Column-shift-to-floor-shift...

[ViperMan]

So my wife and I started getting amped up at the idea of buying this car - http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/?cmd=ViewItem&_trksid=p5197.c0.m619&item=280877794597- when I remembered from when it was previously up for auction that it's a column-shift...

To me that just reminds me WAY too much of my dad's old Lincoln Continental...  And I'm not 80 yet...

So how hard is it to convert a car from column shift to floor shift?  Of course I need a console, and that might be a problem...  I'd also probably need a new steering column, but I like the Flaming River columns with tilt and such, so that wouldn't bother me.

But do I need an entirely new transmission, or is it just a matter of replacing linkages?

Just looking for some general guidance - no in-depth "how to's" really needed.  I'm just wondering what that might require...

Thanks!

[JayBee]

I did this ages ago. No, you don't need a new tranny as long as the tailstock has the casting for one of the needed brackets. Sorry, wish I had a pic to explain that. You're right about the column and linkage. You'll also the need the brackets that weld to the centre hump.

[ragtopdodge]

Ya just need to get the floor shift linkages.

You need some of this stuff:






Of course you also need the console brackets.  They're new via AMD, but you can get them used.  gotta weld them in.

[JayBee]

Just remembered I had a tranny in the basement, this is what the tailstock has to have. My original didn't so I needed to swap out the tailtock, big c-clip wasn't fun.

[ViperMan]

This is the best automotive forum on the internet...  Period...  Ya know how much bull**** I'd get for asking this kinda question on the Viper Club of America forums?!?!

Anyways, awesome info, and thank you.  JayBee, I know for a fact I can't ask the current owner about this (he really knows nothing about Mopars) but in your knowledgeable opinion, do you think that by 73/74, these cars were kinda all getting the same transmissions with just different linkages?  (Dunno if I asked that in a way that makes sense...) but basically what I mean is, what do you think my chances are that by that late in the production cycle, they were maybe all using the same parts?

Thanks guys.

[Jamiez]

I think in 73/74 when they dropped the engine choices to 2 (318 or 340/360) they might have dropped the transmissions to only 2 options as well (727 auto and 833 manual).  Does he list a fender tag? That would contain the transmission option on the last line I believe.

[MizzouRT]

This is the best automotive forum on the internet...  Period...  Ya know how much bull**** I'd get for asking this kinda question on the Viper Club of America forums?!?!

Totally agree.  The knowledge by the experts here is humbling and basically all wheat and no chaff.  Wish I'd found this site and the excellent info before I had my gauges refurbished.  Steering clear of Tachman would've saved me time and money.

Looking at Hamtramack Historical's 73 Challenger data book, see Dodge was still listing the 3 speed manual along with the 727 & A833 in 1973, see link:

http://www.hamtramck-historical.com/images/dealerships/DealershipDataBook/1973/73_Challenger0010.jpg

[Jamiez]

Huh a 3 speed manual.  I thought those went away with the /6.  Learn something new every day.  What model would those be I wonder?

[dodj]

I converted my '73 Challenger from column to floor and the original trans had the attachment points for the floor shift linkage. If I remember right, big if, the floorpan is indented a bit where the linkage goes through the floor.
There are a few threads about measurments to mount the brackets for the console in the right place as well, if you end up getting the car.

[JayBee]

do you think that by 73/74, these cars were kinda all getting the same transmissions with just different linkages? 

My best guess is...probably, but I'm really not the one to ask for a "knowledgable opinion".

[Jamiez]

Ah an A230 for /6 and an A250 for 3 speed manuals.

I see there were 904s in 74 on 318's but the service manual doesn't make it clear if they were available on the B, J carlines
 

[brads70]

Jeff mine was a column shift when I got it. It's not a really big deal to add the console shift. I'm so pumped about you maybe getting that Cuda!  Good luck!  I like the paint job! Sort of reminds me of your old one with the white nose sticking out. I know that bummed you out some watching it go down the road!
Better days ahead!  I have a few extra parts if/when you need them!

[Chryco Psycho]

not very difficult to do the swap , I have a console , used to have the shifter & linkage too but it went away

[4Cruizn]

Actually somewhere in my messy garage . . I think I have extra set of console brackets.      And probably some of those other parts as well. 

[06Daytona]

I think I have a console or 6 that could be mixed and matched to make another good one. I already built a 4 speed one for my car, but I have a few auto ones rolling around. I might even have the floor brackets out where my Cuda is getting pretty