original hydro-matic column /turbo 350
 

has any member modified a hydromatic column shifter to work with a 350 turbo ?

Re: original hydro-matic column /turbo 350
 

I've never done it but it will be a multi step and probably tedious project.

First is changing the shift pattern indicator on the column and that means modifying one similar to the 71/72 one shown here to fit the column or making your own out of lexan or clear plastic and figuring out how to get the PRN321 on it.

Once you have that figured out you will have to change/modify the detent block (becuse I don't have the correct term right now" to match the Turbo 350 shift pattern and that might be scrounging one off an old Turbo 350 column from a donor rig.

I don't know if this one for a Tri 5 car will work or not but it might be worth looking at your column and seeing if the one on there unbolts and if it could be swapped.

Re: original hydro-matic column /turbo 350
 

possibly something from a chevy van with the pre-plastic clad lower section
when checking out columns try to get a dimension of how long the shift lever arm is at the bottom, where the shift rod connects that goes to the trans, and then try to make your's the same length. that way the detent plate should be a closer fit, if that makes sense.\where there's a will there's a way. something cable operated may also work and be easier to make linkage for if you are crunched for room under the floor. cable operated also stays in the correct gear if the body/frame/driveloine flexes.

Re: original hydro-matic column /turbo 350
 

I have a 700r4 using the stock original automatic shifter. Did not need to modify the shift rod. No issues shifting into gears but you need to pay attention. Two issues I have is the gear indicator is missing and no neutral safety switch. Working on both.

Re: original hydro-matic column /turbo 350
 

Thanks so much for the info!!!!!!!!!!!

Re: original hydro-matic column /turbo 350
 

I made a lens pattern for my 700r4 in Adobe Illustrator.

I made the file so that it could easily be modified by pretty much any engraving outfit that has a laser cutter. All the info they need is in the file when they open it. I think all they would need to do is delete the OD and slide the 1,2,3 over (or maybe move the P,R,N ), but you should make a paper template with the letters and numbers exactly in the right places, so they know exactly where on the arc the numbers and letters need to be. I don't think it should cost more than an hour's labor to change it for your trans. To actually cut and engrave the "plastic" they charged me $20. This was a few years ago.

I did write-up on my whole shifter conversion project, which you won't need to read, and I put it on Dropbox for people who are interested in converting from 3-on-the-tree to Automatic. The file you would want is named "Shift Lens 3e" but feel free to download everything if you are the curious type.
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/62evd...=v4ak1utv&dl=0

Here is a picture of what I ended up with.

Re: original hydro-matic column /turbo 350
 

What about the shift detent to make it stop at correct positions?

Re: original hydro-matic column /turbo 350
 

Although my 700r4 has pretty solid "stops" without a detent, I did purchase a detent that mounts on the column under the dash. The company that made it is LimeWorks Hot Rod Parts. Their info, and instruction sheet, is also in with the dropbox stuff. In my write-up, I talk about how I had to modify it a little to get it on my column. (If you have shortened your column, and can slide it up from the bottom, you wouldn't have that issue.)

But, since you have a factory auto trans column, I am thinking that the detent that Mr48Chev suggested might be a better way to go.