68 Floor Pan Tunnel Reinforcement Plate for Hard Top

[DMiller307]

Hi guys...  thought I would check here to see if anyone can give me some info. on the Floor Pan Tunnel Reinforcement plate that goes under the shift tunnel?   Mine was partially cut away and I'm wondering what it's function was?  Do the studs come up through the tunnel to connect the shift plate etc. for the console?  If so are there specs or info. on how and where to find, or duplicate this reinforcement plate?   

Thanks a bunch,

Dan   

[68Zproject]

I asked about this before and didn't get much of a response or no one knew.  I need a new one of these too.

[flyingskibiker]

There is a support ring/plate under the tunnel that either the auto shifter body (one version) or manual shifter boot screws into.  The console is mounted via a bracket and riv-nuts.  The shifters just pass through the console and some trim pieces. 

The AIM has some pictures of the reinforcement in the auto trans section.  I just fabbed up about 1/2 of mine that was hacked out at one point when someone installed an inline shifter...  I'm pretty sure someone posted measurements of the tunnel cut out/opening over on Team Camaro.  As far as the reinforcement itself, I don't remember seeing anything there, though I was just browsing.  If you buy the boot trim ring/retainer or auto shifter, the reinforcement closely follows that shape (I don't know that for a fact on the auto).  It's just a bit wider than the boot trim and has a slight U shape treatment to the edges.  You can see that detail in the AIM.