Contemporary guys - is this trans mount ok?

[767Jockey]

I removed the engine and the Ford automatic today. This is a picture of the transmission mount in my car, an early Contemporary. Does this look like a normal standard mount, or is it a special mount for an automatic? It looks like it's bolted in as you look at it in the pcture, but it's actually welded in. Does this mount look very different from yours? Thanks!
Doug

[Shelboss]

The 3" tube and the mounting pad look stock, but the straps and bolts outside of them don't. My holes are about 1.25" back from the front of the pad and it is set up for an Fe motor and standard transmission. I am installing a Tremec, which I believe moves the holes back a few inches to where an automatic would mount. I am hoping I just have to drill two new holes. I have also cut the crossmember and installed flanges to make it removable like the newer models. Might be a good time to upgrade!

[1985 CCX]

Doug,

I agree with Art! Looks sorta like stock but may be an adaptation for the amatic. A removable tube would make it easier to work on however I prefer the removable trans tunnel while keeping the trans tube welded as part of the original frame. Either way take the steps towards one of these directions since it will make easy work in the future.

Remember to pace yourself!

Jeff

[767Jockey]

Originally Posted by 1985 CCX

Doug,

I agree with Art! Looks sorta like stock but may be an adaptation for the amatic. A removable tube would make it easier to work on however I prefer the removable trans tunnel while keeping the trans tube welded as part of the original frame. Either way take the steps towards one of these directions since it will make easy work in the future.

Remember to pace yourself!

Jeff

Pace? What's that?
Jeff, did you make your tunnel removable? Where did you cut it, and how did you go about refastening it and making it waterproof?

[Shelboss]

I didn't have drawings to go by, only pictures. The later cars use a 3" diameter crossmember and a 4 bolt flange, .25" thick. Our cars use a 3.5" crossmember so I used a 3 bolt flange and positioned the bottom bolt straight down, the top needs to clear the floor. I marked the tubes halfway between the 4" main tubes and the transmission vertical supports, then made a cutting jig out of a band clamp and some tubing cut in half and cut the tube with a sawzall. Don't be alarmed when the main tubes relax a little, mine were stressed by the crossmember welding at the factory. I then squared up both ends of the cuts, which also adds clearance pre-flanged. I used three threaded rods and nuts to fixture the flanges on to the crossmember that I just cut out, it is important to get these square otherwise you will have trouble getting it back in later. Then welded all around. Now you can put it in place and bolt the outer flanges to it. With a jack under the transmission, level the trans mount to the transmission crossmember surface and weld it in place. I will post pictures that I find in my gallery, good luck!

[1985 CCX]

Doug,

I never said water proof! I simply stay out of the rain, wet Wilton wool is stinky stuff.......

Jeff

[767Jockey]

Originally Posted by Shelboss

The 3" tube and the mounting pad look stock, but the straps and bolts outside of them don't. My holes are about 1.25" back from the front of the pad and it is set up for an Fe motor and standard transmission. I am installing a Tremec, which I believe moves the holes back a few inches to where an automatic would mount. I am hoping I just have to drill two new holes. I have also cut the crossmember and installed flanges to make it removable like the newer models. Might be a good time to upgrade!

Where did you get the drawings to modify the crossmember? Did you find it difficult to do? Any info or pictures about the process and result would be appreciated. Thanks.