Eliminating a 62 Trans/TB rear crossmember

[j-c-c-62]

So, a 62 Dart B body, with a BB, a streetcar. I am installing a RMS Alter K coil over IFS. I'm also installing a TKO600, which I expect to require some metal messaging, the existing crossmember remaining w/o TB's main task is just to support the rear of the tranny.
The existing crossmember is also not ideal for header exhaust routing, especially if I toy with 3".
I'm thinking of just ditching the entire OEM crossmember and relocating one better designed, suited and positioned for my application.
I have little regard for originality in this application.
Anyone taken this route and care to offer any comments/suggestions?

 

[33 IMP]

I changed out my pb 727 for a later trans and had to modify the crossmember. I just turned it around backwards and welded a new perch, saving the old one to put the pb back if I want.
And I'm using 3 1/2 tubing for exhaust with the stock crossmember and ancient hooker headers. A few 45° bends, some straight tubing, problem solved.

 

[dvw]

You could certainly fab a new one. Especially if most of the floor needs to get cut up. But if it's only the tunnel than needs mods? Probably a lot less work jut to slice out the center of the crossmember and tunnel and not beat up the rest of the floor. Then just enlarge the tunnel and add a center setion to the crossmember. Though mine runs the stock crossmember it does have the tunnel enlarged. Still retains the factory throttle pedal location. it was pretty easy. Made the new piece over sized. Bent it around a piece of 10" PVC pipe. Tack welded in in. Trimmed off the excess. Welded the edge top and bottom. That way it could be metal finished on the edge. In your case just go back a far as needed.
Doug

 

[493 Mike]

I followed Doug's advice on my 65 Belvedere. I too am using a RMS front suspension but, I am using a TF w/Gear Vendors O/D. My K-member came with wedge engine mounts but, plans changed and I needed Hemi mounts. So while tacking the replacement mounts in, I set the engine back as far as I was comfortable doing. That necessitated cutting (my new AMD floor) the tunnel and bell housing area out. A new crossmember that was real easy to fabricate, got my power plant located. I have attached a couple of photos here. If you want more PM me.
Mike

 

[ckessel]

So, a 62 Dart B body, with a BB, a streetcar. I am installing a RMS Alter K coil over IFS. I'm also installing a TKO600, which I expect to require some metal messaging, the existing crossmember remaining w/o TB's main task is just to support the rear of the tranny.
The existing crossmember is also not ideal for header exhaust routing, especially if I toy with 3".
I'm thinking of just ditching the entire OEM crossmember and relocating one better designed, suited and positioned for my application.
I have little regard for originality in this application.
Anyone taken this route and care to offer any comments/suggestions?

I didn't figure you for doing one of those swaps. I'll be watching your progress. I'm not dead set against the changes, just feel that some are not up to the task longevity wise compared to oe. I do dig the AME unit and some others but am on the fence. Of course if the car was a rust bucket on the rails/floors etc, going full frame rocks the house.

 

[j-c-c-62]

You read me well.
It's a path I began over a decade ago. Today my choices would be different.
That said, I have made some effort to step up what I already have as maybe pictured below:

 

[j-c-c-62]

I followed Doug's advice on my 65 Belvedere. I too am using a RMS front suspension but, I am using a TF w/Gear Vendors O/D. My K-member came with wedge engine mounts but, plans changed and I needed Hemi mounts. So while tacking the replacement mounts in, I set the engine back as far as I was comfortable doing. That necessitated cutting (my new AMD floor) the tunnel and bell housing area out. A new crossmember that was real easy to fabricate, got my power plant located. I have attached a couple of photos here. If you want more PM me.
Mike
View attachment 1756995View attachment 1756997View attachment 1756998View attachment 1756999

Very nice, nice execution and attention to detail, lot of hidden tricks there.