More help please!!, #2

[Phalen409]

My wife and I dropped the motor in the car tonight without too much of a hitch until I tried to bolt up the transmission mount to the cross member. With all the adjustment in the mount shifted to one side, I cannot get the bolts to drop through the bolt holes. Both engine mounts seem to be alright, although the passenger side seems a little tight but it did drop right in.
And another thing, the distributor looks to be a little right of center if the recess in the firewall is centered. I had a drink to see if that helped, but it didn't. Should I slot the crossmember to allow the bolts to drop through or what?

Maybe a few more drinks would help. Seriously, is this a major issue?

Dennis

 

[Fathead Racing]

If you loosened the engine mounts on the frame there is probably enough wiggle room to drop the tranny mount in. These cars were far from perfect from the factory. Add aftermarket engine mounts and it muddies the water a little more. Bolting the mounts tight where you did was just the luck of the draw.

 

[tripower]

Do as Ray says you don't need to slot the holes then just pry the trany over.

 

[chevymusclecars]

I would walk away and then come back it should fit without making the holes any bigger. I would also suggest putting the bolts in the mount front to rear like the factory.

Bill

 

[Phalen409]

Thanks for the quick replies. Will give it a go!
D

 

[64ss409]

You probably have this correct, but I will mention it anyway. The rear cross member has a "forward" and "back". The front is thicker giving it a slope to the rear.

 

[1961BelAir427]

Bill makes an excellent point about installing the motor mount bolts from the front. Not likely they will ever work loose, but if they do they would be less likely to fall out to the front.

Your car is beautiful! You'll have that transmission bolted up in no time. I think everyone is correct and it just needs to be wiggled a little bit.

 

[Phil Reed]

There is a chance that the motor mount on the block is incorrect even tho the part number is right. Had that happen about 10 years ago. See if the mount comes down properly on the frame stands.

 

[63 dream'n]

There is also a front and a back to the trans crossmember,I believe it's offset.sorry I didnt catch that 64ss409 stated the same.your car is beautiful....

 

[Phalen409]

Did as instructed. Loosened all mounts up ...... a little tug...... she fell right in. all buttoned up proper now....
Thanks for the help! Again

D

 

[1961BelAir427]

Glad you got it in!