55.2-59 56 Crossmember Mod For Tranny Fit

[thumper56]

My 56 C3100 has a 350/TH350 combo in it. For a few years I have dealt with the crossmember under the firewall being so close to the flex plate and torque converter that I can't get a torque converter dust cover installed. Been just running it open- watch out squirrels! Also, front bolts for tranny pan are about 5/8" above the rear of the crossmember, PIA!

I now have to replace my warped flex plate. While the engine and tranny are separated seems to be a good time to address this annoyance.

I have thought about removing it and replacing with something like a universal motor mount tube, or doing some creative fabricating on the original crossmember. Wonder what others have done?

BTW, my motor and tranny mounts are supported by the aftermarket tube type crossmembers, and seem to be placed where they need to be.

Any ideas appreciated!