Hot Rods 1939 trans help

Hey guys, just wondering if any of you guys have ever seen a 39 trans clearanced like this? I have had this for a while and could not figure out the reason. Maybe for an adaptor? Or? It looks like it was bored out first with a nice clean hole and then cut on both side of the opening. It's a decent job but why? I keep thinking i have seen this done somewhere else, but can i remember? Well NO. Age is setting in. It's a 39 with the double detent shifter top but not the 3" fork. It has the 2 3/4" fork and also the early gearset. Any ideas? Thanks for looking.

 

Adapt it to a 60 horse?

 

It's an 85 hp trans that has been cut to clear the starter on a 60 hp engine.
Not uncommon back when.

 

Well now. That makes sense. Not familiar with the 60 hp starter. Thanks for that merc.

 

Getting old here. Always something to learn. Thanks.