Well i ust finished installing a B&M Hammer in my 69 since ive done the 200R4 swap. I used aluminum diamond plate from Lowes to make a new plate for the console. THe hardest part was all the fabing of the attatchement points of the shift indicator top, locating and cutting the 4 rectangular notched was a b#&$h.

I took extreme care to not scratch the diamond plate, got it finished and wiped it down with a nice fresh towel.....and the towel left scratches !! Very fine ones,

I kinda planned on the first plate being a template, it doesnt fit perfect but its close. Shifter indicator light is an LED, its red, it really has a cheesy look to it lit up IMHO..

Here are some pics, i think it will look better once i get the console gauge pod installed, i think the pod is black, atm the woodgrain above isnt looking to well with the diamond plate.

DOnt ask why i placed a 2 in the title, i have no idea LOL.

The more I look at this the less im liking the diamond plate. I wonder if i can get a plate to match the woodgrain in the console.

I like what you did, :thumbsup: I agree that the woodgrain would look better than the diamond plate.

Maybe you could mount a plate to the underside of the factory piece and mount the shifter in the orig opening.

Are you happy with how the shifter performs?

Ya i like the shifter, works nice in all modes. Initially i was like wow thats kewl. then i posted pics here and the more i look at them i dont like the look. I messed around a bit withthe factory 4 speed plate, but it just wont allow full range of motion, and i really dont wanna cut it up.

Ill get my gauge pack installed on the console , then prolly change this lower plate.

Might think about an automatic plate, it's got a larger opening for the horseshoe shifter...

I put the same shifter in my console too. I used the 4- speed shifter plate. Had to modify the opening a bit. That way you can have the same woodgrain.

I think you can buy the wood grain in a sheet form, can't remember where I have seen sold though. You could just apply it to your existing plate if that diamond plate is not on the surface. Looks good but the diamond plate really does have to go.

I know of a person selling carbon fiber sheets that you could cover both with and just have a carbon fiber look!! I think that would look real nice. www.anvilauto.com has it.

Joe