[DeTomaso] centering device of shifter

[MikeLDrew at aol.com]

Chuck's description is right-on, with a caveat.

On the cars with the two-pod dashboard (and attendant different 
front/center console arrangement), it's even easier to make this modification, as you 
don't need to remove a thing from the interior.   Just remove the shift gate, 
and then the upholstered 'box' that the gate is attached to.   This will 
expose the shifter box, and you can then perform the modification he details 
very easily.

On the one-piece-dash cars, you just have to remove the shift gate.   The 
center console then has to be lifted up and out of the way; it is normally 
held in place with various small screws etc. which might be easier to access 
with the seats out.   On some cars, it's been out before and the owners chose 
not to reuse the (unnecessary) screws, so it might lift right out.

It doesn't need to come all the way out--your lighter wiring might be long 
enough to allow you to lift the front end a few inches, which is all you 
need to access the area in question.

The modification is simple and quick.   Assuming your gearbox is in good 
shape internally, the shifter should center itself just fine without the 
redundant mechanism, and you'll find that shifting action is slightly improved.   


Cheers!

Mike