C-2 rear cross member steel sombrero & bracket inspection?

[Stan E.]

Can the welds on a C-2 rear cross member steel sombrero and bracket be inspected with out removing the cross member? I have loosened the differential support, shocks and cross member. Also pulled down the exhaust while supporting the spring with a floor jack. What else must be done to inspect the sombreros and bracket welds? thanks stan 19259

[Edward J.]

Re: C-2 rear cross member steel sombrero & bracket inspection?

Stan, What I have seen is the rubber just dry rots most of the time. and when there really bad the molded rubber will break away from the stamped steel housing and cause drivability problems. The bottom is generally the worst side for problems so looking at the side you cannot see is likely not the problem. I am not sure what you are referring to on the welds, As the sombrero is pressed into the cross member.

[Bill H.]

Re: C-2 rear cross member steel sombrero & bracket inspection?

Stan, What I have seen is the rubber just dry rots most of the time. and when there really bad the molded rubber will break away from the stamped steel housing and cause drivability problems. The bottom is generally the worst side for problems so looking at the side you cannot see is likely not the problem. I am not sure what you are referring to on the welds, As the sombrero is pressed into the cross member.

Yea, I agree. The answer to your first question is basically - no. You can't see much of the rubber where the sombrero's fit into the bumps on the frame and you can't tell if any cracks are on the surface or the whole way thru. I just finished replacing mine. There are no welds, the sombreros have tabs that are peened over to hold them in place (like they need it, it's a fairly tight press fit).

[Alan D.]

Re: C-2 rear cross member steel sombrero & bracket inspection?

Stan, assume its for your 63. Remember these were replaced in early (65 ?) with a new design. If you are trying to keep the stock ones and also drive the car I would install some steel plates across the sombrero as a safety measure.

[Stan E.]

Re: C-2 rear cross member steel sombrero & bracket inspection?

I can not get the rear cross member to drop down enough for a good inspection of the cushion sombreros and sombrero brackets with the cross member , pinion support and shocks loosened and the spring ends supporting the weight of the car. The Long Island Corvette catalog states that the sombrero is welded to the sombrero bracket and the bracket welded to the frame. It's been so long that I don't remember. The manual does not cover this. I replaced the rubber cushions 200 miles ago by the manual. I'm trying to find out if the cross member is moving side to side. The rear of the car moves to the right under acceleration. The left rear wheel will not come into toe in specs after 5 alignments with no room to shim the trailing arm in more. Any help will be truly appreciated! Thanks! stan 19259

[Bob R.]

Re: C-2 rear cross member steel sombrero & bracket inspection?

As said above the sombreros' are pressed into place and if they have been in the car for some time it will take a long pry bar and considerable effort to break them loose. I replaced the original ones in my 63 two years ago. It was not possible to check on the condition of the originals but I felt after 50 years it should be replaced. If they have failed I think you could probably see the seperation of the rubber from below. The original 63's have 4 tabs visable and the replacement have 6 tabs. If you have most of the rear suspension taken apart you may want to change them.

[Stan E.]

Re: C-2 rear cross member steel sombrero & bracket inspection?

I've had the cross member down far enough( on bolts) to inspect the sombreros for being secure Now I'm having trouble getting the cross member back over the cushions with plenty of WD-40 and a 4' pipe over the ratchet. Is the rubber lip on the top of the cushion supposed to be flush with the cross member? Any advice? Thanks! stan 19259

[Bob R.]

Re: C-2 rear cross member steel sombrero & bracket inspection?

Is the rear diferential still attached to the cross member? If it is the rear diff may have tipped forward a little and caused a missalignment of the sombreros with the frame. When properly aligned the two bolts should pull the cross member in place without too much force.

[John H.]

Re: C-2 rear cross member steel sombrero & bracket inspection?

I've had the cross member down far enough( on bolts) to inspect the sombreros for being secure Now I'm having trouble getting the cross member back over the cushions with plenty of WD-40 and a 4' pipe over the ratchet. Is the rubber lip on the top of the cushion supposed to be flush with the cross member? Any advice? Thanks! stan 19259

Stan -

Section attached through the cushion and diff crossmember that shows how they relate. Second photo shows application of anti-seize to the upper bushing where it mates with the "sombrero" formation on the frame so it won't require another huge wrecking bar "next time".


BushingSection700.jpgBushingPrep800.JPG

[Stan E.]

Re: C-2 rear cross member steel sombrero & bracket inspection?

THANKS! VERY MUCH GUYS! I've got it with your help! stan 19259