mnotz

Hello!

Just wondering if anyone ever done this (somehow I can't imagine that no one ever did).

I am in the process of OPG, rack bushings, etc., etc. on the '80 and found out that my old style motor mounts (the setup with the little shocks) are toast, so I want to convert to the Volvo mounts that require the newer cross member to do so. Seems the only difference between the two cross members is an additional hole a certain distance away from the current motor mount mounting hole. Does anyone have that distance measurement or maybe an cross member with the two holes to take a measurement?

I am sure there are plenty of those newer cross members around, but I just got done cleaning, blasting and painting that cross member yesterday and would hate to not use it now

Thanks already in advance,
--Marcus

LT Texan

It's more than the holes. It's the shape. You need to buy a newer crossmember.

mnotz

Hi again,

just to show a little better what measurements I am looking for, I attached an extract from PET (Thanks, Roger!). So basically an OB cross member, '83 and later. The measurements I'd need are:

1.) Distance from the inside corner of the bracket on the left to the center of the first hole (new MM location)
2.) Distance from the center of the hole for the new style MM to the center of the hole for the old style MM
3.) Diameter of the new style MM mounting hole



If anyone has one of these cross members laying around and could take these measurements I'd really really appreciate it. It would allow me to use my sparkly, rust free, blasted and painted cross member that I just got done prepping with new style MM's.

if that doesn't work out, I guess I have to get a used new style cross member and redo that one. Roger already mentioned that he may be able to hook me up in that case - as always, greatly appreciated!
Thanks so much already in advance,
--Marcus

Jadz928

I can do this for you tonite. I'm with Dan, however, but would be curious as to what you learn.

I'm sure you already know this, but if you move forward with your idea, you will need a set of mount carriers.

mnotz

Hello Dan!

Uh oh! I had no idea! I thought they are identical, but then again, looking at the PET vs. the actual old style cross member doesn't allow for comparing any detail.

In that case, please disregard my last post that I must have published at the same time as your reply came through!

Thanks,
Marcus

U-928

measurements off my spare '84

#1 - 124mm
#2 - 30mm
#3 - 13.15mm holes

All measurements roughly from centerline and w/ my digital caliper.

**I've had both my '82 (old style mounts) and the '84 out, side by side, and the shape looks very similar. I don't see why drilling the new holes wouldn't work. But again, this is just my speculation.**

mnotz

Hey Jim,

Yes, Roger is already putting together a quote for me with all the parts needed. I really appreciate your offer to take some measurements, but if it's in vain I really don't want to make you do that. I wasn't aware that they are actually shaped differently.

Guess my only alternative is to go for a newer cross member and all the bits and pieces for the new style mounts, unless anyone has any other ideas aside from trying to find the old style MM's and shocks to the tune of about $550 for everything...

mnotz

DAMN, Jeremy, that was fast!!!! Here's a virtual one for you:
I guess even if I'll be going with the newer style crossmember, I'll drill my old one to those specs and see how it lines up comparatively. Maybe it could work and save someone else either the effort or the replacement of their crossmember down the road!

Thanks again,
Marcus

Jadz928

If you are curious, I'd suggest following thru. Unless someone pipes up with 100% definitive BTDT...don't take our word for it.

I see U-928 gave you some dims. I can take a whole bunch of pics for you to review the shape differences, if that would help.

mnotz

I definitely will be following through with the "experiment". I have a couple of old style OB crossmembers laying around, so I don't mind drilling one, and since the car is on the lift already just waiting for me to put it back together, it's not going to take a long time to try.

I should still get a new style cross member anyways, for comparison and in case it doesn't work out, since I really want to get the engine supported properly again ASAP.

That sounds encouraging!


--Marcus

LT Texan

My experience is quite the opposite.

Richard S

Will not work. I tried it on my 1980. The problem is that the new mounts will not allow the oil pan to clear. I found this out when I lowered the engine into the car. Just buy a newer style crossmember, they are pretty cheap.

Rich

Jadz928

Well, there you go.

I knew the institutional knowledge was to retrofit... but it had been a long time since I remember it being discussed.

FWIW, I have a couple later x-members waiting to be installed as a retrofit.

Also, costing out the parts to replace the early parts with new vs. retrofit works out to a $ wash... possibly in favor of the retrofit depending on how well you purchase parts.

Ducman82

i did the reto fit as well. i dont have any pics handy, but there was more then just the holes thats the difference

mnotz

Well, I'll do the "trial" no matter what. At least it will give a definite answer to anyone else going down that route. I really appreciate all the input. I've talked to quite a few people yesterday and today, some that BTDT and have "converted" their old style crossmember and it worked, others that compared the two and realized it just couldn't work.

When I get all the bits and pieces together, I'll see what can be done and try to post an as definite as possible outcome. I have the car on the lift anyways and there is no harm in me spending some extra time that might save someone else that time down the road.

I really appreciate all the great input from everyone so far! That's why I love this forum

--Marcus