Need help: How to fit a T5 under a '41 Chevy coupe - what to cut?

Hello -

Finally getting to the point where I'm starting to ****on up the open rear/T5 conversion on my '41 Chevy Master Deluxe coupe. I had a sense that the T5 would not fit between the crossmember and the floor, and I was right.

Question is, do I cut the cross member, floor, or both? I want to keep the cutting and hacking to a minimum, and I REALLY want to have the parking brake.

Anyone done this swap before?

Thanks...

Chris

 

Anyone?

 

well your gonna change the rearend so you will have a e-brake. what engine are you going to run?

 

As with most engine/****** swaps some compromises have to be made,,I would think you will be using a zip wheel on the floors to create room ,,the cross member will probably need some work also. HRP

 

The '56 Chevy rear is already in place, its more a matter of fabricating a rod to connect the parking brake lever that extends into engine compartment and the cables coming from the rear.

I just wanted to hear from someone who may have done this swap to see if there's any tips or pointers for what and where to cut so I can do as neat a job as possible.

Thanks...

Chris

 

Cut and refab the crossmember to get the trans mount at the right height for driveshaft angle then alter the floor to clear the trans, BUT you may [probably] have to cut the floor some first...Measure twice and cut once..lol.

 

Cut stock cross member out & you can use a automatic cross member that bolts on after you cut the rivets that hold stock cross member. Chevys of the 40's has a link to their hot rod section with aftermarket parts. Pm me. I have a pretty informal link for 41 chev.

 

Would love to see some pics as i am bout to tackle the same mod.

 

Bar steel,
I just saw this post today. I did this last year. I had to cut an 8 inch piece out of the center of the cross member. I then added some heavy two by two inch angle for its replacement. If I had to do it again I would but the ch***is engineering cross member. Also for the floor I needed just a little mor height than he original so I made my own. That's how I did it. I put in a Chevy 292 inline six and the T5 with a rear from a 2008 Colorado.perfect width and 6 lug cuz I wanted to keep he orig wheels. Hope this helps.
Paul

 

Paul -

The swap has been done since December, but I did end up cutting the factory cross member and fabricating a center piece. I don't remember having to change the floor access panel for the ******.

I didn't realize that Ch***is engineering made a crossmember for this application. I would have just bought it and be done with it.

Oh well.

Chris