So after removing the trans we noticed that their was an impressive job of welding on the remote shifter alloy piece and that another hole for the shifter had been added about 4 inches close to the firewall!
Here is my next mystery question to the brickboarders:
Is there a difference between the remote shift length from d type to j type overdrive units?
Was there a different hole in the floor pan between auto tranny and manual?

I'm trying to figure out if this was a quick conversation from auto to manual or did some creative person repair a shifter arm and modify the floor pan to fit it?

Thanks, the adventure continues...

Erik