Auto to manual conversion. If you could do it over....regrets, pitfalls, long term opinions???

My 68 Dart had been swapped to a 4 speed when I bought it. I have to say it was done well in some respects...not so well in others. Floor hump was cut in quite nicely, but the frame bracket that is supposed to carry the clutch linkage was not included. I don't know who thought that sheet metal would carry that load, but...well, judge for yourself.