Radiator crossmember

[Charlie Hansen]

Just starting on a 50 3100. This truck has been on my street for the passed 10 years. The truck started up the block and has worked is way down to my house. It has three different owners who all had a different dream. So now its my dream. The first many things I must overcome is the rad/engine crossmember has been removed. I have installed a Heidts suspension and engine mounts for a SB. But I need to know the location of the Radiator crossmember. So If some has there truck apart so I can get me some measurements. It would be a great help. I am thinking Measure top of frame starting at the front back to Rad crossmember to center rad. mounting holes. Then all need to know top of frame to top of Rad. crossmember. Thanks Much

 

[Zig]

Welcome, Charlie!
If you need a new one to put in, check with Deadzone. He has all kinds of old parts for these trucks. I would assume the rivet holes are still in the frame where this was mounted?
Someone here might charge you some pictures of your ride (so we can see what you're working on) to go all the way out and get measurements for you...

 

[coilover]

Do you have the front fenders and aprons? If you do there is a bracket on each side of the core support that the fender/apron bolts to. If you have a core support then bolt it to these holes and it will be in the correct position. If you also bolt the fender brace from lower down on the core support sides to the fender bead and the firewall to fender rods it will pretty much lock it into position. You can then raise and lower the front clip, with brace rods off, till the back of the hood to cowl gap is what you want. Once there you can see where to put in the frame cross member for the bottom of the core support rest on. Be sure to put this cross member too LOW so you can use a rubber pad and shims to get it right. Too high and it has to be cut back out. Picture shows the bracket on side of core support to fender with ONE bolt, there should be two.

 

[coilover]

Here's our "mule" that we lower down onto S10 chassis to fabricate cross members, mounts, and brackets. Note the fenders holding the core support into position. No tape measure needed since with a frame change all dimensions are moot anyway. I think Russ should hire that bird that did the "artwork" on the door.

 

[50 Chevy LS3]

I can probably get you exact measurements off of my 50 Chevy 3100. I have the truck stripped down to cab and frame with all original crossmembers still in place. One thing I would suggest- purchase a 47-54 truck factory assembly manual. All the original factory drawings are in it and the frame dimensions are there. If I'm reading it correctly the centerline of the radiator mount holes are 44.859" from the centerline of the forward cab mount holes (plus or minus .125). The rad. mount holes are 7/16X11/16 slots. Hope this helps, if you need I'll measure my truck and try to post some pictures.
Steve.