Convert column shift to floor shift

[derotoreut]

My 69 C20 has TH350 and I'm looking to change steering column. Has anyone converted their automatic column shift to floor shift? What's involved and what would I need? Any recommendations?

[Leviticus]

You can get most any universal floor shifter (Lokar, B&M etc) with the cable linkage for an automatic. Some are better than others, B&M is just shiney plastic crap IMHO but they work most of the time and are affordable.

Down side is you will have to make a hole in the floor for the shifter cable.

And a lot of guys just remove the stock shift linkage, and pop out the roll pin on the shifter handle and remove it. But if you are getting a new column then no worries there.

Hope this helps, some better educated guys will chime in with specifics I'm sure.

[derotoreut]

Thanks for the info. You mention making a hole in the floor for the cable. Do you recommend using a shifter with linkage or cable? I'm not familiar with the cable. How does that work on a tranny like the TH350?

[Leviticus]

Here is a picture of a late model car with a cable op shifter, sorry I couldn't find a pic of a TH350. But you will get the general idea.

[Leviticus]

Originally Posted by derotoreut

Thanks for the info. You mention making a hole in the floor for the cable. Do you recommend using a shifter with linkage or cable? I'm not familiar with the cable. How does that work on a tranny like the TH350?

The TH350 will have two factory mounting points on the drivers side just above the pan lip, I'm pretty sure if you get a shifter compatible with a TH350 it comes with a bracket that bolts to those holes with a cable bracket.

I would go with a direct linkage type Lokar though if you don't mind spending a little extra $.

[derotoreut]

I saw where Hurst has a shifter kit for pickups with auto trannys. Any feedback?

INDY PICKUP TRUCK 3-SPEED SHIFTER

This popular Indy shifter is available for pick-up trucks and is a perfect replacement for old floor shifters, or an ideal column shift conversion.

• Fits many popular 2 and 3-speed automatic transmissions
• Universal floor mount for easy installation, ideal for column shifter conversion
• Safety detented for precise shifting control
• Linkage rod activated
• All parts are plated for lasting protection
• Easy to follow installation guide
• Must use factory neutral safety switch
• Extended chrome-plated stick (uses 3/8-24 thread) to accommodate pick-up truck seat height
• Precise selector pin mechanism
• Spring loaded gate for positive shifts
• All parts plated for protection
• Stamped with Hurst/Indy identification
• Complete with all linkage, mounting hardware, and easy to follow installation guide
• Shown with optional knob & Indy Boot & Plate #114 8429, recommended for finished appearance

5010016
Weight: 8.05 lb
Price: $142.50

[Leviticus]

Hurst makes a nice product, I had one of their shifters in my 65 Burb and liked it.

[derotoreut]

I spoke to a fellow at Lokar who told me before he can recommend anything, I need to look at where I want to mount the shifter in relationship to the transmission. In other words will the shifter be mounted over the tailshaft or more over the bellhousing. Depending on where that is mounted will dictate if I need a cable activated or can go with a direct linkage type shifter. He said the direct linkage is less expensive. They also come with neutral safety switch and an option for backup lights.

Can you tell me anything about kick down linkage? I don't know anything about it for this truck. Is there something that's supposed to go back to the carb?

I have an Edelbrock 1405 carb. Doesn't look like there's anything hooked to it. There isn't even a choke connected (manual or electric).

[Leviticus]

Your kick down cable should not be a factor when dealing with a shifter, as far as I know. Your kick down cable goes into the passenger side of the TH350 by the cooling lines IIRC.

A cable operated setup is much easier to install, but I have had my share of problems with them after they age, I think if you can get some lube in the cable every so often, it should be fine.

As far as mounting location, you will have to climb under the truck and take some measurements from where you want the shifter on the hump, to the distance to you gear selector arm.

[derotoreut]

What exactly does the kick down cable connect to on the tranny? Where does it go to from there and what does it do? Is it a manual linkage type cable that pulls on the carb or something?

[67rookie]

I purchased a 1967 c10 that someone had converted it from three on the tree to a floor shifter. I would like to put it back. The original column is in the truck and I purchased the shifter for the column and 4(?) shift rods. But I have no clue how to route them or if I have everything I need. I was wondering if anyone had a diagram, pictures, or could possibly explain how they go, thanks -Rookie