66 Automatic Column - Shift Pointer w/ 350 Turbo

[Shtudwn]

Hello,

I have a 66 automatic column with a turbo 350 trans upgrade. The shift pointer goes too far towards the drivers door when its in park. Is there a way to adjust this?

Thank you.

[1963c-10]

Factory column was 2 speed (for the powerglide) until the TH400 option in 66. Only way I know that you'll correct it is to install a 3 speed column. The 66 3 speed auto columns can be rather elusive to find though. The few I've seen came in custom camper optioned trucks.

[Shtudwn]

When I purchased the truck, about 6 weeks ago, the owner said that he had found an original 66 column that was rare. To be honest I have no idea what it is out of but it does appear original. The shift pointer is an integral part of the column. it has a chrome pointer cover.

Is there a way to turn or adjust the column so that the pointer is better aligned?

Thank you.

[1963c-10]

Any pics of what your working with? The columns are mounted center.....I don't know of any way to rotate the housing to accommodate it. The indicator may be able to be moved, but the column can only be adjusted forward and back, not side to side.

[1963c-10]

This thread covers the differences in the two factory correct columns. Lots of good pics and it will help you decipher which column you have installed.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=577214

[Shtudwn]

I will try to get some pics later today. The pointer is part of the column.

[1963c-10]

Correct....but the indicator housing that covers it is held on by two screws and my be moved.

I think your 1st step is to identify what you have 1st.

[Shtudwn]

Correct.

Let me see if I can get some pics to help with identification and we can go from there. I also noted that the linkage from the column to the trans is not the best aligned. This is from an overthinking engineer so its probably "just fine" but I do want to make sure everything is installed correctly.

Thank you.

[nsb29]

if it was me I work with the length and the position of the arm on the trans

[pestwagon]

Originally Posted by nsb29

if it was me I work with the length and the position of the arm on the trans

yup....

[OldGMJon]

Could it be that you have th400 column (D-L1-L2 ) but the gear indicator is for a th350(D-L) so it has an extra space that is taken up by going past Park on the indicator?

[Shtudwn]

OK,

Here are some pics. The column has an integrated pointer....I hope you can see it. I think you will also be able to see the slight bind the linkage is in also. If I am to adjust this at the levers/linkage is there any documentation that you can recommend to do so?

Thanks.

[1963c-10]

What does the indicator look like? This one is from a factory powerglide column

[Shtudwn]

The original indicator was from a 2 speed powerglide. Good point except I am not sure if it was original or not. Here is the new indicator I installed.

[Jim53066]

Put your trans in neutral, then loosen the lock bolt on the linkage and center the shift pointer on the N and tighten it down. That is about as close as you will get with a mis-matched column and linkage.
You will get used to feeling the shift points instead of looking at them anyway. As long as everything is tight, you will have no problem.

Jim

[Shtudwn]

Thank you Jim!

That's exactly what I'm looking for. I agree with the "memory" as to where shift points are. My girlfriend.....well that's another story!!!!

Dan

[wilbur46]

I agree with the "remember where they are" method.
When you think about it, there are a batch of different columns.
4 on floor, 3 on tree, pg, turbo hydro.
Then there are eras, 60-62, 63, 64-66.
Then there are the big trucks. Yikes!!
You can buy an adjustable lever for the actual transmission shaft.
It pinches the trans shaft in any required position, and is slotted for leverage adjustment. With one of these you can make any auto column pretty close, and the actual plastic gear indicator is available for pg or t-hydro.
(It is actually the upper bearing and turn signal combo that are the biggest pain)
Regards, W