cross member end quality

[martin418]

hi , has any one got any thoughts on the best quality cross member replacement ends to use ? after 60 years the ones on my car are due for replacement !!

[ManyMinors]

I bought mine from Bull Motif. The quality and the fit were excellent. Very pleased with them.

[bmcecosse]

Cross member ends ?? The jacking points ? Only for show - and NEVER EVER to be used ! Or if you mean the replacement end sections of the crossmember - I bought one from a 'reputable source' and it was a shoddy poorly made thing which I had to reinforce with considerable seam welding before fitting. I would have been quicker (and a more sturdy job) if I had just made my own.

[kennatt]

As above,if you can weld just fabricate your own,I've seen one of these replacements and I wouldn't waste my money on one

[martin418]

i was been lazy i can make them no problem ,

[philthehill]

The ends of the cross member are best left off!
When fitted they are a real dirt trap and which will if the void between the jacking point and the floor is not regularly cleaned result in corrosion.

[martin418]

mines a s2 1955 so no jacking points to worry about

[bmcecosse]

You NEED the end of the crossmember - but not the hopeless jacking points.

[John Naylor]

Jacked mine up both sides on the original jack when I bought it (just as I had done with a new 2 door in 1969). Haven't dared since I read Roy's warning, do the jacking points fall off?
John

[philthehill]

You NEED the end of the crossmember - but not the hopeless jacking points.

As the jacking point is the end of the original fitment cross member we are both correct.

Phil

[ManyMinors]

Jacked mine up both sides on the original jack when I bought it (just as I had done with a new 2 door in 1969). Haven't dared since I read Roy's warning, do the jacking points fall off?
John

Not if in good condition. The original jacking points are still fine on my 1958 car but they are a rust-prone area which needs to be kept clean and protected. Probably best not to use them before checking their condition. I have had to replace both ends of the crossmember and the jacking points on my other Minor and they are now as good as new.
I would happily use the jacking points if I needed to, for a quick wheelchange - that's what they're there for, but at home in the garage I would use a trolley jack.

[bmcecosse]

Phil - the jacking points are supplied as separate items to the crossmember. But I did ask the OP at the beginning - and he clearly indicated he meant the 'ends' of the actual crossmember - not the jacking points. I strongly urge folks NOT to attempt to use the jacking points - could result in major sill area damage (although in fairness the sill was in need of attention anyway if this happened) - and of course risk of personal injury... Best left well alone and admired from afar.

[IaininTenbury]

Bull Motif and ESM etc, both supply good quality British made crossmember ends. Use them both quite often.

Incidentally, I've no probs using the crossmember end jacking points on later cars if the structure is in good condition. If its not good enough to jack the car up on it really needs repairing at some stage... I had to change a wheel once in my Series 2 and only had the original jack to fit on the front inner wing beneath the lower two wing bolts. It creaked and groaned abit so looks like I'll be having to do some work there at some point. Was a speedy wheel change mind

[bmcecosse]

I have to strongly disagree on the quality of the crossmember end I received from one of these suppliers..... It was shoddy in the extreme -and definitely not worth the money.

[ManyMinors]

I don't know what you were sold but as I said earlier in this thread, I bought a pair of ends from Bull Motif and was perfectly happy with the quality, the fit and the price - around £15each, which will only buy about 1/2hour of workshop time probably?
I certainly couldn't have made one for that but you pay your money and take your choice.

[IaininTenbury]

Last few that I've had have been decent enough. I'd certainly be more than happy to jack a car on them.
I did come across a very cheapo one once made out of inch square box section, but that came with a project car so no idea who made/supplied it.

[bmcecosse]

The one I had was made of far thinner metal than I expected - with gaps between the vertical and horizontal strips, and very infrequent blobs of welding holding it all together. I actually wondered if it had been 'tacked up' and then they had forgotten to weld it properly. And by the time (excessive !) postage, and then vat, was added - I seem to remember it was £25 or so......