To remove the shift rod from the car, or to inspect it, the spare wheel compartment has a recess at the rear which is closed by a plate. This plate is clamped around the sheet metal on one side and secured with a screw on the other.
Once this plate has been removed, you can access the chassis tunnel and dismantle the shift rod from there.
This plate is often painted in the body color. There's nothing wrong with this, but if you opt for the original, this plate must be black.
Excessive rust, disappearance or loss during restoration are the most common reasons for buying a new cover plate.
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