[Tigers] Crossmember removal

[parlanti at comcast.net]

Mark,

I've done this many times and it really is quite easy. Here's how I do it:

1. Disconnect brake lines and steering shaft

2. Leave the wheels on the crossmember

3. Remove 2 of the crossmember mounting bolts
(A trick I use is to duct tape the socket onto the extension to prevent it from being pulled off and lost in the crossmember)

4. Thread the 2 just removed bolts through 2 ends of a 3'-4' chain and into the same holes from the opposite side inside the engine compartment. ( you may have to chase the threads to clean them up as they tend to fill with water over time.)

5. Put a floor jack under the front crossmemeber as far back as possible to help the balance and just snug it up.

6. Remove the other 2 crossmember bolts

7. Using an engine hoist or chain hoist, lift the car off of the front crossmember until it can be rolled out the front

8. Lower the car back onto jack stands.

As they say in the manual, "Installation is the reverse of removal"

Hope this helps,

Joe Parlanti

1966 Mk1A B382000026
1959 Abarth Zagato 750GT



-------------- Original message -------------- 
From: CoolVT at aol.com 

> I've had my crossmemeber off 3 times, but each time it was either partially 
> or completely disassembled....so fairly easy. Listers have written about 
> removing the whole assembly with wheels attached and being able to roll it off. 
> As I look at it, it appears that it's going to be pretty difficult with the 
> car on the floor to reach under and get at the 4 bolts. I guess it can be 
> done, but has anyone come up with another way of getting things up in the air 
> just a little? How will it balance with wheels on and maybe the rack taken 
> off? 
> And how about putting it back on? 
> Mark