Not sure if this is a really a history/resto question -- but I figured this group would have an answer:

In looking at various 1982 Z28s with automatic trannys, I've noticed that on some cars the release button on the gear shift is flush with the top of the shifter **** and on other cars the button is raised.

Does anyone know how they actual came from the factory any why the button would be flush some and others would not? Was it changed somewhere in the production run that first year?

My parents had an '85 TPI Z28 auto back in the day and I am 100% certain the button was raised but I've seen a few early third-gen cars where the button was absolutely flush with the shifter ****.

 

Raised is normal. Broken springs are probably behind the 'flush' shifter buttons you've seen.

 

FormerL69: Maybe you're thinking of the Firebird auto-tranny shifters ?
The buttons were flush in '82 (and probably a few yrs after), like my T/A's was in '82 when I bought it.

 

The '82-83 shifter assemblies are a completely different design than '84-92. They use a horizontal spring that is directly under the shift button rod. The spring commonly breaks and the button falls down flush with the ****.