Early to Mid 57 Rear Crossmember Survey

[Gary C.]

Need information on the number of holes in '57 rear crossmembers. Am trying to determine the approximate VIN break point when the change from 3 straight holes to 5 straight holes with 2 double holes was made. So far 57 VIN 80X is the latest with 3 holes. And VIN 300X is the earliest with 5 holes. Early to mid 57 owners appreciate it if you would respond with your VIN # and number of holes in your car's rear crossmember. Thanks in advance, Gary....

[Bruce B.]

Re: Early to Mid 57 Rear Crossmember Survey

Gary,
There is a 57 on Ebay #250256435578 which has a great picture of the rear crossmember. It has the 5 single holes and the pair of double holes.
It is for sale by a dealer and the vin is not listed, but I believe they would tell you the vin if you contacted them. They also have another 57 listed but no frame pics.
Good luck,
BRuce B.

[John S.]

Re: Early to Mid 57 Rear Crossmember Survey

Gary...my 57 289X has 5 holes look like drain holes and 2 sets of double holes..they have threads up inside i thot they may have been added for a trailer hitch in the dark past..maybe Roy B owned it at one time....

[Roy B.]

Re: Early to Mid 57 Rear Crossmember Survey

Gary...my 57 289X has 5 holes look like drain holes and 2 sets of double holes..they have threads up inside i thot they may have been added for a trailer hitch in the dark past..maybe Roy B owned it at one time....

I had a trailer hitch on every Corvette I owned to haul old dirty Corvette parts in to sell

[Rod K.]

Re: Early to Mid 57 Rear Crossmember Survey

My #88X '57 original has the 5 single holes only, does not have the two pairs of holes with weld nuts inside the crossmember. At least I "assume" the center hole is there, just hidden behind the 11" long remnants of a hitch welded to the center of the crossmember (Roy, could this be one of yours?? ;>) ). The second hole inboard from each side has a mate on the top surface but I don't think the outers do, and can't see the center one. An NOS replacement I have, vintage unknown, has the add'l four holes w/weld nuts.

[David K.]

Re: Early to Mid 57 Rear Crossmember Survey

Is there are purpose for the 2 pairs of holes with welded nuts?

[Gary C.]

Re: Early to Mid 57 Rear Crossmember Survey

Dave, as far as I know there weren't any holes with welded nuts. The welded nuts came about in '58 for bumper brackets. Possibly some real late '57's with welded nuts. Service replacement rear crossmembers with 5 straight holes and 2 sets of double holes had welded nuts. Gary....

[Edward C.]

Re: Early to Mid 57 Rear Crossmember Survey

My early (092) has two sets of double holes with welded nuts. Lost points at the Regional because of it one year. Not totally convienced that was warrented.

[Gary C.]

Re: Early to Mid 57 Rear Crossmember Survey

Edward, are you planning on taking your '57 #092 to the Florida Regional in Jan. Would like to see it's rear cross member in person. Thanks, Gary....

[Edward C.]

Re: Early to Mid 57 Rear Crossmember Survey

I plan to be there.