altered Gearbox crossmember

[NZ 70 RR]

Finally got around to swiping 4 speeds in the RR. had to trim 10mm off input shaft as crank pilot hole not deep enough (must be an auto crank drilled after leaving factory). Put a pilot bearing in. Old 4 speed got an overhaul and it is going in my Cuda project as it had the correct shifter mount.
4 speed that has gone in ( an hour ago), is date coded 1970 so perfect match.
Went in real easy so am very thankful .
I went to put the crossmember on and had a sinking tummy moment, the mount was nowhere near the gearbox housing holes. Took a deep breath and tried to remain calm. Noticed that the crossmember had 2 large and 1 small hole drilled in middle of it ( no. 2 in photo).
Has my crossmember been altered ? has a plate/bracket (no. 1 and 3) been welded to it so old 4speed could be mounted ?
Is it ok to cut this plate/bracket off ? this would enable me to put my mount inside the crossmember and it would line up with the gearbox holes.
Thanks for help.
Tony

 

[hunt2elk]

Your trans mount is from an automatic car. You can either modify that one, or better yet just find a 4-speed model. Thought someone on here had one for sale not to long ago?

 

[NZ 70 RR]

Thanks hunt2elk, I will modify mine, not easy to find second hand one here in NZ and take tooling to ship one here . Will cut hole with just enough clearance for mount to go in and stir give crossmember strength .

 

[NZ 70 RR]

Cut top out and slid mount in. Will keep an eye out for a manual one.