oh no, i need some help with motor mounts

I am putting a 430 into my '72 cutlass. we got the frame pad mounts from TA to be able to put in the 430. the only problem is we have NO idea how to mount the pads onto the frame of the car. there is no direct way to get at the bolts that we can find.... any suggestions on getting thos on there?

 

Sure there is! There are access holes in the underside of frame.:Brow: :TU:

 

wow

but have you SEEN the access holes? what can you get in there?

 

There have been several threads on this before, do a search and you can find some pics.
They are difficult to get to, however. The bolts were likely installed by the factory when the lower control arms were out. You can still get to them by using universals with 9/16 sockets. I have used an old distributor wrench adaptor that fits onto an extension to get in there.,
You just need time, patience and maybe a few band aids (for when you skin your knuckles) and you will get them in.


Mark

 

its impossible. i got 2 bolts in, whew, after like an hour of twisting. but the 3rd bolt (the bottom one) is impossible. thats just on the drivers side. if you look at the passenger side i didnt see the same holes and it looks harder. i dont know! what tool works best. now i just got a box end wrench straight on it through the hole but thats about it. the 3rd bolt is going to be really hard.

 

You have to have a universal ("Uncle Wiggely":grin: ) and various extensions. I had a friend hold the frame pads, and I think I taped my universal because it was too floppy!

Even still, it took a VERY LONG TIME!! :af:

Right tool for the job, and LOTS of patience!!:TU:

 

by universal you meaaannnnn? what?

 

Universal

 

basically a swivel socket

 

exactly - think of the U-joints on the driveshaft of your car.


It allows the bit to spin at an angle.

 

well i guess we'll get one

 

If you go to Sears, there are universals that end in sizes available. I have found that sometimes the universal and the socket are too long and may not fit.
If you get the universal with the 9/16 end on it, you may have more room to get in there. There are also different length extensions 1" 3" 5" etc. available so you can get just the right length to fit.
Other jobbers like Snap-on or Matco tools may also have these sized universals.


Mark

 

how long do you think. we have an extension with a swivel socket on it but it doesnt work cause its too long! and the 1/2" drive ratchet doesnt work so well. so we are going to use our 3/8" and get an extension with the swivel. what size extension do you think?

 

The 1/2" sounds to big to get in there. The 3/8 is my suggestion. The extensions depend on how long the universal and socket is.
As I said, I used a distributor wrench extension as I didn't have the universal with socket end. It is all trail and error.
My "guess" would be you need the 3" extension and the universal with a 9/16 socket end (not a universal and 9/16 socket). I don't want to suggest buying a bunch of things and then you still can't get in there.
Hope this gives you an idea,
Mark

 

i just happen to be looking through my craftsman catalog. the part your looking for is called a "3/8" drive flex socket" 9/19" pn 43264. and its $8.49. hope i can help. the right tool always makes the job easier.

 

we got the motor mounts on with just the top 2 bolts (the ones on the frame)

do we need the 3rd bolts? the ones in the bottom. they are hard to get to... i assume we probably need all 3 in

 

maybe you need to pack something in your socket so your nut or bolt dosnt drop down inside, this can cause problems, also dont torque them down till you get them all started, just my 2 cents,been there done that!

 

okay, so we tried un doing the top 2, so the motor mount can move around.... how do you get the 3rd one in. we get it in the hole but we cant get the right angle on it so get it in the threads. any suggestions?

 

try turning it and it might draw itself in or get something on it so you can give it a wack with a hammer, but watch out dont mess up the threads, worst case you might have to grind some metal out of the way,with a drill and a burr bit. hope this helps

 

Hey Olds Power. Can't wait to see how that turns out. By the way, you have a name we might be able to call you? We're all kind of on a first name basis here. :TU: