Avanti Frame crossmember

[davepink53]

I have recently purchased a 1971 Avanti 11. today I noticed that the rear tubular cross member on the frame is missing. Is this a serious problem? I thought that it was strange, the car came with a tow bar tongue and light plug but no bar! I guess the cross member was the tow bar before it was torn out!
Dave...

[Gunslinger]

From what I've seen the cross member would have rusted out rather than wear out...not uncommon thing to happen. Replacements are easily available from several vendors...in stainless steel and the original steel. They weld right in and aren't particularly expensive...something like $115-$125. As far as Avanti parts and repairs go, that's not a hateful expense.

It should be replaced. They were put there for a reason and they support the rear center of the body and stiffen the rear chassis tying the side rails together.

A trailer hitch was an option on Avanti's under Nate Altman...you don't often see them for sale. It was a proprietary design for the Avanti and was likely low production. I don't know who the vendor was...maybe Reese or Valley Hitch...the tongue should say the maker unless Avanti Motors fabricated the hitches themselves.

[sweetolbob]

I have recently purchased a 1971 Avanti 11. today I noticed that the rear tubular cross member on the frame is missing. Is this a serious problem? I thought that it was strange, the car came with a tow bar tongue and light plug but no bar! I guess the cross member was the tow bar before it was torn out!
Dave...

Dave

Just performed the removal surgery on mine yesterday. The 74 had a very rusted cross member. What you may find is without it the body may be riding on the frame in the wheel well area and needs to be raised about an inch to reinstall. I added wood shims in that area when I cut it out.

I still have the body attachment bracket that is welded in the middle of the cross member and the rusty remains of the cross member so I'm taking it to the local muffler shop that still uses heavy wall exhaust tubing and they will bend it to fit. I'll reinstall the bracket and weld it to the frame which is solid.

Nothing wrong with buying one from our suppliers if that fills the bill.

Just be sure to check to see that you have about 3/4-1" of clearance between the frame and the body in the wheel well area. If you need, I'll post a shot of the 74 in that area.

Bob

[davepink53]

Dave


Just be sure to check to see that you have about 3/4-1" of clearance between the frame and the body in the wheel well area. If you need, I'll post a shot of the 74 in that area.

Bob

Thanks Bob, That will good.
Dave.

[sweetolbob]

Thanks Bob, That will good.
Dave.

Dave

Here's the shot of the drivers side rear wheel well.



I love my hoist ---- I love my hoist!!!

Bob

[davepink53]

Dropped in on my mate Leon today and he happened to have a new cross member in his shed which he loaned to me. I will get one of my guys at work to knock a couple up.
Dave.

[davepink53]

I got the Boys to knock up a couple of new crossmembers and just finished installing one. Thank God for the hoist and Migwelder.

[avantilover]

It also helps to have employees who can make some for you instead of buying some. Best wishes with the Avanti, is Lesley going to get a drive :-)~