Motor mounts not lining up

[Steve McMahan]

The picture tells the story. These are rebuilt, motor mounts for a coupe. I have the other side with the bolt through, but I cannot pivot this thing in any direction that gets me close to putting the through bolt in. I’m thinking about taking the four bolt off the pedestal and attaching the mount to the threw bolt and then try to use the pedestal bolts to pull it in place. But I’ve never had a problem doing this before so any suggestions?

 

[mach71351c]

Are you sure the mounts are for 73? I believe are different than 7172.

 

[Sheriff41]

That's a pretty good stretch. Try loosening both left and right sides. You may get it down to about a quarter inch on both sides. Alternatively, you could shim out the pedestals equally on both sides to close the gap.

 

[Steve McMahan]

I’m wondering if I put the pedestals for the convertible on and then try putting the engine back in with the coop motor mounts on it. The only reason I say that is if you look at the height difference at the through hole for the convertible vs coupe mount, it’s about .350 higher on both sides. That would probably net enough to lift the engine and move it to the right.

I guess I’ll find out as to try it.

@Sheriff41, are you saying loosen the pedestal mount or the motor mount itself? I have the passenger side in, but just I have the through bolt in no tightness nothing.

 

[Sheriff41]

I’m wondering if I put the pedestals for the convertible on and then try putting the engine back in with the coop motor mounts on it. The only reason I say that is if you look at the height difference at the through hole for the convertible vs coupe mount, it’s about .350 higher on both sides. That would probably net enough to lift the engine and move it to the right.

I guess I’ll find out as to try it.

@Sheriff41, are you saying loosen the pedestal mount or the motor mount itself? I have the passenger side in, but just I have the through bolt in no tightness nothing.

If the coupe mounts don't work out, my suggestion (from previous post) would be to loosen the pedestals on both sides, probably no more than 3/8", and see if you can fit both through bolts. If you can, re-tighten the pedestal bolts.
The other option would be to get longer bolts for the pedestals, if necessary, and shim the pedestals up from the frame the required amount. You could use washers or flat steel stock for the shims.

 

[machattack]

When I put my engine in 3 years ago, I had the same problem your having. Fought it for hours and they were brand new mounts.. Threw those in the trash and never looked back.
I finally went to orielys and purchased a pair from them. They fit perfectly with a hair to spare. My car is a 71 mach. Im not certain about the difference from 71 to 73 ?

 

[Steve McMahan]

Yea, 73 uses a one year only motor mount system. We are cursed.

 

[Steve McMahan]

I’m going to take the day tomorrow to try all options: vertical pedestal with coupe motor mounts, and coupe pedestals shimmed. I’ll post my results. Moving the engine up in the engine compartment would be a ok outcome. One thing I’ve got to deal with, I still have an issue with the fan sitting too low in the shroud. I’ve got both a stock SBF ~18.5” steel fan and my fan than came off the TBird 5.0, about 19”. They both strike the bottom of the shroud. I no longer have a stock radiator to see if the issue is caused by the alum radiator.

Once I’ve got the motor mount dealt with, I’ll take some measurements. Thanks for the help.