installing correct engine cross bar, any reason i can't do it this way? Options

[pt_700]

after years of driving around with the incorrect early bar on my '71 sideshift conversion, i've sourced the correct late bar (with the holes for cables & shift rod - i'll be sure not to install it reversed!).

i'm planning to back her up onto ramps and supporting the engine on at least a couple stands. provided i do that well, any reason i couldn't replace that cross bar without disturbing parts other than the rear shift rod and clutch cable?

i seem to recal that flipping the washers on the bar to body mounts might stiffen things up a bit. is that correct or should i just replace those?

long term plan was to change to sbc but, that's a long way off...

[pt_700]

thanks for the input gentlemen! think i need to take a closer look at a later car before i start unscrewing things...

i do have the correct later mounts that go between engine and bar, threads a tiny bit buggered on one but, i can try to fix or get another.

anybody have a sideshifter car in the s.f. bay area (south san jose) i can gawk at?

something new to learn anytime one starts in on these little cars, no?

if anybody else has wisdom to share, please do! hard to believe i did most of this stuff (if somewhat incorrectly) myself years ago...