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Originally Posted by MS Fowler
I have posted this on a Flatheaf formum at Yahoo! groups, but I have disappointed by the quality of the replies.
I am helping a friend restore a '38 Ford pick up. The original front crossmember was broken, and since it had been previously patched, it seemed prudent to replace it. He has located a NOS crossmember. The question I have is, "How should it be attached?
The oem method was rivets. Some peole weld them in, and others prefer bolts with some sort of locking nuts. What I am seeking is some discussion of the relative merits of these various methods. Opinions are OK,( "weld it", or "grade 8 bolts") but the discussion is required to understand the "why" of each method.
Michael
Bel Air, MD
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In my opinion Ford used rivets so the frame had a certain amount of flex, much like a ship's riveted hull. If it is welded (I have seen welded ones that broke) it won't flex at those points over uneven terrain and will likely break. On semi trucks there is usually a tag on the frame that says No Welding. They use bolts and or rivets.