UPDATE
Finally the weather is warming up! Today my Dad came and helped out with his expertise. He cut the section of drivers(usdm) frame out needed for tranny clearance and welded in a reinforcement notch made from 2"square steel. The cutout is a little over a foot long and the square tubing goes about 8inches upward at a sharp angle, over about 3 inches then back down to reconnect with section at radiator support. We also added a 3inch piece of angle under radiator to give meat to the area that will support the lower motor mounts and cross-under bar. Soon as the rain breaks I'll get pics.
Working with Dad today was really great. I could tell he was enjoying this as much as I am myself. A few times he even kinda seemed as if he was working on a project of his own. I highly suggest that those able to try and involve your dads into your projects.
I guess I'll have to let him drive it once completed...even though he pushes engines far harder than I do myself.
