After 50 some years of playing with cars, I feel like an idiot.  The starter on my 1971 Pinto 2000cc engine with an A/T needs to replaced.  The person that wrote the Pinto shop manual must have found something good to smoke the day he worked on the starter removal instructions.  So far I have removed the dust shield so I wouldn't have to fight with its tightening screw and the starter plunger cover so I can operate the plunger manually to turn the starter.  None of this has helped.  Is there something special that needs to be done in order to remove the old and install the new.

Every Pinto is a little different.  On my 71 2.0, the starter could be removed without moving the engine or rack.  I used most of my 3/8" extensions (maybe 20") to position the ratchet ahead of the rack.  May have used a universal too, don't remember.  This gets all three bolts out, if memory is correct.  With the starter loose, alternately twist it side to side to sort of unscrew the starter through/past the obstructions and drop it out.  Worth a try, good luck.

Thanks for the suggestions on the starter.  Went with raising the engine and everything went fine.  The starter is in and we are fired up again.