Shifter rod help, '70 914 with sideshift conversion Options

[VaccaRabite]

I'm taking the day off Thursday to help my friend Jon with his 914 over on the MD Eastern Shore.

His car is a 1970 with a tail shift conversion. The engine is in the car.

The entire shift rod is out of the car. Both the engine side bar and the bar that goes into the tunnel.

In December I was there fixing his 914 ignition and fuel pump wiring before a party broke out. After the party had started I went to go look at the tunnel side shift bar, but I could not figure out how to get it in without dropping the engine. However, I was (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beer.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beer3.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smoke.gif) having a good time at the party and gave up when I could not immediately figure it out. People to visit, beer to drink.

Prior to me getting there Thursday, I figured I'd arm myself with knowledge.

1) is is possible to get the tunnel bar into the tunnel without dropping the motor?

2) if so, how?

The 914 is on a full size lift. It seems like this should be easy. Maybe it will be easy when I look at the problem with far more sober eyes. I'm really hoping we don't need to drop the engine to do this.

Thanks!
Zach