Auto Shifter Lock Release: Have You Ever Used It ???

[SierraSRT8]

I have a Billet Technologies black anodized shifter trim plate to cover up the ugly OEM black plastic nightmare from Dodge. My only concern is that the stick on plate will cover access to the shifter lock release access port. I've only once in my 30 year history of automobiles ever had to access that lock release. Still, I'm concern with obscuring the access to it...just in case....I emailed BT on it and they do not offer one with a tiny hole drilled in the correct location. I could drill it myself. It only needs to be big enough for a paper clip, but then I'd need to touch up the ID of the hole so that the bright aluminum from the new hole did not show. I know this seems like a silly concern, but "once" I needed access to the release in a previous late model vehicle. As a by the way, the Hurst Shifter Plate included in their kit does have a tiny hole drilled to allow that emergency access.....so apparently they think it might be important someday. Your thoughts about this please.

[BW2011]

I would drill the hole. You can actually get to the release if the trim and plate is lifted but if you were doing something simple that just required the shifter to be moved the little hole would be nice to have.

[Robo]

Instead of drilling the spanking new BT plate... you can pull up the whole grey colored console top plate (shifter chrome trim/factory shifter plate are connected to it) by hand for accessing the shifter release pin underneath.

[Robo]

I believe the access pin will be covered up as well - if the new BT cover is just held on with a small amount of tape it could be removed if needed.

[MoparSpeed]

Yup, I've used it.
Ran out of gas one night on the way home, luckily I was able to glide into a parking lot near a gas station. Forgetting about the lock, I put the car in park after it stopped, luckily I had a flat head screwdriver to activate it and get her into neutral to push to the gas station.
Btw the Challengers weight becomes really apparent when trying to push it

[SierraSRT8]

I wound up returning the BT shifter plate. Drilling a hole would have been very easy, but I just didn't want to do that. I thought about the rarity of needing that lock release, but I'm sure it would rear it's ugly head of need in the very worst of situations. So for now I'll keep the ugly stocker until I come up with something else. I did wind up replacing the shifter with a white Hurst ball and the tapered shaft from Starburst. It really looks good. Pics to follow shortly.