Upgrade to alum front cross member ??

[rw7810]

I'm updating my 70T to an alum front cross member. The original steel one has two "straps", see red circle in pic. The alum unit doesn't have these. What did other pelicanites do for this ??

[304065]

Buy a pair of straps used and put them on. I got mine here in the classifieds, they were like $40.

[JP911]

Get the later straps (as John mentions) and the later belly pan. I've been through this and it's a bummer when you think you're all done but the original belly pan won't work. As with the straps, the pan is a relatively inexpensive item.

[PCA7GGR]

304065 and JP911 are right on the mark regarding both the later straps and late belly pan - that's want I did when I went to the aluminum cross member on my '70.

[rw7810]

Thanks guys for the insight.. guess i'm looking for both although I may make the straps.

[RWebb]

take a look at the PET before doing it - the straps are there with their p/n's as are some different washers, etc. from what you have

you save a few lbs. in doing this

[Tom '74 911]

I made some straps out of 1/4"X1" stock - not easy to bend short lengths to fit, but very do-able still. I also re-used my old belly pan by just drilling 2 new holes to attach it to the underside of the alum. cross member.

Tom

[don gilbert]

Grind off you old straps and use them, very little mods required and fast and easy. Will have to drill the bolt holes where it bolts to the x-member. There is no value to the old one as far as I know, I cant give my collection of them away

[rw7810]

Thanks to all I plan to do exactly like suggested by Tom and Don

[BK911]

I did the "upgrade" on my '73, but will not do it on any of my other cars. For the money, it just isnt worth it. You save a couple of pounds in an area that doesnt really matter. It is low, toward the front middle of the car, and not rotational or unsprung.

But it is cool!

Just my opinion. Please return to the regularly scheduled program.

[mcaterino]

Hey, that's MY suspension!

Glad my photos were useful. I'm glad to say all those parts are now cleaned up and reinstallation is happening practically as we speak.

Mike

[RWebb]

true - not a biggie re wt. savings
(but I did it)


now is the time to powder coat all the painted parts

also a good time to put polybronze bushings on, check the fuel hose, brake stuff, rebuild pedal cluster, etc.

[Matt Monson]

So you can do this without changing the A-arms? What about on a '68?

[RWebb]

sure - dunno re a '68

[Carrerax]

I have a late belly pan freshly powdercoated black if you are interested.

[Craig_D]

I'd love to see a pic or hear more about this aluminum upgraded cross member...I'm new to air-cooled Porsches and would love to know more.

Cheers,

- CraigD

[rw7810]

Thanks for use of the pic Mike. BK911 - I'm replacing the A-arm bushings and thought while I was inthere .... I agree, not a performance thing, but does look cooler. I will post pics as I get into it. I will be home powdercoating a-arms and air cleaner while I'm at it.

[Flieger]

Originally Posted by Craig_D

I'd love to see a pic or hear more about this aluminum upgraded cross member...I'm new to air-cooled Porsches and would love to know more.

Cheers,

- CraigD

You've already got one. It is just a model year upgrade that came with the 911SC.

[don gilbert]

[Craig_D]

Originally Posted by Flieger

You've already got one. It is just a model year upgrade that came with the 911SC.

Woohoo! Wow, that was the quickest and cheapest upgrade so far! hahaha

I'm going into the garage right now to look at my aluminum cross member.

Cheers,

- CraigD