[HMeeder]

I converted to a side shifter in my '72 and I seem to remember something similar to that happening to me. Like John says you do have to have the motor mount from the older car. I seem to remember that the motor mount interfered with lining that rod so it doesn't bind. I used a jack to hold the motor up and removed the entire mount. That allowed me to insert the rod and thread it through the tunnel. After that you can put the mount back on and should be able to proceed from that point.

Good Luck

------------------
Herb
'72 1.7 Tangerine 'Teen
'74 2.0 Red Rustmobile