Modified Bell Housing

[AlanJH]

I have to ask if anyone is familiar with a bell housing modification like this?
2 large holes and a small threaded square headed bolt, not sure what else to call it. The bolt doesn't tighten, but I can remove it. I'm wondering what the modifications are for and what the potential issues could be having the clutch exposed this way. Also, I doubt it effects the structural ability of the bell housing, but it definitely doesn't improve it. I've looked at many photos to find a similar modification, but I haven't seen it.
All comments on this welcomed.

[ericbushby]

First Suggestion,
It has been cut to prise the clutch off the flywheel when it sticks from being unused too long.
Put a grommet in it.
Eric in Burnley
1967 S3SE DHC

[2cams70]

Why do some people insist on butchering old cars?

[alan.barker]

Hi Alanjh,
Is there a "sandwich plate" between the Engine and Gearbox.
Alan

[AlanJH]

Thanks for the answers, seems extreme but plausible to free the clutch, I’ll try grommets, but with the curve of the bell housing it might be difficult to keep them in place, if I get the ambition I might try and fabricate a cover.
I don’t think there is a sandwich plate, but through the forward hole I see what I thought was the flywheel, I’m not familiar enough with the parts of the car I haven’t taken apart yet and hope it is the flywheel and not a spacer between the clutch and flywheel. Please tell me the flywheel is normal and not another butchered modification.

[ChrisD]

Propably someone had a gear box oil leak and found out that the lower bolt that puts the bellhousing and gearbox together needs to be put in with seal paste...
I know this problem well...
Christian

[alan.barker]

If you remove the Starter Motor you will see
If a sandwich plate has been fitted.
It is needed to position the Starter correctly.
There should also be a closing plate.
Alan

[pharriso]

If you remove the Starter Motor you will see

There should also be a closing plate.
Alan

You can see the closing plate in the first picture...

[alan.barker]

Yes just zoomed in your right Phil
Alan