Re: Steering Column Classic/American

[farna@xxxxxxx]

The column should fit, but won't be a direct bolt in. You will likely need to modify the dash support location and will definitely need to modify the "foot" where it bolts to the floor. I have a better suggestion though -- use the three speed column shifter. I did that for a while in my 63 Classic. 

1) Look at the three speed shifter arms on the column. You need to lock the two arms together. Make a spacer to go between the arms (so you don't bind the column) then put a hose clamp around the arms over the spacer. Or you can use a couple fender washers and a 1/4" bolt. One washer on bottom, one on top of arms, bolt between them. You don't have to do this, you can use one arm or the other. The problem is if you pull or push on the lever and hit the slot for the other arm you have to "feel" your way back.... It's a bit disconcerting when it happens by mistake (I didn't lock mine together at first)! 

2) Now look at the transmission lever. You want to use the arm on the column that is closest to the length (from the center of the column) of the arm on the tranny. The detent for the gears is in the tranny, not the column, so that isn't a problem.

3) For the quadrant on the column I went to the local pick-n-pull and went "shopping". Older GM columns have a removeable quadrant. I glued that to the column (some have screws) and made a pointer for the back of it glued to the shifter collar. Not perfect, but close enough to tell what gear it's in. Some hot rod shops have an aluminum stick on set. Go to www.southernrods.com. Click on Hot Rod Interiors then Steering Columns -- $18.95 for clear plastic, $32.50 for polished billet. Clear looks closest to stock but appears to be for OD trans only, but would still work. 

Now you have a stock looking column shifter (paint the billet ends to match column if you use it) without a lot of work! One of the three speed shift rods should work with come adjustment. Just make sure you have the trans in before sticking on the pointer. 


On April 30, 2005 JOE B FULTON wrote:

> I have a friend who wants to change a 62 Rambler
> American convertible from a stick transmission to an
> automatic transmission so his wife can/will drive it.
> 
> I have the automatic transmission he needs.  I can get
> a 64 Classic automatic steering column and shift
> linkage.
> 
> Will the Classic column fit the American?  Will the
> shift linkage fit?
> 
> Thanks,
> Joe Fulton
> 
> Salinas, CA
> 
> 
> 
> .
> QUIT


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