HI Richard,
I can't help with your tranny problem, but I am familiar with the top
frame problem, since I have two of them in the same condition.  They all
tend to snap at the joints because the joint is stress point and very
few owners bother to grease it; so the best way to prevent it is to keep
the joints very well-lubricated.  
Other listers can tell you how to repair your frame too, if you'd rather
do that than buy another.
-NORY
Don't assume that because you have found one problem, you have found the
ONLY problem.
 
 '74 Midget & '71 parts car
 '94 Ford Ranger
 '86 Ford Escort
 '89 Ford Probe
 '96 North American Shepherd
 Only 1 cat now (don't ask)
http://www.geocities.com/SiliconValley/Way/9101
NEW Home Improvement Homepage:  http://www.angelfire.com/ny/nory
 
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