[stich]

Just talked to a rod builder friend of mine and he suggested fabbing a trans mount plate at the trans mounting holes and going forward. Duh, just one plate to fab and that could be gusseted to the cross member and welded strong, then mock up engine/trans to frame and drill mounting holes in plate at trans. This might be easier, but what did the factory do when using a 4 speed in a convertible? The frames are all the same, manual or auto so that wasn't the issue. They must have used a different cross member that bolts to the same frame welded brackets. If they have a ready made part, I'd rather buy one.
PS, I'll look on squibs site to see what he did.

[Tom Vaught]

Originally Posted by stich

Just talked to a rod builder friend of mine and he suggested fabbing a trans mount plate at the trans mounting holes and going forward. Duh, just one plate to fab and that could be gusseted to the cross member and welded strong, then mock up engine/trans to frame and drill mounting holes in plate at trans. This might be easier, but what did the factory do when using a 4 speed in a convertible? The frames are all the same, manual or auto so that wasn't the issue. They must have used a different cross member that bolts to the same frame welded brackets. If they have a ready made part, I'd rather buy one.
PS, I'll look on squibs site to see what he did.

1) Are you planning on this being permanent?

2) The cross-member brackets on the frame are designed to support a downward load
NOT A DIVING BOARD LOAD, which is what you would have without the front support, even on your Rod Builders Design. Good way to break the cross-member mount loose from the frame as there are only small welds holding that part to the convertible frame.
A Rood Car with a "C" section frame has the whole lower section to the frame to support the cross-member. Now your buddies deal will work it you promise to never shift the muncie trans like a racer.

3) I have done this deal before, as posted on my convertible frame, I know what works and doesn't work.

BUT IT IS YOUR CAR.

Tom V.