removable tunnel top[

Michael C Henry · #1 (**permalink**) 07-31-2003, 10:20 PM

I have an older EM.The car has a solid tunnel at present.The top loader trans will not come out without removing clutch ,bell housing and flywheel.I currently have to remove driveline and shifter and stuff the trans as farr back as possible and block tail housing down and then remove clutch and flywheel. I next remove the scattersheild and twist it in the tunnel and bring trans and scattersheil down together.Not fun .I'm considering cutting the fiberglass tunnel top out and replacing it with an alluminum peice.The interioris going to be redone with a nice carpet anyway. Removing the trans through top of the tunnel would make life a lot easier.Any suggestions?

RICK LAKE · #2 (**permalink**) 08-01-2003, 12:42 PM

Mike c Henry Hi Mike Take A look at an ERA cobra. The tunnel comes out in 10 minutes. I can have my trans in and out in 1 hour. R&R seats, safety hoop, tunnel, 4 bolts on drive shaft, 4 bolts on trans. all bolts from inside car. 2 bolts for trans mount. IT'S OUT. You could cut out your tunnel where the floor meets the tunnel and get 90 degree alumium channel to take the differents up. Use quit fasteners and you are set. Rick Lake

Michael C Henry · #3 (**permalink**) 08-01-2003, 01:17 PM

I originally had a 56 AC Bristle.That tunnel came out at floor level. I was In Vegas at SAL and was looking at comp car on show room floor.It had a removable top cover over the trans.My tunnel is large enough that a full open top would allow me to remove it through the top,probably with shifrter inplace. also I could get an extra helping hand from the top.Heck! if I could get the trans past the crossmember and back an inch more it would be such a great help when doing anything with the clutch.But that comp car was a barebones type of car. I plan on getting everything recarpeted and want it to not lok like I never had a clue.That is how a lot of this started ,my wife wants nice carpet like the others have.

RICK LAKE · #4 (**permalink**) 08-02-2003, 06:37 AM

Micheal C Henry On the era the carpet is glued and screwed to thr tunnel. The carpet covers the hold down screws for tunnel. See if you can get somebody to take a photo of the ERA and all your answers will be solved. Rick Lake