Wondering if anyone has gone through the process of changing out a scratched gear selector window in an automatic shift plate?..It requires pulling apart the selector back plate,then peel the selector window off(this part is straight forward,as I have the donor parts)...But the seperating the backplate from the top plate may be tricky..without breaking anything. If someone can chime in that has helpful info,please do so, before I tackle this job..

 

Several years ago I combined 3 of those later style plates to make one nice one. I don't remember the details, but I did get it done. I also remember the designs varying a little bit and one was harder to take apart than the other.

 

I replaced my 84s with one from a berlinetta.Which uses a blk strip for the gear selector.I made a new window from acrylic to replace the old gear selctor window.Then just placed the berli piece on top.
I dont think either window was bonded to the backing plate, but the piece next to it was & very well too.Some gentle prying w/ a small flat blade & an x-acto knife got it removed.

 

I've done it several times.Usually just pry off the backing with a thin flat bladed screw driver and then after replacing the parts reattach it with adhesive.Havent broken any of them.You might want to try using a hair dryer to heat up the adhesive on the backing before you pry on it.I usually use black touch up paint to cover the blemishes on the gear indicator strip

 

all good info here..i did come across something similar,which was found using google search...my main concern was seperating the backplate(lightbulb/slider) from the top plate(black part we see in console)..Seems like I will give it a go,using razor blade and prying method. I have a nice gear strip indicator that i want to replace a scratched one,requiring me to gingerly pull apart...I will post my afterwork results here. Thanks to all who said its do-able......Ill try to take a bunch of pix.

 

If you have a 91-92 bird with the indicator (not only the letters, but also a slot that tells what gear your in) then the 97-02 automatic PRNDL indicator is a direct fit. You can find these abundantly and in like new condition, only they are PRND321 and Not PRNOD21

 

I have since done the job using info found around here. Once I had the "window" removed, used tape to cover the gear indicator on the BACK of the window. Then used satin black spray paint to coat a couple layers. After dried,used my nail to lift corner of tape(keep size of tape close to letter size/round stickers would be nice here),then tweezers to pull rest up.may need rubbing alcohol to remove tape goo on the letters(use q-tip,lightly damp)...put back together using scotch dual sided tape,cut to fit if needed...then i used a hot glue gun to dap the plates back together...especially if I want to get back and do it again sometime..hot glue will be easy to snap or razor off....