The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop T-5 Installation Problem

I have my T-5 transmission installed in my 37 pick up. I must say that everything is coming along nicely - slowly, but nicely. I do have one problem I cannot solve so I bring it to the men of the square table (here) to seek help!! I do not need a "man law", just help!!!

I replaced the motor mounts on the bell housing just before the T-5 installation. This caused the engine/transmission combo to raise about 3/4 " in the truck. The motor mounts were in very bad condition (original) and really need to be replaced. This also caused getting the T-5 in the bell housing an unforgettable experience. Now, I find the T-5 to be about 3/8" above the floor board line of the truck. I have purchased a fiberglass 4 speed transmission floor board from Jim Carter and it fits perfect and clears the transmission except at the cut out at the 4 speed spot in the floor board - a hole about 6" X 8". Of course, I do not have a plate to cover that spot because one doesn't come with the floor board plus it would have to be 3/8" higher than the floor board or "hump up" 3/8".

Can anyone give me a suggestion as to how to handle this problem? Is there a floor board piece you know of that would work for me in this situation?

Thank you for any useful suggestions!!

Joe

Seems to me a guy could fabricate a cover out of sheet metal. Where does the shift lever come through. I used a hurst shifter boot on mine. These hardware stores now have metal in stock in various sizes & thickness.

since we have carpet and insulation in the cab... don't laugh guyzzzzz
the oval ring that now holds the shifter boot is attached to the carpet. I cut a hole (3x4) in the carpet just big enough for the shifter stem. I stuffed foam (taper cut) in the shift boot to help
1. keep it's shape
2. block air from coming up into the cab.

I reused the steel cover and made a simple hump in front of the shifter to suit the shifter hole. the rear of the floor plate is flat. so unless you can fabricate a sheet steel or re-configure the small cover you cut out and do fiberglas work and build into the carter larger cover, 4 plate attaching nuts so you can always have the small cover bolts ready to screw into those 4 nuts. it makes for a very clean job.
make sure your T5 output U joynt (chevy 350) fits under that cover and does not hit on rotation, it should be angled slightly downward anyway.

Don't know if this will be of any help but you can see my T5 installation and modification of the tranny cover plate in my gallery at:

http://community.webshots.com/user/Fla54Chevy3100

I used the stock S10 boot and would suggest you leave adequate room above the shifter to be able to remove it without tearing out your sound/carpet stuff. I know the s10 boot is a bit big but "easy access" was more important to me. The sm420 "hole" was simply covered with light gauge sheet metal. Your application may be different but you may get an idea from my application. Just my $.02, hope it helps.

Fla54Chevy3100 , need to add another / in front of community so the link will work


http://community.webshots.com/user/Fla54Chevy3100
Great pictures and documentation by the way

Thanks....just saw that.....you guys are quick!!!!

Which style of bellhousing mounts does your truck use? The kind that bolts to the side of the bell or the kind the bell sits on? If it bolts to the side, could you slot the bolt holes some to gain the clearance? If it's the kind that it sits on, could you make new "thinner" ones?
Just throwing out ideas,
Scott

Also, when I rebuilt my 4400's floor and trans cover, the hump on the trans cover was rusted to the point that it required replacement. The old hump was almost the exact same size as a 9" X 13" cake pan. So I went to Wally World and bought the heaviest guage cake pan and welded it to my trans cover and no one is to the wiser. Maybe you can make your own cover from the baking isle of your favorite department store.

Thanks everyone for your ideas and thoughts. With your help, I have figured out what I need to do.

The idea about adjusting the motor mounts is very good.

Joe

I have had a T-5 in my '50 and now a Tremec3550 and was able to use a standard flat floor without a problem. I also replaced the rear motor mounts but never had a clearance problem. The only other thing that comes to my mind is the condition of your cab mounts. If they are in poor shape, replacing them may give you some additional clearance. Good luck - the 5 speed is a great set up!

Arpee makes a really good point - if your cab mounts are rotted away, in effect the cab and cab floor are too low. It might be a can of worms replacing them, I'd think that the fender and hood alignment would be a problem if you simply jacked up the cab and replaced the mounts.

I really like the looks of the '37s and if you get too frustrated might consider trading my '51...

Seriously though, look at your cab mounts and your engine mounts first, it would be a shame to alter the floor pan if you don't have to. Replacing the cab mounts isn't a big deal and shouldn't throw off the geometry on the fenders.

I like the idea of using a cakepan! If not, fab up what you need with a welder!

The cab, hood, and fenders are all one piece if no bolts have been removed. Just loosen the core support bolts and the steering column to dash bolts and you can easily raise 1/2". This is shown of such a unit being set onto an S10 frame. Go to http:www.msnusers.com/Evanscars. Click on "pictures", "show photos", page 2, and S10 025.

Sorry about that, lets try http://www.msnusers.com/Evans cars

Evan, the link you posted doesn't seem to be working. Can you repost the pictures?
Thanks

Dave