Column shifter with NP440?

[ncoonen]

I am thinking about a 4-speed OD conversion on my '63 C10 when I install the 292 I am just finishing up. I may be strange but I REALLY LIKE the original column shifter both because "they aint like that any more" and it keeps the truck cab looking original. Has anyone ever heard of or tried running an NP440 with gears 1 to 4 operated by the two steering column control rods (modified as needed) and setting up a separate lever (on the floor? under the dash?) to operate the reverse shift selector? This might be a little hokey and you'd have to be careful to always have one or the other shift lever in reverse at all times.

Take a look at THIS VIDEO of a '61 Ford Fairlane with a column shift 4-speed and a dash lever for reverse. Pretty cool. I can imagine a lever like that with a heavy-duty bowden cable operating the reverse transmission selector.

Ideas? Reality check?

...ned.