Transmission tunnel

[djminkin]

Did they change the shift opening from circle to square at some point?  

[Mike Self]

Shift boot 101:

 

The opening was always circular; what was changed was the shift boot and its attachment.

 

Early cars (166/167xxxx VINs) have a short console that doesn't incorporate the shift lever/boot.  The boot is round, and fits over a metal flange that's welded to the tranny tunnel.  

 

Sometime shortly after the modell 71 cars came out (VIN 257/8/9xxxx, from April '71) the factory redesigned the console making it longer and incorporating the shift lever and boot.  The boot fastens to a metal or plastic flange that's part of the console.  Those boots are rectangular.  But underneath there's a round opening (minus flange) that the shift lever goes through.

 

mike

 

 

 

[djminkin]

Thanks mike 

[djminkin]

I don't think this is true. I just saw a 71 with a square opening. It doesn't look like it was cut

Edited February 3, 2018 by djminkin

[jimk]

Can you find a square donut to fit on the platform?

[Conserv]

1 hour ago, djminkin said:

I don't think this is true. I just saw a 71 with a square opening. It doesn't look like it was cut

 

How about a photo?  I’d be curious what transmission was in the ‘71 with a square opening.  I’m guessing someone modified the opening as part of a transmission/engine swap.

 

Below, my ‘76, VIN 2742541, manufactured April 23, 1976.

 

Regards,

 

 

Edited February 3, 2018 by Conserv

[djminkin]

It'actually a group 2 schnizter race car with a cr 5 speed so I guess it could be modified. I'll get some photos next time I see it. 

[Mike Self]

2 hours ago, djminkin said:

It'actually a group 2 schnizter race car with a cr 5 speed so I guess it could be modified.

I suspect the opening was enlarged to move the shift lever rearward--either to accommodate a 5 speed without a shortened shift platform, or to move the shift lever closer to the driver.  

 

Never seen anything other than a round hole in the tunnel for the shift linkage to pass through.

 

mike