I received my NOS auto shifter plate and now I must figure out how to cut the holes for the power windows buttons and power mirror control. The current shifter plate I have is a replacement I installed 12yrs ago and the holes were cut for me by the seller.

For my restoration I want to be 100% perfect. Can someone who has a factory original cut 90-92 auto shifter plate make a template for me for make very precise measurements?

I'd really appreciate it! Also, how the heck would you guys make the cuts into the plastic? The damn shifter plate is like gold so I don't want to ruin it or make a hole that is too loose for the buttons or add any scratches or anything.

 

Can't help on the template, but my recommendation for cutting the holes would be:

-Have the entire switch outline clearly marked
-Do this work in a semi-warm room (like, 65 degrees and up), helps keep the plastic from wanting to break as easily.
-From the top of the plate drill a 3/8" or so hole in the center of where each switch will go
-very carefully use a saw like this: to cut out JUST ENOUGH space to fit the switches in place, that way any small scratches or possibly mistakes are covered up by the switch. (it can be done without messing anything up, but you never know when you're going to sneeze or something).

Do that and take your time and you'll have a piece that looks like it came from the factory that way.

 

Do not use any kind of saw. This plastic cracks easily. Drill a series of small holes in the center, I wouldn't use any bit bigger than 1/8". Then use a rotary tool like a dremel with a sanding or fine grinding wheel to enlarge the hole outwards. The edges of the hole will melt a little so stop before you get to the edge you want, then use utility knife to cut off the rough edge. Avoid making a right angle corner at the openings, keep them slightly rounded to prevent cracking.
I have done this job, not too hard, but slow and careful is the tech. Remember you can't make the hole smaller , only bigger. The switches have some overlap so the edge doesn't have to be perfect, but you don't want a sloppy fit either.
The firebird plate has a grid pattern in it that gives you nice reference points for the holes so you don't really need a template, just a good photo, I'll see if I have one for you.
The tough part of this is finding a mirror control switch that actually works, it's a very poor quality switch and I haven't seen a repro yet.

 

Here's one in an 89 formula, I'll see if I can find a better pic. Pretty sure the 90-92 plates are the same, I have a photo on my other computer to check. I'll post it tonight.

 

Agree.......Dremel tool with a disc. SLOWLY

 

It would take a pretty close up photo to count the textured molded squares on the surface to get the locations spot on lol.

A Dremel is what I was thinking too. I do have my old plate to make a perfect template of the size of the holes, I just want to get the factory locations right.

 

Start count'n

 

Good pic, thanks!!!!

 

Question, not being a firebird guy I don't know, so- where's the power trunk release in this configuration?

 

Firebirds have that on the dash above the radio pod.

Funny you ask because I saw a thread the other day where a guy modded an NOS Camaro plate so he could put a cig lighter receptacle in his ash tray under the lid. That's where Firebirds already have it, left me wondering where on a Camaro the cig receptacle is normally hidden lol.

 

Originally Posted by RedLeader289 View Post
Question, not being a firebird guy I don't know, so- where's the power trunk release in this configuration?




on the dash, below the center vents

 

thanks! Wellp, I can help there, it's to the right of the steering wheel in the dash, above the defrost switch (the mirrored location of the headlight switch). here's a pic

 

Well, now that we got the interiors compared.........!

 

I did the same thing a few years back on an NOS console.

So.....out came the chalk and dremel. I used a micrometer to ensure all the measurements were the same so it looked like it was bought that way.

Switch holes marked out and top precut


Finished product


Mock up - lid on console

 

I just looked at some of the ones i had laying around
looks like the factory punched the holes in as needed after making the part
the left to right centering of the holes is a bit off
i did not have a plate that also had the mirror switch cutout
but the hole dimensions for that off my 84 console is
1.660 by 2.600,
i am sure the switch for an 84 is the same size as the later cars
and then just centered between the window buttons

anyway here is a pic with the dimension i took with a caliper,
I'm picky about accuracy that way

 

Thank you, that will for sure help me out!

Alex

 

heres one from a 91

 

Thanks!