Ultimate A-500

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Well, after I realized how chicken **** my modified cross member was, I decided to use what I learned from it as a template for a new one fabbed from scratch. It resulted in 1.5” more clearance from the bottom of the cross member to the ground and a way stronger cross member.
I don’t have proper tools for cutting the metal, but with some patience I was able to get it done with a chop saw, jigsaw and metal blades, cut off wheels for the angle grinder and die grinder and time. This is really cheap and easy to do. I used my Hobart Handler 140 flux core welder which is good for max 3/16”, but I was able to get at all of it from both sides so it is definitely strong enough. The final shape differs slightly from what is shown below as this is taken from the original modded mount where the new fabbed mount is 1 1/2" shallower.
View attachment 1715163017
I used a Trans mount from a T-350 Chevy Trans common in lots of 70s cars and I don’t know what else. I needed to egg out the mounting holes a little to get it to bolt on, but it was no big deal.
View attachment 1715163019
I have a bit more grinding and clean up to do, as well as finish boxing in the bottom but I test fitted it several times during the fab process so I know I will be happy with it when done.
View attachment 1715163018
View attachment 1715163020
I could have left a bit more metal in the U portion that surrounds the transmission, so I'll trace my plates once done and add the additional beef to the templates. Anyone interested in the templates is welcome to them when they are done.

Cley

Great Job! Did you still have to remove the upper factory cross member hoop?
 
It was removed when I bought the car as a shell. There is lots of room the way it was done. The trans is not up in position in this photo however.

Kim, I'll gladly make you one in trade for say a sure grip for my 8 3/4 or something!!!

Cley
20180323_103136.jpg
 
I built a cardboard template of the shape of the trans cross member. I am going to attempt to draw it up in a way that makes sense if anyone is interested, I'll gladly share.
Cley
 
After the first (very short) drive with the OD trans, I am sure it was worth all the work. The OD controls need a little tuning but once that is done, I'm sure it will be great. Looks like a 7 or 800 rpm drop at 75 MPH. I'll provide a better update after a little more seat time.

Cley
 
For me, the crossmember would be "easier" (not easy but doable) The HARD part is a reinforcement hoop up in the floor hump.Bending that is bound to be "no fun"
 
For me, the crossmember would be "easier" (not easy but doable) The HARD part is a reinforcement hoop up in the floor hump.Bending that is bound to be "no fun"

It’s gotta be easier with the 67-up cars. I bet it’ll be fun with my 65!
 
I bent two pieces of 2” wideX1/8” plate, drilled a few holes in them in different places, got them where I wanted, then plug welded them together. Then took them out & welded the two edges. Trimmed them to fit inside the 2 stumps of remaining crossmember, then welded there and to the floor hump.
 
Well, after I realized how chicken **** my modified cross member was, I decided to use what I learned from it as a template for a new one fabbed from scratch. It resulted in 1.5” more clearance from the bottom of the cross member to the ground and a way stronger cross member.
I don’t have proper tools for cutting the metal, but with some patience I was able to get it done with a chop saw, jigsaw and metal blades, cut off wheels for the angle grinder and die grinder and time. This is really cheap and easy to do. I used my Hobart Handler 140 flux core welder which is good for max 3/16”, but I was able to get at all of it from both sides so it is definitely strong enough. The final shape differs slightly from what is shown below as this is taken from the original modded mount where the new fabbed mount is 1 1/2" shallower.
View attachment 1715163017
I used a Trans mount from a T-350 Chevy Trans common in lots of 70s cars and I don’t know what else. I needed to egg out the mounting holes a little to get it to bolt on, but it was no big deal.
View attachment 1715163019
I have a bit more grinding and clean up to do, as well as finish boxing in the bottom but I test fitted it several times during the fab process so I know I will be happy with it when done.
View attachment 1715163018
View attachment 1715163020
I could have left a bit more metal in the U portion that surrounds the transmission, so I'll trace my plates once done and add the additional beef to the templates. Anyone interested in the templates is welcome to them when they are done.

Cley
 
i would be interested in any templates you'd be interest in sharing since my early A will probably require a bunch of mods for the upper part of the transmission crossmember. i do have a 67-up trans mount to play with as i know my early A is not going to work.
 
I'll get something tomorrow. It is on a dirty piece of cardboard right now but I'll transfer it to clean paper and scan it in. The only bad part is that it is a hair too big to fit on an 11x17 piece of paper. I'll figure something out though.

Cley
 
Thanks! Am enroute from VA to DE To pick up my rebuilt A500 and reworked converter from Dynamic Converters. Hope to be able to share the mods they did to ensure the trans survives behind a stout V8.
 
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