Auto transmission steering column

[dmjlambert]

I would like an auto transmission steering column for my 1963 C10, to replace my 3 on the column one. I would prefer an original GM one from a pickup truck and not really interested in aftermarket ones. I plan to put an LS engine and 4L60 transmission in it.

Do you folks have any advice on what to look for in a used steering column? Any years to avoid or can I shop anywhere from 1960 to 1972? I am mostly interested in non-tilt with neutral safety switch and backup lights switch, and stock(ish) appearance. I have manual steering, not sure yet if I'm going to power steering. I don't know what year turn signals became standard, but my 63 appears to have turn signal on the existing steering column, so I would like to get a steering column with turn signal lever.

I believe I am not interested in shifting into all the available lower gears of the auto transmission, I'm just going to use Park, R, N, D, extremely rare that I would use L as the 3rd gear and would not be using 2 and 1. If you folks think this is a huge mistake to just not worry about shifting into all gears and I must have an aftermarket column or some way to shift to lower gears, please let me know.

[SkinnyG]

I am using a 1968 C10 column in my '61. I had to adapt the column to fit the '61 mount, but it was easy.

Use the neutral safety switch and backup light switch in the 4L60E - it's way more reliable.

I fabricated my own shifter arm that worked out like this:

P = P
R = R
N = N
D = 4
2 = 3
1 = 2
? = 1

When I go to manual first, it's off the indicator. I have the detents in the column matching the detents in the transmission. 1st works, just not visible. _I_ know it's there, but I'm usually in OD or D.

[dmjlambert]

What parts did you have to fabricate?

[SkinnyG]

I welded a plate with four threaded holes inside the column tube that secures the column to the mount. I think the 60, and 61-62 columns are a bit unique.

[dmjlambert]

OK that is regarding mounting the column, but what did you do when you "fabricated my own shifter arm that worked out like this", was the shifter arm as already on the 68 column not going to just work without more fabrication?

[SkinnyG]

The arm attched to the 4L80E that I used. It just took a bit of playing around until I had the holes all in the right place for things to work out.

[dmjlambert]

Oh, I see what you mean, thanks. At first I was picturing the chrome shift lever behind the steering wheel or the mechanisms inside the steering column right there needing some work.