I'm installing a 327 with a 700R4 in the 50 Chevy 2 door coupe.

I need to remove the riveted transmission cross member.
Connected to this cross member are support rails that run forward on an angle back to the frame. The master cylinder and peddles are mounted to the rail on the drivers side which will not be needed and removed. The passenger side rail is just there.

My question is, can they be removed completely and not used?