I have a 1974 F100 with 360 that the starter has been off of so many times in the quarter century that I have owned it that the top and bottom bolts are stripped. Not sure there is room from the front to install heli-coils. Mite try longer bolts and installing nuts on transmission side but would have to grind flat spots for proper torque. What have you done to fix this if you have had same problem. I don't want to R&I trans to fix this if I can keep from it.

 

I would think you'd have enough room to cut some new threads, no? If not, longer bolts and nuts might be the best alternative, as you've suggested.

 

why has the starter been off so much?