Big Block starter - Just needs shims?? *Photos*

[Chrisw]

I bought a 69 with a 454 put into it (turbo 350 trans). The pervious owner was... a moron according to his "fab work".

When I bought it, and quite a few times after, the engine started fine and ran strong. No starting issues. Now it wont start because when the Pinion/Bindex comes out of the starter to engage the flex plate it hits the face of the plate (basically the starter isn't shimmed out far enough) and obviously cant engage as it is hitting the face and not meshing the cogs.

BUT if that's the case, why did it start fine before? I rotated the crank a few times and checked to confirm that the flex plate isn't bent and I don't think it is. It's also quite close to the flex plate. Am I missing a bigger problem here or just shim it and be done? I just struggle to buy the shims thing as I cant see how the engine starts fine and then suddenly needs a shim now...

https://ibb.co/Z13VD9K
https://ibb.co/jgStYyF

Please ignore the grim... the Previous owner (previously mentioned moron) drove this thing with an oil leak and no dust cover of the flex plate....