OK, If you see in the pics I posted (and in the one of the new one from PG Classic) there is a tab that the spring attaches to. IF the tab were to break off the entire plate can drop out of the shifter mechanism. Have you taken your console plate off and looked to see if this plate is laying in the bottom of your console? If you mail me $20.00 bucks, I will mail the shifter mechanism pictured to you (8-10 bucks for priority mail and the rest for the part provided you are in the USA) I think that's a fair price. There are two rivets that hold the mechanism together that you will have to grind off to disassemble the mechanism and replace the rivets with some small bolts. Once disassembled, you can remove the plate you need and put it in your shifter, or you can buy a whole new one. Mine is a little rusty, but very usable once cleaned up. The spring you can get from
www.rtspecialties.com or just find a small spring from Home Depot or Lowes. Hope this helps! PM me if you want the shifter & I'll give you my mailing address & you gan give me yours!
Matt B.