Stock Model A Crossmembers

I'm installing an S10 T5 tranny behind an aluminum Buick small block and with a Jag rear end. As luck would have it the trans ducks under the stock center crossmember perfectly (Better than the T5 conversion for the stock motor) Also the jag rear fits under the stock rear crossmember with the pumpkin tucking up nicely under the original spring arch. My question: Is there any reason not to use the original crossmembers of I box them and reinforce the joints with weld?

 

I'm thinking you should box the stock frame rails at a minimum, maybe add some diagonal bracing to the center x-member to frame. How does the jag mount in the rear? You may replace the rear mem with tubing to make it a better mount?? Not sure how they get attached.
RB

 

I use the stock crossmewmbers all the time with excellent results. I agree the frame needs to be boxed and the center crossmember is easily modified for your purpose. Here's a pic of the one under my sport coupe.







There's more pics on my build thread......

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=641469&highlight=sport+coupe+sort+of

 

Thanks Guys,
Koz, did you weld the joints on your crossmembers or just leave it to the rivits to do the job?

Jim

 

I boxed the frame around the crossmember but left the rivets intact mostly because I just like the way they look. If you look at the pics on my build thread they show how it was done a lot better than these pics. If you can't see how I did it give me a PM and I'll forward my cell#. I've done a bunch of these like this and it works real well.