Hot Rods CONVERT MANUAL STEERING COLUMN TO AUTOMATIC

Great creativity.

 

Here are
some more pictures I hope this helps. Frank

 

Replacing the floor shifter with one that you like the look of better seems like the easy (easiest) answer to me.

 

The 40 one shown I did--did maybe 8-10 that way==work very well. NS switch is on trans.

 

Some nice ideas. Thanks

 

Please let us know how it turned out and some pictures. Thanks Frank

 

Years back I used the housing from a 1958 Ford Car. It has the 3 speed auto detents as well as turn signals. I believe the tube size was the same as the stock steering box at the bottom so it just clamped in place, no big issue. I may have shortened it just a bit. The shift pattern letters are in the dash but the pointer was easy enough to relocate. I reinstalled the 41 steering wheel. It has a nuteral start switch on the jacket also. I don't remember it being a big deal to do.

 

I got another step closer to getting my shifter working. I got a NOS shift lever off ebay and finally found the hole it goes in. Now I need the correct 'pin" to hold it in place. I decided to make the shift linkage instead of using a cable. I threaded the 1/4" rod to use the rod end I got. Dadgum thing is left hand thread, so I ordered a right-hand thread one today. On goes the saga. I caught a big break on the shift lever on my FMX transmission though. It has upper and lower levers so I can push or pull with the linkage. I just might get this thing fixed before Jesus comes.

 

After not being satisfied with my efforts/results getting my shifter correct, yesterday I ordered the Lime Works Retro Shifter and Linkage Kit. Now to figure out how to remove the steering column tube for install. I did get my nasty looking and smelly seats recovered. The foam I used was a little to soft, but will be fine. Now to find someone to clean and tighten up the headliner.

 

I purchased the Lime Works shifter kit and it looked very nice. But it just is too finicky for me. I could not get it to work as it should. I did use a couple of their parts to use my original shift mechanism. I used the Shift Arm on my Shift tube, the Shift Lever for the transmission, and their Linkage. All I had to do was drill the Shift Arm, very tough metal, and also drill into the original shift tube and install a self-tapping screw. It works great without any slippage. I also had to use an S10 seat until I get what I need for the original seat. The FMX transmission I had was not working correctly so I had a C4 installed. Works as it should.

 

Bama I did the same thing with my 40 and it works great.

 

I wish I had thought about this before. I was thinking the original two shift levers needed to be used. Doing it this way makes a much cleaner look. Maybe even more reliable than tying the two levers together. Now to check some of the detent ideas shown above.

 

After some more thought I believe I can use most of the stuff from the Lime Works Kit. I really would like to use their detent and neutral safety switch mechanism. We have VBS all week, so I probably won't get started until Saturday. The hardest part of pulling the steering column is removing the steering wheel.

 

I got the Lime Works stuff reinstalled, and it is working, but finicky. Power Brake Vacuum Pump and tank installed because of the cam that is installed. Front suspension has been corrected with aftermarket kit. Had to order Posies 1942-48 Ford SuperSlide Rear Weld-In Spring Kit because the rear end suspension is harder than a rock. I got the S10mbench seat bolted down and I am working on a consol. It will have Backup Camera, Cup Holders, RPM, Oil Pressure, Water Temp, and Gas Gauge too. Waiting for RPM Gauge to be delivered. Will also have Lizard Skin applied when I get the Posie's Kit.