Took car to dealership to change oil and they cracked my shifter plate (Denied it but agreed to buy the replacement part for me). I won't let them change out the part (or anything else every again) so I have to do it. 91 firebird with power windows and auto trans. How do I take everything off and replace ? I am a mechanical novice so step by step would be very helpful. Car is showroom condition so I want to be real careful with everything.

Thanks in advance....

 

I thought the shift plates are the same as a camaro.. I just bought a new shift plate for my car.. and all I have to do is release the shift ****, and un-screw the plate, and lift it off. A very easy switch. .. Since yous in an auto, there should be a "U" clip near the bottom of the ****, facing the front of the car. Pull that out to release the ****. If you ho need to take the power window switches out, those have clips underneith to release the switch.

 

The shifter plate in birds are slightly different. There is one bolt under the ash tray, and 2 under the console lid. Theyre the only thing holding it down. Pull the pin out of the shifter, and unhook your window switches. Be very careful with the window switches, because theyre really easy to break. If you need to re-use your shifter boot, just unbolt it and bolt it on to the new one. You should be good to go!

 

Do I need to unhook the battery or anything electrical ?

Thanks

 

Nope youll be just fine. Your gonna have to transfer the old cigg. lighter over to the new console though. Just put your thumb inside it, and unscrew the back. Make sure you unplug it before you put your thumb in there... wooooohhh that feels wierd! :lala:

 

I've got an automatic shifter plate for a 90-92 Firebird, new in the GM box. I bought it for a project and since have chosen to go a different route. Shoot me an email if you're interested.

 

Thanks Drew but dealership is eating the cost on this one.

Thanks anyway.

 

Damn... I gotta get rid of this thing...

 

Btw the new shifter plates come with everything except the cigarette lighter element and they dont' have any holes for window switches or mirrors.

 

thanks for that info drew. So do you use an exacto knife or something to cut the holes out ? This is getting better all the time........

 

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Are you sure about that?

If hes right, youll need to use your old plate as a template, unless their already prepunched on the new one. As for cutting it, youll never get trough it with an exacto knife... your better off using a dremel and a cut off disk.

 

An exacto knife won't work, a dremel would be a pain in the *** cause the plastic would just melt. Use a 3/8" drill bit and drill a hole in the center of where the switch will mount, then use a coping saw to cut the square hole.

 

Thanks Drew...

I picked up the plate today from the dealership and there are no holes in it. The plastic seems very thick. Anybody have any other ideas on how to make these holes perfect. I would guess there has to be some type of hole punch that the dealership used.

Thanks...Dean

 

A very thin hacksaw blade. Do it by hand though. It might take some time, but itll be the best way. First drill a small pilot hole at all 4 corners, and you can start cutting. Go slow, and take your time.
Gooc Luck!

 

Seriously, go get a coping saw. $5-10 and you're all set. http://doitbest.com/shop/dept.asp?de...ir=&mbrid=4724

They're designed specifically for making small precise cuts. Drill your hole, assemble the saw with the blade thru the hole, and work slowly. A hack saw will only load up with the plastic, and will be too flexible and too large to do the job. Coping saw blades are 1/8"-3/16" thick and can easily cut straight or around corners, etc.

The next closest tool would be a small razor saw blade in a Xacto knife handle, but again it'll require drilling a larger hole, and won't be as precise.

 

I acually meant just the hacksaw blade, not the acual saw. A coping saw should work too, good idea.

 

Okay..Finally figured out how to cut this plate. Friend has a dremel tool with cutting edge and cut a scrap piece of plastic identical to my new shifter plate. Worked fine.

Now my question, does anybody have a template they can send me so I could use to cut this new plate. I guess all I need is either power window switch hole dimensions and side view mirror button dimensions so I can give to him and he can cut them out. Or does anybody have an old plate they can make a template and email to me ?

Thanks....