Delco alternator conversion for the 258

[Doug Dornbos <dornbos@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Hi gang

If the answers to these are on an FAQ or website somewhere, I apologize 
for taking up the bandwidth. Please redirect me to wherever I need to go.

1. I bought a Delco alternator for my 1973 258 in the Matador and after 
reading several websites which show people grinding away the alternator 
case to make it fit, I am asking why I can't just put the mounting 
bracket on backwards and use a really long bolt with spacers to give the 
proper clearance? I did the math and a 7" bolt with two 2" spacers and 
about 5 washers give me the 2" I need on the bolt to mount the 
alternator. I would have it on except:

2. My alternator mounting bracket will not clear the rotating fan blades 
on the front of the alternator. It appears to be too small of a 
circumference on the front of the bracket. Any ideas for me there? A 
junkyard part, aftermarket part, or modification of my existing part?

3. Also, when I was trying to wedge my alternator into the bracket and 
onto the bolt, there was not much clearance between the power steering 
box and the alternator. Does anyone have experience with this that they 
would like to share with me?

Thanks in advance.

Doug