Rear crossmember replacement on a c1, where to get the best replacement?

[Brandon T.]

Who should I buy one through? I want to go with whoever makes one that is as close to the original as I can get.

I see paragon sells them how close are they to the original?

thanks

[Al E.]

Re: Rear crossmember replacement on a c1, where to get the best replacement?

when you find out let me know and please take some photos because I need to do the same with mine. I think they all the same there's only 1 manufacturer of the part

[Gary C.]

Re: Rear crossmember replacement on a c1, where to get the best replacement?

Replacement C1 rear cross members are the late '57 and up type with the holes and welded nuts for the '58 style rear bumper brackets.

The replacements are very correct for mid '57 to '62. Earlier C1's the extra holes need to be filled in.

If you're going to Flight Judge the car after replacing the rear cross members, remember the big rivets will need to be there.

Gary
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[Dick W.]

Re: Rear crossmember replacement on a c1, where to get the best replacement?

Vette Products of MI is the manufacturer. Joe Ray, who is a frequent poster here, Keen Parts, Paragon, Corvette Central all sell the same part. Chose your favorite vendor.

[Thomas H.]

Re: Rear crossmember replacement on a c1, where to get the best replacement?

When I got my 60, the previous owner had bought one direct from GM. He never installed it, I ended up with that fun job.

I don't know if you can still get them through GM or not. The one I put in was spot on identical to the one I took out (minus the rust.........)

When I removed mine, there was rust damage on the frame rail under the crossmember. I had to cut out the rotted area and weld in some patches. Came out pretty good for welding with a MIG laying on my back. Ground the welds smooth and painted then put the cross member bcak in. Bolts in the back for now, welded in the front.

Have fun!

Tom

[Brandon T.]

Re: Rear crossmember replacement on a c1, where to get the best replacement?

bought one from paragon, went to look at a friends crossmember from them today its close but doesn't have a couple holes where his original did both cars are 58.

[Joe L.]

Re: Rear crossmember replacement on a c1, where to get the best replacement?

When I got my 60, the previous owner had bought one direct from GM. He never installed it, I ended up with that fun job.

I don't know if you can still get them through GM or not. The one I put in was spot on identical to the one I took out (minus the rust.........)

When I removed mine, there was rust damage on the frame rail under the crossmember. I had to cut out the rotted area and weld in some patches. Came out pretty good for welding with a MIG laying on my back. Ground the welds smooth and painted then put the cross member bcak in. Bolts in the back for now, welded in the front.

Have fun!

Tom

Tom-----


The number of parts that can still be obtained from GM for any C1 Corvette is a VERY short list and does not include the crossmember.

[Gordon A.]

Re: Rear crossmember replacement on a c1, where to get the best replacement?

Further to this discussion, what is the best way to either install the rivets and/or replicate the look of the rivets?

[Donald H.]

Re: Rear crossmember replacement on a c1, where to get the best replacement?

Further to this discussion, what is the best way to either install the rivets and/or replicate the look of the rivets?

I replaced the rear crossmember on my 1960. After removing the old one I bolted the new one in temporarily. Then welded the front edge as original. I then took a large grade 8 bolt and ground the tip concave to fit the rounded head of the rivet and not distort the head when crushing the other end. I put a piece of plate steel on the garage floor, then the bolt head on the plate the set the crossmember rivet head onto the bolt (that was my bucking tool). Then heated the crush end of the rivet with a torch to cherry red and used an air hammer to flatten the rivet. Turned out pretty good.

[Gordon A.]

Re: Rear crossmember replacement on a c1, where to get the best replacement?

That is what we will try. Thanks.