side shift conversion, bulkhead in tunnel interfering with shift rod Options

[bugsy0]

On my '71, there is a bulkhead about 18" behind the shifter inside the tunnel, with a hole in it for the shift rod to pass through. Now that I have converted to a side-shift trans, linkage and shifter, the hole in this bulkhead isn't big enough due to the fact that the new shift rod "swings" side to side. The tail shift rod doesn't "swing", it only rotates and needs little clearance. With the side shift rod & shifter, the bulkhead interferes with the rod in 1st/reverse. The hole needs to be opened up about 1/8".

Anybody else run into this? Suggestions? I could bend the rod (not going to happen) or cut open the tunnel (undesireable), but I'd like to hear what others have done.

Tom

[Dr Evil]

I am having trouble understanding what the problem is. The ring on the inside of the tunnel is taken out with the shifter when you convert to a side shifter. What part of yoru internal rod is hitting what? If you are using a shirt shift kit without the spacer you will have contact problems.

Otherwise, there should be no bulkhead contact.

You used the correct converting bushing at the firewall, yes?

[SirAndy]

I am having trouble understanding what the problem is.

No surprise there ... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

There's a small "bulkhead" inside the center tunnel about halfway between the shifter and the firewall.
It has a hole in it that the rod passes through.

His problem is that the rod is hitting the metal of the bulkhead when trying to get into 1st/reverse.


Thinking about it, i'm almost certain it's either bend or lose making contact with the rod.
(IMG:style_emoticons/default/idea.gif)