part is cutting the old one out . As for a trans crossmember , get a good piece of flat stock then weld another piece onto that piece for the trans mount OR take 2 pieces of flat stock for the end pieces and weld to a piece of square tubing to those 2 pieces , then use another piece of flat stock for the piece you will need to bolt the trans mount to . Very easy to make one ! I did email Chalupa55 and he told me it would be sometime in September after school started before he could think about making a front crossmember . That is why I bought a new one from Goodwell . Just didn't want to wait to have one made . Jim
Hello all, Been a long time since I've been on the site. Been working and dealing with alot in my life as of late. I apologize to everyone as I won't be making the crossmembers anytime in the near future, I've decided to make a career change and am working towards moving back to California and going to school to make this happen. Again I apologize to you all, if I decide in the future to build them again you all will be the first to know.
HEY CHALUPA!!!! I'm glad you posted,its been awhile since we heard from you we were all getting scared you vanished into thin air hope everything works out for you and your future plans...Life always seems to get in the way of my car hobby also but sooner or later i find time,Might be a bummer for some forum members that you are not making the cross member anymore but there is other places that make them ,im just glad you decided to post again! see ya around.
I am sure everyone here wishes you good luck and every success with your change of cir***stance. Packing up, moving and going back to school are indeed big decisions. You will always be welcomed back here as these crossmembers will continue to rust in your absence. Regards
The Jalopy Journal
