Im swapping out standard floor shifter to a dual gate. I'm using the measurements and pictures that was on this site from 2009 they were well done by the way. Question in what's the difference in floorpans from 71 to 72 you wouldn't think any. Question 1a is there a difference between a column shift pan and a console shift pan between 71 & 72 other than the mounting brackets for the console itself, and bucket seat tracks.
I'm using the measurements which seam to all be fine north and south but east to west a little off. Also the dual gate is off to the passenger side practically even on that side with the humps flat mounting area. In the picture from 09 it's definitely not centered however still has some meat left on his flat hump mounting area.
Another quick question do the console mounting brackets HAVE to be welded ? If so why ? There appears to be plenty of space to drill and tap or self tap those brackets thx I will post some pics and try and re link the 09 post.
My car a 72 is a converted column to console forgot to mention that little tid bit

 

Floor pans are the same. It's best to weld the brackets to the floor.

 

These pics are from the 09 post there are a few more. I just did a screen shot of two just to post my floor pan pics next. Actually installing the cable now

 

I've just had my 72 W29 with bucket seats and standard shift floor console interior apart to replace the carpet and I was surprised to see the console brackets were screwed to the floor with appropriate GM sheet metal screws. It appeared to be the way this car was built. This is a car I've owned since 1984. Regards, Tom

 

That would be tough to do with the OPGI front bracket there is no return flange to mount any type of screw to the floor. Maybe you can drill and mount from the side not sure. I will be welding mine over the weekend this should be fun about my third time ever and first time in about 10 yrs doing any welding. Will post the process but only the neat version of the weld after my grinder makes it pretty. lol I gotta a rep to protect. I'm just kidding I will show the whole sloppy mess that an electrician welded. Doesn't matter though if it hold when I hit it with a hammer it's good and will never be seen anyway.

 

No idea why my pics turn out this way once I post them there either turned in wrong direction (avatar) or streatched and someone is gonna let me weld that's pretty funny keep an eye out for the smoke plume.