Closing in floor shifter?

[Eck]

The last thing I am trying to decide on with the floor pans and tub before I spray in a liner is what to do with the gaping hole where the floor shifter is moved to. The previous owner had a diamond plated cover over it that was screwed in and I am NOT putting that back in. I am wondering if there is any real advantage to not welding something more permanent in place or if I should close it in with something removeable by screws like the PO did.

Also, any ideas and even better... pictures of what other people have done is much appreciated!

[Colorado75bronc]

I'd strongly rec keep it removable, I think WH or duff has a composite cover specifically for the 3spd floor shifter that's pretty nice

[akaFrankCastle]

X2. Those floor shifters develop slop over time. Always nice to be able to access everything through that hole than from underneath.

[Justin]

x3. I've got a screwed in panel in that spot to access the t-case bolts and linkage. It's hootuslined, so it mostly matches the rest of the floor. It's saved my bacon more than once, and dropping the t-case without it is much harder.

[Kinder]

Eck - I think I have a cover, let me know if u want it, fiberglass I think.

[Eck]

Eck - I think I have a cover, let me know if u want it, fiberglass I think.

Thanks Kinder, I found a steel one that looks like the diamond plate and fiberglass one on ebay and bought it yesterday. I appreciate the offer-- I am hoping to keep it all steel if possible!