cutting hole in trans tunnel

I have a 67 fairlane that i am going to be putting a T5 into...going from a C4 column shift. I was wondering what you guys thought the best way to cut the whole in the tunnel would be. I was thinking about a hole saw and then cutting it with a jig saw (metal cutting blade of course) to make it a rectangle. I was also wondering about a Sawzall, but i don't know if that would be too much vibration...i just don't know. Plasma cutter maybe? i don't really want to do it with a cutting torch because of all the heat. Just want your take on it. Thanks.

 

Just use a wizz wheel.

 

sounds good to me. thanks dude.

 

A good pair of tin snips works fine, factory floor sheetmetal is surprisingly thin...

 

I went the loudest way.....nibbler in an airchisel. (t5 in a 62 fairlane) quick and easy.....not super clean though.

I would just use a cutoff wheel in an angle grinder. I picked up some sheet to build up a tower for a boot to sit on (shifter base sat INSIDE the car)

 

Jon that car is gonna be quick as hell with those 4.11's....

And you'll finally smoke BOTH of em...

I hope I can at least take you on the freeway after all this....

Use a cutting wheel. or just drill a hole in each corner of your rectangle big enough to get your jigsaw blade into.....

Get back to the Cool coast bro!

 

I just did a T56 into a Chevelle and the whole trans tunnel from the firewall to the seat had to go. The new one was fabbed from sheet and welded in...and the original carpet still fit over it. Looks killer. We used plasma.

Remember to account for adequate clearance for the new yoke on the output end, and that the output shaft angle should be about 3 degrees down at the tailshaft. Take your time and do it right! I got a kit which adapts the T56 hydraulic clutch to the stock clutch pedal- very cool.

I got the kit from www.t56kit.com. They maight be able to help you if things get weird.

Good Luck with it! I went from a Powerglide 2-speed auto to the 6-speed. I can't wait to drive it now!

Scotch~!

 

If you can't figure out how to put a hole in the floor,
perhaps a transmission conversion is out of your league.

 

I never said i couldn't figure out how to put a hole in the floor, i was just looking for the best way to do it...that's all. I was looking to the older guys for their experience and suggestions.

 

Thanks dude! I am getting lucky because my C4 output yoke is the same as the T5, also it is only 3/4" longer than my C4. I have been doing lots of research and haven't found anything on angle problems. I am hoping to go with a cable clutch like the Mustangs, just weld a quadrant on my pedal and drill a hole through the fire wall...(don't worry flt-blk...i think i can manage that one too) and hook it to the clutch fork. I am really excited about getting this thing under way...i wanna get the hell out of this city and to Seattle just to get it done. Thanks again Scotch. Also, thanks to everyone with their input on the best way to cut the hole.

 

67 fairlane convertables are gay.


But damn, Ive met some A+ chicks rolling around in that car! Maybe your cars not that bad.....

I think you should use a chainsaw for the hole in the floor....

 

hmmm...didn't think of that one.

 

use a 1" hole saw in each corner and cut between with a cut off wheel. the rounded corners will help to keep the corners from spliting .

 

Excellent, thanks so much.