Keisler 5-speed conversion on Early A-body: Install has begun
I used the rear shifter mounting location, but I removed the front half of the shifter plate and corresponding section of the tailshaft case to create clearance for the hoop. The shifter is actually a 67-70 A-body shifter that I cut at the base, removed about 6 inches from the lever, and welded it in an "ergonomically acceptable position". I then made an insert for the Tremec shifter ball and pressed it into the knob to accommodate the threads (5/16" vs 3/8"). Before removing the segment from the original shifter I felt like I was rowing a boat and found myself almost bouncing my knuckles off the dash. It felt very Ratfink-ish.............:toothy7:
Here are a couple shots of the hoop, the tunnel openings, and the test fit. Finally, the bare tunnel completed. Not my finest work, I have to admit (thats sealant, not booger weld) but still not pretty. If I had it to do over again, I would have just cut the factory hoop out completely and replaced it with either 2" box tubing or a simple 2" round bent into a "U". I also would have cut the tunnel opening larger to accommodate more room for various "plugs".
I run solid motor mounts, so I don't have to worry about movement, but still, more room would have been nice for things like removal, clutch replacement, etc........
I used the rear shifter mounting location, but I removed the front half of the shifter plate and corresponding section of the tailshaft case to create clearance for the hoop. The shifter is actually a 67-70 A-body shifter that I cut at the base, removed about 6 inches from the lever, and welded it in an "ergonomically acceptable position". I then made an insert for the Tremec shifter ball and pressed it into the knob to accommodate the threads (5/16" vs 3/8"). Before removing the segment from the original shifter I felt like I was rowing a boat and found myself almost bouncing my knuckles off the dash. It felt very Ratfink-ish.............:toothy7:
Here are a couple shots of the hoop, the tunnel openings, and the test fit. Finally, the bare tunnel completed. Not my finest work, I have to admit (thats sealant, not booger weld) but still not pretty. If I had it to do over again, I would have just cut the factory hoop out completely and replaced it with either 2" box tubing or a simple 2" round bent into a "U". I also would have cut the tunnel opening larger to accommodate more room for various "plugs".
I run solid motor mounts, so I don't have to worry about movement, but still, more room would have been nice for things like removal, clutch replacement, etc........