steering column questions, manual, power, reverse lockout?

[culp71]

the farther I get with the restoration the more things I come across that I am uncertain of.

so first, I have a column that I rebuilt entirely and its ready to put in. but now I am unsure if its "correct" or would even work correctly for a console shift (early) 71 cuda 727 340 combo.

questions:
I see columns that are for sale with remarks to weather its for manual or power steering?
what is difference in the column itself to determine this?
reverse lockout arm, what had it, what should and what never did?

thanks

[burdar]

Power steering boxes are longer then manual boxes.  A power steering column will have a shorter inner shaft then a manual steering column.  The lockout arm was 1970 only I believe.

[culp71]

good, well I know mine is the correct length for ps, as it was in the car when I got it and was connected to the floor and into ps box with everything fitting properly.... 

about the lockout, I think does have one,....can be left on with out a function concern?
or where these ever on a 71 even early production or only ever on 70's
cut off? or would this cause a operation issue?
leave untouched and connect with all original linkage?
what are my options?

thanks.

[anlauto]

Up by the steering wheel, do you have the lever that says "depress lever to remove key" ?

[culp71]

nope...

[burdar]

That is a 1970 column.  I'm not sure if that was a model year change or if some spilled over into early 71.(or if some late 1970's had the new style column)

[anlauto]

Then you have a one year only 70 column. It will work, but of course not correct. Without the lock-out linkage hooked up you may have to keep aligning the notches on the bottom of the column manually to remove the key...no big deal.

[culp71]

okay, so to remove the key then that lockout arm on the column must always be in the same spot?
my thought is to either put on all the linkage or put a small weld on this arm to hold it in the correct
position... if that would work.
or does this location change depending on where the steering wheel is at?

[anlauto]

No need to weld it, it's going to move around much....if it does, while you're seated, reach down the the first collar closest to the dash and turn it until the two notches are lined up and remove the key...simple.....You'll most likely have to do that once in every blue moon...

[HP_Cuda]

I kinda like the effect.

You can use it to deter folks who have no idea about it, just turn the piece below the can and watch folks stumble to figure out how to unlock the column!!!