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My '68 was originally a 4-speed car. Some PO converted it to an auto. After 3 years of restoration, I'm out of time and money, so I'm going to leave the auto in (for now). When I got it, it had a B&M ratchet shifter bolted to the transmission tunnel and the cable running toward the back of the car. I got everything to put the correct auto shifter in and mounted it all a couple years ago. I assumed I could just stick the part that drops down into the hole where the manual shifter went. Surely they wouldn't have two different transmission tunnels for auto vs manual... When I went to put the center console in with the shift plate, though, the auto shifter ain't even close, even with it all the way toward the center of the car.
It looks like I need to cut a bigger hole in the transmission tunnel and remove the metal reinforcing ring from the current hole. Is that right? If so, what's the best way to locate the shifter so everything fits together?
The M40 section of the Assembly Manual has a diagram and dimensions for the automatic hole.
It's the rear and right side of the 4-speed hole that was trimmed.
UPC M40 Sheet A3.
Do you have the 68 AIM?
If not, I'll post the sheet.
I just finished cleaning up that area in my '71 (the photo looks kind of familiar lol).
It appears to me the shifter hole in the tunnel is the same for an auto or manual. If a B&M shifter had been installed I'm guessing the hole is not drilled for the cable in front of the shifter assembly as seen in the photo Alan attached.
Edit: Just looked at your photo again and the hole for the shifter cable is there. I have nothing to offer here. lol
Manual-to-auto conversion. Shifter location
