<VV> 69 powertrain removal - it's stuck

[ChiefTAM@aol.com]

I am in the process of pulling the powertrain in my 69 Monza Convertible 
(110hp/4-speed) using a Sears ATV lift and a 2x4 Finch cart.  I have everything 
unattached, and went the last step to remove the two rear motor mount nuts and 
the 4-bolts holding the tranny to the crossmember.  I can get the motor end to 
drop down, and the tranny drops down an inch or more, but then it stops.  The 
motor continues to come down, but the tranny remains up.  

It appears that the round piece on the front upper transmission is hitting on 
the crossmember.  On this car, the crossmember is belled out (to the front of 
the car) to make room for that round piece on the front of the tranny, and 
when the tranny drops, it hits the crossmember.  The powertrain came back about 
an inch, but there isn't enough room to allow the front of the tranny to clear 
the crossmember as the oil filter mount is hitting the rear of the engine 
compartment.  

So, is there a trick to this?  Do I have to remove the transmission 
crossmember?  Do I drop the rear of the engine enough to clear the crossmember and then 
pull back and allow the tranny to drop?  (Don't really like that one, but it 
is an option)  Any ideas?

Todd 
Dallas