Engine Crossmember Chassis Tubes

[MK1_Oz]

The chassis tubes I bought from Grp4Fab are too long by about 4-5mm (is the Mk2 rail thicker?).

I can either grind 5mm off the threaded end or add a suitable 5mm plate to the top of the chassis rail before welding the tubes.

Not sure as to whether I could grind the threaded end without ruining the thread?

Anybody had issues with these products before or suggest best option?

[Mik Kay]

I would think they are meant to be that way Oz??. Gives you an extra couple of mm to get a better weld bead around.

[MK1_Oz]

Dont think so? Surely the end of the tube will fit flush with the bottom of the chassis rail. If it protruded by these few mm then the crossmember would not touch the chassis rail.

[mickas]

If your going to shorten the bolt put the nut on first, cut it to size then unscrew it to clean the thread....

[MK1_Oz]

Yeah I was going to do that if I go the cutting route.

Just to clarify, the tube is actually a T shape with the cross of the T sitting on top of the crossmember. The threads start at the other end (bottom of crossmember) and end half way up.

Got the holes cut and tubes in serted this afternoon. Just need to decide which route to take then weld on later in the week.

Cheers as always!

[ozstang65]

Have you ever thought about buying a lathe? They are invaluable tools. I've only got access to an old imperial unit but it does the job. Once you have one you'll wonder how you ever lived without one. Ideal for little jobs like this one.

Cheers

[MK1_Oz]

how i would love one. my drill press is a poo poo GMC one (sorta does the job though) so i think a lathe is out :(

[mickas]

So do they go up the other way?

[MK1_Oz]

nope. bolt from the bottom effectively pulls the T-tube down hence the cross of the T being on top of the chassis rail.

[ozstang65]

Just an example, and I have no idea of it's quality, but it's less than a set of tyres...

[mickas]

I would have tubed it and used bolts, in case they strip out like the std ones...

[MK1_Oz]

[ulsterman]

Maybe the ones you have are designed to fit down through the chassis fitted engine mounts. Like Mick says it would be better to use tubes in there and put bolts through as at some point you will strip them out which is a real pain.

[group5]

If you do strip them (which I think would be unlikely) just run a drill bit through them and put a bolt in.