Core Support

[JoshT]

The 86 I'm rebuilding has some rust issues above the passenger side body mount. I was planning to just replace the core support to get rid of the rust, rather than sealing with something and hoping it doesn't come back later. I think that plan has been shot down by the price of a first gen core support, everything I can find seems to be in the $200 range. Hell LMC (I know not the cheapest place in the world) wants 99 for the core suport and 125 to ship it, not going to happen. So it looks like I am down to fixing the rust on the existing support. Regardless of if I find a new one in the price range I like I have got a question. I have decided to remove the core support for two reasons. First, it'll make the rust repair easier and if I find a replacement it'll have to come out anyway. Second, I'm doing a V8 swap and it's a lowered truck, having the core support off will make the engine and transmission a lot easier to install as an assembly.

I've seen more than once someone mentioning bolting the core back in after removal or replacement, but I haven't seen any real details on this. I really like the idea of having the support removable as I already plan to replace both the engine and transmission (200K engine with auto, to fresh built engine with manual) in a few years. It'd be a lot easier if I could just unbolt the core support, slide the old combo out the front and the new one back in. I also don't have or have ready access to a welder to weld the support back on.

So can I get any input on this from someone that's done it? FWIW I've got two of the harbor freight spot weld cutters and a drill that will definitely handle the job. Would the holes that these cutters make be too big for bolting the support back on? What size drill bit would I need for the drilling them out if the cutter won't work? Last, but not least, what type of hardware would be best to use for reinstalling the support?

My plan was to use the cutter thinking that it would make the perfect holes that I could drill the new support up to match. That was when I was planning to replace the support though. I've seen people mention machine screws for reattaching the support, but I'm leaning towards bolts and clip on nutplates like on the fenders

Sorry for the long thread.

 

[brinker88]

Here's a core support for $105.00

http://broncograveyard.com/bronco/i-94012-core-support-1985-88.html

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

^^^ But what is shipping? He already found one for $99.00.
To the OP; I used sheet metal screws to screw my front clip back on. Not too many miles yet but no sign of movement.

Richard

 

[brinker88]

That core was $135 shipped to my door.

 

[JoshT]

Thanks Brinker88! Forgot about Bronco Graveyard, I'll check and see what shipping is to my location.

Richard, when you removed yours did you use a spot weld bit? My only issue with sheet metal screws (what I meant when I said machine screws in post 1) is they have a tendency of rounding out a hole, even more so if they are removed and reinstalled.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

The bit I used cost $14.00, IIRC they come in 5/16" and 3/8";

I tried others, this was the best. I didn't use the holes I drilled out for bolts as they didn't match the used core I got, that's why I went with sheet metal screws.

 

[shane96ranger]

Do you have a Certifit dealer nearby? Everywhere I looked on the web they were $120+ for my F150. Our Certifit dealer has it for $70 in stock.

Here's one listed in GA. Don't know how close you are though.....

Full-screen
Certifit Auto Body Parts
5021 Old Dixie Hwy Suite 100
Forest Park,GA 30297-2520
(404) 363-4222

 

[JoshT]

Thanks Shane. Just checked their website and it's a 170 mile round trip to the nearest dealer. Even if they had it for that price, what I'd save getting it there is about what I'd spend getting there to get it. On top of that I'd have to take a day off work to drive up and get it. If they were closer I'd definitely check into it.

 

[shane96ranger]

Thanks Shane. Just checked their website and it's a 170 mile round trip to the nearest dealer. Even if they had it for that price, what I'd save getting it there is about what I'd spend getting there to get it. On top of that I'd have to take a day off work to drive up and get it. If they were closer I'd definitely check into it.

Might be worth it to see if they will ship it to you. :shrug:

 

[the_intimidator03]

Well Hopefully in the next week or two ill be yanking out my Gen 1 core support and I can get some pics if you would like. Just would have to figure out shipping it from Oregon to ya.

 

[bobbywalter]

i make the core support removable generally when i do engine replacements or swaps...i use a few different tactics that have evolved over the last 20 plus years. i just use a spotweld cutter.


not sure how big a hurry you are in but i can bring the core support down for ya from bronco graveyard if they stock them there on one of my work trips if you want to meet me on or near I-75.

 

[the_intimidator03]

looks like ya got a few options then.

 

[JoshT]

Might be worth it to see if they will ship it to you. :shrug:

I'm going to try and give them a call some time this week. If they won't ship I do have another option that I didn't think of previously. I have an uncle that lives probably within 20 miles of that location. Might be able to get him to pick it up for me, then I can just drive up one weekend and get it from him.

Well Hopefully in the next week or two ill be yanking out my Gen 1 core support and I can get some pics if you would like. Just would have to figure out shipping it from Oregon to ya.

Thanks for the offer but it I'm going to put a used support back in I might as well clean up the one I have. It's not actually rusted through yet, I'd just prefer to replace it before it has a chance to. As for the pics, once again thanks for the offer, but that won't be necessary. I have the entire front end torn off mine at the moment, so I can see everything pretty well. I was mostly looking for input on the bolting it back in part.

i make the core support removable generally when i do engine replacements or swaps......i use a few different tactics that have evolved over the last 20 plus years.

Yeah I want to make it bolt in because I know this will not be the last time the engine and transmission will be removed. The engine and trans I'm putting in have 180K on the odometer. Only reason I'm not rebuilding them yet is both work as is. Want to get everything swapped and get the bugs worked out before messing around with either. It'll also give me the chance to recuperate the wallet a little.

Mind sharing some of those tactics?

not sure how big a hurry you are in but i can bring the core support down for ya from bronco graveyard if they stock them there on one of my work trips if you want to meet me on or near I-75.

Let me see what I can figure out about certifit. If I can make something work there I think it's my best option. If not the I'll get in touch. Actually I probably wouldn't mind shipping from BG, the problem with LMC is how much they wanted for shipping. $125 for a $99 dollar part, I don't think so.

 

[the_intimidator03]

not a problem. Figured I would at least offer it. I also know what you mean by shipping cost from LMC lol.

 

[bobbywalter]

theres not much to it.

my general preference is to separate the core and inners right at the cab horns.

its a minimal amount of spot welds to cut and rebolt. depending on actual situation, modding the harness can make things easier for maintenance if you have a larger powertrain.