[A/S] Shock stud mounts

[artstuff@xxxxxxxxx]

OK, purveyors of the antiques:
In an effort to put new shocks on my old ride, I ran into an interesting 
problem. The old (original '67's!!) came off easily enough from the top 
mounts because the rubber had dissolved into a powder, and I was able to 
slip the shaft out from the mount and the frame, but how do I get the 
new ones in?? I don't want to pull the rubber mounts out; they wouldbe a 
bear to get back in; the mounts (the ones on the axle) look like they 
were welded on by the factory, so short of cutting them off and 
installing new studs....??
Trying to pry the plate and the frame apart enough to slip the new ring 
in does not work, either, so..am I drilling and filling? Anybody come 
across this yet? Thanks, Rick