I'm converting my Camaro from manual to auto, and I picked up a shifter assembly and plate from a 92RS to use in my '84. I also have two firebird t-handle shift grips (only the grip).

I'd like to swap the t-handle Bird shift grip onto my '92 Camaro shifter. The problem is, it looks like I have a piece missing somewhere. The 92 shifter has this "natural plastic" color rod (for lack of a better term) that sits down inside the shaft of the shifter. Pushing the button on the Camaro **** (located on the top) depresses this rod and allows the shifter to move gears. Putting the t-handle shifter on top and depressing the button doesn't do anything. I looked up inside the handle, and I don't see anything that can turn the sideways button press into a downward force to release the shifter.

Help?

Edit: Actually, if I turn the t-handle upside down and place the plastic rod into it, the plastic rod will come out if I push the side button. So the shift **** works. Is it possible that the plastic rod is too short? Do the two kinds of shifters use different actuator rods?