Hey Y'All,

I got motivated to finally cut out the hole for the shifter in the trans top panel after reading a recent post by Brew...

Here's the rough cut

rough cut-out of trans tunnel top panel.jpg

followed by a confirmation measurement of the trim ring location so that I could mark/drill the holes for that

aligning shifter trim ring holes into trans top panel.jpg

then I added the low-profile riv-nuts and oval head fasteners to lock it into place

shifter trim ring fastened into place.jpg

which allowed me to get a final outline to trim up the hole better for the final upholstery work...which will occur later

final trimming of trans top panel to match shifter trim ring.jpg

The trans tunnel top panel will be covered in one piece of foam-backed leather. If I'm feeling "frisky", I might consider adding a French seam along the sides with red thread...but that decision is much later. The shifter and hand brake will get their own leather "boots" sewn together longitudinally and fastened under the trim ring

It's slowly coming together!

Craig C