Fwd: <VV> Front rebuild: Pull crossmember or not?

[HallGrenn at aol.com]

In a message dated 3/7/2005 4:00:26 PM Eastern Standard Time, joew at diveaz.com 
writes:

> Is pulling
> >the crossmember a good idea?
> 

If you have the time to do all the other things that should be done (gas tank 
removal, cleanup/hose replacement, replace brake lines, clean up and 
rustproof the underside of the trunk/fender just above the "frame" rails, rustproof 
underside of floor, etc) I would recommend it.  You will also have a chance to 
see it the crossmember is weak from rust anywhere.  I had three of mine dipped 
at a business that used an alkali chemical process that didn't destroy rubber. 
 I disassembled them after they had been dipped--much easier.  BUT BE SURE TO 
FOLLOW THE MANUAL WHEN RELEASING THE LOWER BALLJ0INT--HAVE A CABLE OF CHAIN 
IN PLACE TO KEEP THE SPRING FROM BECOMING A PART OF YOUR INTESTINES.  You will 
probably have to drill out and retap the back two (shorter) bolts that will be 
too rusty to remove without breaking.  Replace all mounting bolts with grade 
6 or 8 and clean up the threads when reassembling.

Bob Hall
Group Corvair