flexplate frustrations

[66fleetsidewarrior]

I have a '66 c10 with a 327, two speed powerglide automatic. I am having to tighten some bolts on my flexplate but cannot reach them because the torque converter is in the way. Do I have to drop the transmission to move the torque converter out of the way to reach the bolts or can I simply unbolt the torque converter and access the bolts? I have been hearing both answers and would really prefer not to drop the transmission if I don't have to. Thanks.