manual steering columns?

[rod86]

hi guys, im soon going to be putting a 6spd manual in my 86, its currently auto, what is the diffrence in the steering colums? how do you get rid of the spot where the auto shifter was? is there a separate alternate piece that goes where the lever comes out?

thanks!!

[Restrorob]

Rod, I'm converting my 74 from column auto to floor auto. I have been watching the junkyards for a floor manual (granny box) truck to rip the smooth bell out of. I'm not sure if you can still get this bell new separately or not, Maybe for your 86 ?

If I don't find one before I'm ready, My back-up plan is to remove the auto shift arm grinding the protrusion down smooth and filling the hole.


Cya

[piecesparts]

I went out an found a manual column, when I went to a floor shift on my 84. The guts of the auto column has the shift sleeve inside, as well as the collar where the handle mounts. It could be rebuilt, but for the money, just buy another column. Some people have tried grinding off the linkage connection and filling with bondo, that usually comes out a little rough in the end.

[Restrorob]

Originally Posted by piecesparts

Some people have tried grinding off the linkage connection and filling with bondo, that usually comes out a little rough in the end.

There's a difference between "trying" and "doing".....

[piecesparts]

Good point, I have seen the results of both. For the pain and the time, I went with a replacement and had it done in a couple days ---including the finding a column that was in good shape. That also cleaned up the stupid little shift linkage arm in the engine compartment and had no grinding to do.


I now have the old column to strip parts off of as I may need them.

[wedgemon]

Check this out. I've haven't tried it. But looks right...
http://www.speedwaymotors.com/Column...vers,2049.html



Their blurb says: This cover disguises the column where you have removed the stock shift lever and gives that area a smooth, finished appearance. Black plastic. Large end is 4.060" I.D. Small end is 3.400" I.D.


Hope it helps.

- Dave

[Restrorob]

Originally Posted by piecesparts

I went with a replacement and had it done in a couple days

Hey, There's nothing wrong with that. But if a replacement can't be found, Ya gotta do what ya gotta do so that nub isn't sticking out. As for the under hood lever, Leaving the linkage from the trans hooked up will allow the use of the factory dash gear indicator....

[rod86]

thanks guys, yea i guessed trying to find a manual colum wouldnt be easy, so yea i mite end up just grinding and filling the hole.. and ill even do it properly... ...

them sleeves look like they could do the trick tho..