I guess I forgot to mention,
I bought a finned air cleaner on ebay for $59.99.
I was a little nervous that the air cleaner wasn't going to look very nice/be decent quality, but it surpassed all hopes and expectations! I'd definitely recommend it if anyone is thinking finned is the way for them.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/12-Oval-Ful...72.m2749.l2649
I finally managed to find the shift plate!.....in the living room. I spent probably a year looking for it, including tearing the garage apart twice. Now I've got it bolted on for safe keeping.
I promise the piston isn't staying, I thought it looked better than a piece of black pipe sticking up.
It's surprising how much bolting/taping the glove box and speaker grille on can make a difference. It's starting to look/feel like a truck again! haha