Cutting holes in X member? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

shortbed70 · 02-17-2009, 09:49 PM

I am going to be installing some rings in the rear x member for exhaust to go through BUT I don't have a plasma,oxy torch. Is there another way? I know I could use a hole saw but I would have to find a way to center it any other ideas.

Ram-Man · 02-17-2009, 10:37 PM

Hole saw through a 2 x 4 the size you want then screw or clamp it to the crossmember. This will keep the hole saw steady when you go through the crossmember without having to have a pilot hole in the center.

Twisted Minis · 02-17-2009, 11:09 PM

Do your hole saws not have a pilot bit to keep them centered?

SCOTI · 02-17-2009, 11:15 PM

Good idea on the use of wood as your 'pilot' hole.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Twisted Minis

Do your hole saws not have a pilot bit to keep them centered?

The c.member isn't solid where the pilot bit would need to be centered. Some guys weld a piece of strap across the c.member & drill a hole in that as their pilot hole (& keep things consistent).

texastrendz · 02-17-2009, 11:16 PM

i used an air body saw for mine. it took a little time but was worth it since there was zero cleanup after and no heat involved.

shortbed70 · 02-17-2009, 11:34 PM

I never thought about the 2x4,HUH my dads a carpenter too... DUH. Thanks. I'll get some pics of the process this weekend.

protrash64 · 02-17-2009, 11:41 PM

Ive used that trick a couple times and it works well.

68 short step · 02-17-2009, 11:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by texastrendz

i used an air body saw for mine. it took a little time but was worth it since there was zero cleanup after and no heat involved.

i did this too, it turned out good...

Ram-Man · 02-18-2009, 09:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shortbed70

I never thought about the 2x4,HUH my dads a carpenter too... DUH. Thanks. I'll get some pics of the process this weekend.

This works well when you already have a hole and want to hole saw it larger.

**N2TRUX** · 02-18-2009, 09:45 AM

Great idea. On smaller holes, I have always used a wood rod as a filler. I guess it helps that I alwys have a surplus of broken pool sticks available.

02-17-2009, 09:49 PM	#1
shortbed70 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Forney TX Posts: 4,512	Cutting holes in X member? I am going to be installing some rings in the rear x member for exhaust to go through BUT I don't have a plasma,oxy torch. Is there another way? I know I could use a hole saw but I would have to find a way to center it any other ideas. __________________ Troy 1965 Chevy Bagged,361 sbc,voodoo cam,1.5 full roller rockers,patriot 185cc vortec heads 2.02-1.60,vortec weiand polished intake,demon carb my truckhttp://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=332884 Big Red Dog build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=572274

02-17-2009, 10:37 PM	#2
Ram-Man Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Minnesota Posts: 943	Re: Cutting holes in X member? Hole saw through a 2 x 4 the size you want then screw or clamp it to the crossmember. This will keep the hole saw steady when you go through the crossmember without having to have a pilot hole in the center. __________________ Porterbuilt 8 Lugger http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=691739

02-17-2009, 11:09 PM	#3
Twisted Minis Registered User Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Windsor, CA Posts: 500	Re: Cutting holes in X member? Do your hole saws not have a pilot bit to keep them centered? __________________ If you can find it cheaper, I can fix it!

02-17-2009, 11:16 PM	#5
texastrendz Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: HOUSTON TX Posts: 1,161	Re: Cutting holes in X member? i used an air body saw for mine. it took a little time but was worth it since there was zero cleanup after and no heat involved.

02-17-2009, 11:34 PM	#6
shortbed70 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Forney TX Posts: 4,512	Re: Cutting holes in X member? I never thought about the 2x4,HUH my dads a carpenter too... DUH. Thanks. I'll get some pics of the process this weekend. __________________ Troy 1965 Chevy Bagged,361 sbc,voodoo cam,1.5 full roller rockers,patriot 185cc vortec heads 2.02-1.60,vortec weiand polished intake,demon carb my truckhttp://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=332884 Big Red Dog build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=572274

02-17-2009, 11:41 PM	#7
protrash64 Resistance is Futile Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Mesa,Arizona Posts: 3,520	Re: Cutting holes in X member? Ive used that trick a couple times and it works well. __________________ 64 CHEVY PICK-UP > http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...otrash+re-hash 64 CARRYALL >http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=1964+suburban 66 LB >http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=427852 STRENGTH/DETERMINATION/MERCILESS/FOREVER .......posted via stationary device

02-18-2009, 09:45 AM	#10
N2TRUX Happy to be here Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Cypress, TX Posts: 39,021	Re: Cutting holes in X member? Great idea. On smaller holes, I have always used a wood rod as a filler. I guess it helps that I alwys have a surplus of broken pool sticks available. __________________ Follow me on Facebook and Instagram @N2trux.com Articles- "Jake" the 84 to 74 crewcab "Elwood" the77_Remix 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett" "Refining Sierra"



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