Iam a new guy with a 69 Z28...Trim tag matches assembly date, and options on the car as a true x33 Z car.

DZ 302 also has matching VIN, correct build date that matches block, carb AND rear end. The car has everything a Original Z28 should have, including the correct looking hole in firewall and bellows for clutch pedal.
Maybe im paranoid, but when going to tighten my Hurst Comp shift lever, I noticed that my hump tranny tunnel hole is jagged in some areas and not really smooth at all. It doesent look like an amatuer cut the hole, but I would have thought that GM used a punch or a jig to cut their holes.
If anyone has any thoughts, or has seen a similar ragged edge on a real 4 speed car I could use the reaasurance...Thanks Pat

A very belated welcome! :D

Pretty sure the 4 speed holes on 69's were cut with a torch at the factory. Seems odd, but I almost positive that's how they did them.

Welcome pharri 6914 ,I don't know the answer to that question,but the documention you explained ,I'm sure your ok ....good question ,does not belong in welcome wagon, you prob. will get answered but try in the resto forum,I would be intresed to see, I am sure Brian knows what ,my car is a manual trans car and has a punched hole and a doubler spot welded around defenitly factory...Good luck and have fun with your friend ...Happy Motoring

This is discussed here a lot, if you search "shifter hole torch" you'll get a ton of info. Here's one.

http://www.camaros.net/forums/showthread.php?t=49365&highlight=hole+torch

Short answer....yes.
For 69, a template was placed over the hump, and they used a torch on the line to cut out the manual floor shift opening. There was no reinforcement plate spotted to the underside of the opening, as was done in earlier years.

Well, I just went back and re-read JohnZ's comments from several years ago. I stand corrected.......According to John, who was there, at least some 69s had the reinforcement plate. Maybe all Z/28, as they were all 4 speeds.

Nope, all Z/28s had the torch-cut hole.

Reinforcement plates were used on 3-speeds.

Thanks to all for their responses..That sick feeling I had is gone now...

Would I hurt any value by cleaning up the ragged-ness with a flat file or small grinder?

Pat

My car has it too. As you can see from the comments these holes were cut with a torch. That torch cut hole should be viewed upon with pride; like a scar earned in a fight. Don't mess with it, you can never get it back (just my opinion).