How To: Install Shift Plate & Shifter

The Tran · #1 03-07-2009, 04:52 PM

After having the BT Shifter…and loving it, I decided to do a little write-up. This will show how to take the old shifter off, how to install the shifter plate, and how to install the new Awesome Billet Technology Shifter.

First off let me say, I never thought about getting a new shifter because I liked how mine matched the interior and I loved how it felt on my palm when I was driving. I’m one of those guys that like to rest his hand on the shifter….at all times. It’s just a habit I’ve had for as long as I’ve been driving….so why change something when it doesn’t need to be changed?

Well…why not? Don’t fear change! After having my BT Shifter for a few weeks…I love this thing. It surprises me every other cold morning when I grab it. It’s kind of like getting into bed when you’re hot and the sheets are nice and cold. Surprisingly refreshing

I honestly thought I would take the BT shifter off after a week or so and put the old one back on. No way…Not only does it feel nice, look nice, but at times…it makes me want to drive harder and faster. Exactly what I needed.

So…for those who haven’t done it already, here is how easy it is to replace the shifter and add a nice shift plate from Billet Technology.

1. Remove the OEM shifter. You either have a shifter that is screwed on or one that is kinda clipped on. The majority of the chargers are screwed on but some are like the 300’s in that its kinda clipped on. If its screwed on, just grab a hold of the shifter and turn it counterclockwise and it should start turning off. If the shifter doesn’t turn then you’ve probably got one that is clipped on. You will need to remove the small chrome piece (picture below) by popping it off/down. You can do that with a flat tip screw driver that is covered with masking tape or if you’ve got some good nails you can just push it down. Afterwards the shifter should just slide up/off.

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This picture shows what it looks like with the bottom chrome piece popped off even though mine was just screwed on.

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2. Remove the chrome trim surround. Its very easy to get off. Just pry it enough to put your fingers in there and pull it straight up.

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3. Remove the plastic from the 3m tape on the bottom of the shifter plate. Hold it over the shifter area and line it up. I used the small chrome line around the shifter canal to line it up and then just pushed it down. I already had mine installed and didn’t want to take it off to show you how to line it up. I’m sure you can do it.

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4. Put the chrome trim surround back on. Press down firmly so it locks into place.

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5. Now for the handle. Slide the new BT shifter on the handle and guestimate where you want it as far as height. Tighten the allen screw with the key provided. Put the key in the ignition and turn it to acc. Put your foot on the brake and pull the shifter back to drive. This way you know where the shifter is and can adjust it up or down for your driving habits. Put the car back in park and adjust and retighten the allen screw. I have mine set perfectly for my arm. It allows me to rest my palm on it just like the old shifter and also gives me the opportunity to grab it with ease for autoshift.

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6. Sit back and enjoy the new mod that you installed in under 10 minutes with no tools.

Thanks Billet Technology for another Awesome Product!

chad spender · #2 03-07-2009, 06:16 PM

good write up there Tran! I'm getting the same shift knob monday, should be here sometime with the mail. how hard is it to tighten the screw once it gets all the way tightened?

**charger08srt** · #3 03-07-2009, 07:15 PM

cool write-up... i hope they come out with a shift plate for the 08/09's someday

The Tran · #4 03-07-2009, 08:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chad spender

good write up there Tran! I'm getting the same shift knob monday, should be here sometime with the mail. how hard is it to tighten the screw once it gets all the way tightened?

Thanks, I'm a little confused with your question though.

Quote:

Originally Posted by charger08srt

cool write-up... i hope they come out with a shift plate for the 08/09's someday

Thanks! Ask and you shall receive baby

chad spender · #5 03-07-2009, 08:31 PM

nevermind lol, thanks anyways, I'll figure it out monday when mine comes.

The Tran · #6 03-07-2009, 08:35 PM

Cool. Its pretty easy though. You're gonna love it

Myric · #7 04-22-2009, 02:57 PM

Good writeup, I'd love to see more of these in the forums.

I just got the Mopar chrome t-handle shifter as a gift, installed it after figuring out the original was clipped on.

When the tax return comes in it'll be the honeycomb grill insert and CAI.

**FLEX** · #8 04-22-2009, 03:51 PM

If I may be so bold as to add a tip...

I had trouble removing my shifter bezel, because there are tabs on all four corners.

I used a plastic egg flipper/spatula and slid it in there; it depressed the tabs the shifter bezel popped off effortlessly. I could have forced it, but I was worried it would break.

Incidentally, I also used the same plastic spatula to remove the stock shifter without scratching it. Better than using a metal screwdriver...

-=FLEX=-

SJCHARGER · #9 04-22-2009, 03:55 PM

good write up....