'31 Battery Support Frame Crossmember - Vintage Chevrolet Club

I need a battery support frame crossmember for my '31 Coach. It is 48 inches long by 1.25 inch wide (approx), goes from one side of the frame to the other and supports the battery. Probably the same for '29-'31 but am not sure of that. Mine took a pretty good whack sometime in the past and I think it would be tough to straighten. Anyone have an extra they'd like to sell? Thanks! Tom Fowler VCCA #5898

If you fail to find a good xmember you might try a spring repair shop to straighten yours. If you have one in your area that specializes in heavy truck springs it's amazing how easily they can form heavy metal, even without heat.

That is a '31 only part. My advise is to straighten what you have. They are very difficult to find in good condition. If you are not sure you can straighten it take it to a body shop, hot rod shop or similar place. Don't let anyone younger that 60 touch it unless you see several examples of similar work. Metal straightening is not a craft generally taught. The old guys can still do it. There are a few younger that can do excellent work but the majority are hammer, FILL and sand. Not what you want.

Tom, I might have the part you are looking for. E-mail me at rodbailey1952@hotmail.com and I will send you a picture. A guy was hotrodding a 31 and I bought the entire running gear, steering, and a crossmember so it wouldn't go to scrap. All is just sitting in my shop.

Rod

And if that doesn't work, drop me a note. I've got one too.

--Bill Barker

I've got one too that you could have but probably too expensive to ship.

Golly! Guess there are others that have squirreled away or saved from the scrapper '31 Chevy parts. Good to know when I need one.

And by the way, I think it is called a Running Board Support Brace or something to that effect, it's primary purpose being to prevent the running boards from drooping when they are stood on, i.e. it transfers load across to other side etc. Just sort of coincidental that it passes under and is screwed to B/Box which is solidly cantilevered off frame. You will likely need to remove RB's to properly bolt it tightly in place.