Ok, after searching the archives I got some good info on trying to swap out my starter on my 86 'bird. However none of it worked to any avail. (Can't tilt it vertically) I was able to remove the starter without much fuss but am completely unable to get it back in!

On a secondary note, when I got the starter from the store they gave me the wrong one first time out however the starter they gave me was much smaller and obviously due to it's smaller size was easy as can be to put back into place. The problem is that this starter needed new starter mounting bolts and the factory starter brace was unable to attach to the starter.... Has anyone run into this? I did go back and get the original size however if the smaller one would work it sure would make this job much much easier!

 

try taking the solenoid off of the starter. might be tight but it might give u enough room to take it all out of there. i havent tried this just an idea.

 

I was able to get a AC Delco Starter both in and out without remving anything but the mounting bracket. Its pretty difficult just think of it as a puzzle.