81 auto to 4 spd conversion NO CLUTCH HOLE

[drewandkellie]

Ok I am starting the process of switching my 81 Z from Auto to 4 speed. Figured I would do the pedals first. Removed the lower dash under the steering wheel and plastic plate under the steering collom on the fire wall. Guess what? NO CLUTCH HOLE in Fire wall. I have the picture of the fire wall stripped from a thread on this site (obviously not an 81) and know exactly where it is supposed to be (just under the four pedal bracket holes), but it is not cut out from the factory. Anyone else have this or am I nuts.
I plan to take the gauges out tommorow to get to the pedal pivot bolt but man is it tough to get to. I'm 6'4 295 and i just cant seem to squeeze in where I need to get to. Is there another way or should the whole dash come out.

 

[big dreamer racing]

mine 2

My 79 Z also did not have the cut out for the clutch push rod thru the firewall
I was quite disappointed when I seen everone elses had a nice little cover over theirs, mine didn't even have the indent for it.

 

[drewandkellie]

Yep, thats what I got, not even an indent. How did you make out with the shifter hole, I havent looked at that yet. Was it the right size to accept a four speed shifter?

 

[lynn w]

would pics of a factory 1980z-28 4 speed help?

rebuilt a 80 z-28 can send of mine it a paint door back with strip firewall

 

[drewandkellie]

Oh Absolutely anything will help. Thanks for the pics. I am heading out to pull the instrument cluster now. Got to get to that pesky pedal pivot bolt and change these pedals. So much for the "simple bolt it installation". But I'm committed, that muncie is going in no matter what!

 

[drewandkellie]

Pedals are in! Hole is cut! Clutch rod through firewall! Removing instrument cluster was unnecessary! Was not an easy job.

 

[badazz81z28]

My 79 Z also did not have the cut out for the clutch push rod thru the firewall
I was quite disappointed when I seen everone elses had a nice little cover over theirs, mine didn't even have the indent for it.

Only the earlier cars had them,

 

[doublez]

I am in the process of doing my 80Z28, I took the power boaster off to get it replated and exposed 3 indents punched in the firewall. 2 for the screw locations and one for the hole

 

[drewandkellie]

Yep, Found the same three indents from the inside. I figured the same as you did and used them to help reference my clutch rod opening.
Now to mount the z bar bracket. Do you know if the hole are threaded, I havent looked closely at mine yet. My kit says to mount the z bar bracket on the outside of the frame. Will crawl under there and get a look this weekend. Busy at work for now.

 

[lynn w]

get you the pics

have trouble with my ladtop but can send with my cellphone may you down load on line anyone need help with 80and81 camaro can call or text me at 615-730-3078 that is nashville tn