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 Fatman Fabrications supplies...  Fatman Fabrications supplies triangular sections that are intended to be welded to the underside of the frame stubs, smoothing the transition between the height of the old versus the new. Wheeler's Speed Shop cuts off the bottom off the new frame stubs before welding on these sections, ensuring the opening is the full height of the 'rail.  As the openings in the ends...  As the openings in the ends of the new 'rails are the same as the old, larger strengthening plates can be employed to spread the load at the joint. These will be plug-welded using the 3/4-inch holes that have been drilled in the sides of both new and old 'rails.  Looking into the transmission...  Looking into the transmission tunnel from the engine compartment, it was pretty obvious that the huge original trans mount crossmember was going to be in the way, but it wasn't removed until fitment of the new engine/trans combo was attempted, just to be sure.  An empty trans case and dummy...  An empty trans case and dummy Flathead block and Ardun heads were used for set up, though this is the trans case that will be built up for the Merc. A Wilcap adapter was used to mate the old-school engine to the modern overdrive trans. Note also that in order to clear the top of the doghouse, the surplus-to-requirements mounting lugs (arrows) at the top of the bellhousing were removed. These areas will be dressed before the trans goes for rebuilding.  The stock crossmember was...  The stock crossmember was indeed in the way, so it was removed. A new trans mount was fabricated from 1/4-inch steel plate, and now bolts to the X-member.  A Kugel Komponents stainless...  A Kugel Komponents stainless steel trans shift arm connection kit makes light work of hooking up a column or floor shifter to most GM transmissions. The splined shaft for the shift arm allows for accurate gear indicator alignment.
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