Two ways to install an engine in an open chassis...

[Steve Plucker]

There are two ways to install an engine in an open chassis (without body on).

The first is to install the Engine when the Bell Housing, Transmission and U-Joint are already attached to the open chassis (without body on) providing that the clutch disc assembly is spot-on to accept the transmission main drive gear (A-7017).

And the second way is to attach the Engine, Bell Housing, Transmission and U-Joint as a complete unit to the open chassis.

Which is your prefered way and why?

Thanks.

Pluck

[colin1928]

I go with the 2nd Option
The Gearbox is smaller and lighter there for easier the fit to the bigger heavier engine
the easier it is the better job you do

[jw hash]

Steve
go with your second option, trying to put the engine in with the trans already in place can be tough to get it down between the rear motor mounts and line up the transmission. when putting it in whole, the weight off engine & trans allow you to drop it almost straight down between the mounts. if you choose to put the engine in with the trans in place use some 3/8 all thread to help line up the trans and pull it between the rear motor mounts.

[Mike V. Florida]

I used the second method as it is the same as when the body is on.

[Ed Saniewski]

I use the second option also.

[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

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We have done it so many times that either way is just as fast as the other. The trick no matter what you do is to make alignment dowels by using two different length of bolts with the heads removed (and the stem sharpened) and screwed into the flywheel housing. This allows you to be perfectly aligned to the clutch (bell) housing by the time the clutch disc is splined. Also, a frame spreader makes quick work too. I guess the old adage about having the proper tools really is true.


.

[ScottNW/Ohio]

Second me for me as well
It's a lot easier to assemble on the floor and install as a unit.
(and a lot less finger pinching)

[Roadster62]

I never knew the first option existed until just now. Bob

[kelley's restoration]

he second way is how they did it in the factory...i think i have seen old film of that
thats the way we do it
tk

[Tom Wesenberg]

I agree with Brent that it doesn't make a lot of difference.
With the body off I'd usually go with the tranny mounted to the engine, but have done it both ways.
With the body in place I like to do the engine by itself.

[silversink]

How about with the body on? It seems like either way would work without a body.

[waltere]

The second way works well. I make certian I get the back wheels off the ground so I can turn the drive shaft and line up the splines of the ujoint. Goes togeather nicely.

[Mitch//pa]

remember what Henry Ford said
its all nuts and bolts

[jkeesey]

With body I do it the first way, never had a problem doing it. Without body I use the second. It helps Im also double jointed with long skinny fingers for alignment purposes.