Auto tranny removal question

[ekafrawy]

Hi, I have a 71 Javelin sst with the 3spd auto, that i am trying to remove. I unbolted the starter and soaked all 4 bolts that hold the torque converter to the flexplate. But I can't seem to get a wrench in there to loosen those bolts. Is there a way to remove that thin metal that is between the engine and tranny so that I can get to those bolts easier? Any help here would be great.

Thanks,
Eric