MK1 Crossmember

[360gts]

Started doing some sand blasting on my 1071 shell today.
Horrified to see the cross member has been sort of replaced...
I say sort of...someone.... along it's life replaced 3/4 of the cross member...car had been in a slight side accident. Instead of replacing the entire cross member they welded in a partial one from another car.
Always thought something didn't quite look right...they didn't get it straight!!!
So, I have decided to remove this mess and replace it.
My question...has anyone replaced a cross member on it's own???
I assume a heritage one would be the best!.....welcome suggestions!
Looks like a big job...wasn't expecting this. The shell was almost ready to go the body/paint shop.

[360gts]

I cut the cross member out this morning...a real mess. Whoever repaired the accident had welded in two parts from another car...cut along the top of the cross member and welded bit on the top and the front.

Rear part of the cross member was original...had a ton of body filler ...a real mess. Learned a valuable lesson...never assume what is there is really there. Next time I will sand blast the shell BEFORE I start the restoration.
Understand Minispares have the best cross members....will get one from them.

[NicholasUpton]

I prefer the M-machine cross member, and regularly use it in my shop. Even made a jig a few years ago to install them and clamp them tight to the floor while I spot-weld them. Be sure to paint the inside before installation to keep the tin worm from coming back.

[mk1]

Nice Jig!

[360gts]

Very creative thinking with the jigs...great idea...will use similar when I start welding the new cross member.

[NicholasUpton]

After fighting with cleco's and screws to hold in the first one, I decided that if I was to do any more it needed a jig to hold it. It has now been used to install over 20 cross members, and also works on rod change cars.

[Tupers]

That's a very clever idea. I think I'll be making my own in the new year.