<VV> transmission mount question

[Ramon Rodriguez III]

Hello all,

     I have a couple of questions about my trans mounts.  First is how can I
tell if they *really* badly need replacement (while in the car)?  The second
is what happens if I don't replace them and they fail?  I had decided to
just go ahead and replace them but I have a few solid reasons to
procrastinate right now if it isn't critical.  I'm in a hurry to get this
car back on it's wheels and when I started working at getting the old mounts
out I discovered that I can't get the pin out of the shifter linkage, it
won't budge.  I spent a couple hours at it.  It looks like maybe it is bent
and I suspect the only way I'm going to get it out is with heat and I have
no torch.

     Really the only reason I have to suspect them is that my engine
perimiter seal keeps pulling off, particularly on the drivers side.  While
on this topic how can I check the condition of the 65' style mount?  I know
to look for the center of the 66-69 style being lower than the edges, but
don't know how to tell if the 65' one is good.


Thanks,

-- 
Ray "Grymm" Rodriguez
Lake Ariel, PA