Is there a way to change an Automatic Console into a Manual? Looking at the NPD catalog I am not sure of the parts that I should be buying to do this.

Here is the link to the Firebird part catalog I am looking at Part #C-1407-202A?

http://npd.dirxion.com/WebProject.asp?BookCode=bir09flx&from=2

Am I looking at the correct part or should I buy a different item from another company?

yes, by changing out the plate that the auto cover sits on...the front half cover of the console

not sure what part you looking at...when I copy your part no and put in in their search engine, I gett "1000 parts fit your descrpition"

Actually, to do it right, the answer is no. (at least not for '68-9). The automatic consoles have a rectangular cut out for the automatic top plate. It is centered in the console. A true manual console has an ovalish cut out with a fitted recessed cover. And the opening is not centered on the console. If you look around Epay, you will likely see the difference. This is why real manual consoles are so much more expensive than manual ones. And there are a lot less of them out there.

Is the piece on the console with the shifter hole removable where I could replace it? Would it be possible to hand manufacture a new metal piece with the correct hole and location using the woodgrain applique to make it look original?

The thing is I just purchased an Automatic console because I had heard I could easily make it a manual. I know the difference between the auto and manual consoles shifter hole. I have not recieved the console yet and was wondering what I could do to make it as original as possible?

If you have very good fabrication skills you could make a new front top panel with the tunnel for a manual shift console. I'm sure it would take a lot of time. Everything else in the colsole is the same for auto or manual. The front panel is easily removable. Getting a fabricated part to fit and look correct will be the key to success. I have toyed with the idea of using actual burlwood on my console (I have the vinyl overlay now and it is not a prefect match to the original) I have a lot of woodworking tools and some skill but I don't think the results would be worth the effort. Maybe when I retire........

This is the difference between the Auto vrs Standard Consoles.




You can have this spare Auto insert to work with if you like.


Here are some more pics of Std & Auto consoles...

Thanks for posting that pic Gus. Since alot of people ask about if they can alter an auto top plate to use for a manual. That pic should save a lot of debate and guess work.

in my response that s the piece I said can be replaced!

Bjorn, did you edit your post? If not, I must have mis-read it. Sorry! I thought you were referring to only the top mounted auto plate assembly.

Great info guys! This clarifies what I was asking about. Thanks very much!

So there is not a replacement panel that will make it a quick and easy conversion to a manual console?

Keith

I knew what you were referring to but I just happened to have both apart in the garage so I thought I would post some pics.
My car is presently in a couple hundred pieces! lol

Your humble grasshopper ...

pictures are worth a 1000 words! greatly appreciated pictures!