Upper Rod Shifter Plate Question

[masho95]

Well I went to pull out that upper plate under the console and bad news. The studs in the plate going under the car are VERY rusty. I went to pull off the nuts under the car and SNAP. Almost no force on the nut trying to get it off and it snapped. The stud broke off even right at the hole underneath. Again this was with almost NO pressure to turn it. It must have gotten weaker from all the years sitting under the car in New England. So anyone have ideas on what to do? I started to try another nut and the nut wouldn't turn at all and I felt it beginning to break so I left it alone for now? If I just use a bolt and nut combo will that work? I know that the studs are just about flush with the upper plate so will a bolt head stick up too much to interfere with the shifter at all?? Thanks for any input.

 

[Gez89SHO]

That'll work fine, won't interfere at all. Actually, I don't have that top plate at all have substituted bolts w/locking nuts, and the bolts are sticking UP thru the floor rather than just the bolt heads. So it won't interfere at all.