putting the engine back in a 53 Crestliner

[Doug26T]

A couple of dumb questions. We are picking up the rebuilt engine from the machine shop today. Have about 10 days till the Fordomatic is ready, so were close to putting it back in.
The car is a rust free convertible

Is it better/easier to mount the front motor mounts to the frame, or to the water pumps? The frame has larger holes to hit, for easier alignment, but I worry about damaging the studs going in. What have others found to work the best?
The tail shaft of the trans has to go over the X-member in the frame. It extends quite a bit past the x. How is the best way to achieve getting it over the frame? I'm thinking to remove as much of the grille as possible to keep the engine low and level as possible going in, and using an adjustable leveler. Again is it easier to mount the trans motor mount to the frame. or to the trans going in?
thanks for your input and opinions

 

[mrlaser]

On the '51 Victoria that I did, I found getting the fine thread bolts started in the underside of the water pumps very time consuming and difficult. I later thought of splitting some heavy duty fuel line or other substantial tubing lengthwise and putting it over the threads on the motor mount studs to protect them during the engine installation. As you say, there are greater clearances on the frame. It seemed that that might make the job easier.