Tilt Column with Auto = Failsause

[Mobilehomie]

After more than thirty years the column in my son's '81 GMC K-1500 has gone south for the winter. I had a new key switch put in a few years ago, at that time the guy tightened up the tilt mechanism. Anyhow, in the past few months when the key is turned from the off/lock position the shifter will drop into gear unless you hold it up. More recently the thing quit starting with the key. I have taken the column apart just past the switch and removed a large plastic piece that houses the tilt lever and 4-way switch. I even managed to disengage the starter switch rod from the upper end. Kind of at a loss what direction to go from here, I was toying with the idea of a floor shifter, but the transfer case shifter is in the way. What is a good source for a NEW column and how tough is the replacement from here?