Thread: Shifter Tunnel Camaro

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Not sure where to put this thread-

I have '73 Camaro with a hacked up shifter tunnel. I am assuming it was an automatic and someone wanted a 4sp and hacked a hole.

Do they make a shift tunnel patch panel - was it closed in an automatic version. All I can find are either full floorpans or 1/2 pans or a 4 speed hump, but I cannot find just a patch panels. Do I have to make one myself? Can I use the 4 speed hump and just weld some sheet metal on it. It seems that it may be a little far up for where I will want to place my Quarter stick shifter.

Thanks!

Probably easiest to make your own panel and add in a raised flat spot where you want your shifter to be.....

I was hoping that I could find a patch panel but I have looked high and low.

I think you are right, just fab it up myself. (My welding skills are improving dramatically!)

many ways you can go i built many for street and drag cars if there a sheet metal shop around you that has a slip roller you can make one round .or i bent them over one of the shop polls i have a big finger brake that i brake them out on .i use art paper poster boad bend paper with a large straight edge to get it to a shape i like many small bends make it flow bettter . i lay the paper tinplate and make the bends points off paper transfer to metal .or if you still have most of the old tunnel go to the bone yard and find a hump that will fit cut and weld in . you could bowl out a stump and beat a chunk of flat tin in to a shape that you could weld in to it

The area is not to big at all. Maybe 8" x 5" max. I should be able to form something by hand. I don't have a brake but I have some bench vises. Sheet metal for a floor pan is what about 16g or so. I just need to block and seal it off as I will be mounting the shifter further back. As Dave stated I think I will weld in a flat area with some supportson the sides (sort of a box off the tunnel)

Thanks guys! ( and Pat, I'm still kicking around engine sizes. )

Take a look at pressed steel baking/bread pans to use for a nicely shaped area for the top portion, and if deeply drawn enough, more of the material you need.

Originally Posted by Wayne Gilchrist

The area is not to big at all. Maybe 8" x 5" max. I should be able to form something by hand. I don't have a brake but I have some bench vises. Sheet metal for a floor pan is what about 16g or so. I just need to block and seal it off as I will be mounting the shifter further back. As Dave stated I think I will weld in a flat area with some supportson the sides (sort of a box off the tunnel)

Thanks guys! ( and Pat, I'm still kicking around engine sizes. )

well a photo would of been nice small hole like that just a pice of of flat metal . leave a bit of over lap drill for plug welds 1/4to 5/16 hole then used a number 8 tapping screw in plug holes just to hold it temp set up if you want and form it on the tunnel screw it down it will go with some hammer /doly work . then plug weld and or weld in solid .on engine size i have many to pick from so when your ready and need help . i have some stuff around the shop.right now i have a end of the year sale on fords