What happens if I try to fabricate this?

[aggressive male]

I need a cross member for between the frame rails to hold up the tranny. The one I have is rotted. I was thinking about trying to fabricate one from stainless steel but if I do this will I just have more problems where it bolts to the frame? Or can I get around that somehow?

[nbecker]

You can fab one, wouldnt be to hard. I would fab it out of steel and powder coat it or use good paint,I wouldnt use stainless, the only problem you will have with mounting is your design, build it so it will mount easy.

[DRJDVM's '69]

Thats was my question...why use stainless for a crossmember ??

Seems like unecessary cost and hassle for that type of piece

[aggressive male]

Because it won't rot from inside out like the original one.

Thats was my question...why use stainless for a crossmember ??

Seems like unecessary cost and hassle for that type of piece

[parsonsj]

Stainless steel isn't really a good structural choice. It's heavy, hard on machine tools, and has less strength. You'll have a better part if you use low-carbon steel (mild steel) or even 4130 (chrome-moly). Paint it properly (or powdercoat), and it will never rust.

jp