Column shift to factory console and factory shifter

I have purchased the Buckets and the factory long console for a future conversion to the Floor shifter in my 71 skylark.

I am now looking for guidance on the A) remaining parts required and B) the technique to install the console (fairly straight forward) and the (factory) Shifter, this is where I will expect trouble.

In the other posts I have read looks like, I would like the column to continue to move the indicator and therefore work the Neutral Safety Switch (NSS), sounds like that solves a lot of problems. I like the Factory look of the shifter and I don't expect to race this car, so a Ratchet shifter is (although very cool) not required. In the other posts it talks about keeping the same linkages as the column shifter, So where or how does the cable work. and what pit falls should I be aware of,

I have time to watch for the column parts, But I do need the Shifter and cable(s). Is there a swap with any of the other (inferior) imitators to the BUICK from the General Motors line of cars.

Thanks
Chris

 

I just did the same conversion on my own '71 last year. Easy job once you can picture all the small steps required.
Send me your e-mail & I'll send you the parts book exploded view of the many small parts.
Shift lever on the trans. needs to be changed & they differ for TH350 vs. TH400 & then again column vs. floor shift. The old column linkage is retained & is now driven by the floor shifter, connected to the new the lever on the trans.. The old linkage will rotate the outer column & this will in turn move the indicator in the speedo. Get new bushings for the old linkages........someone here will have them, priced very reasonably.
Neutral safety stays where it is & operates the same.
See George N's site for console locations, the dimensions are right on the money.
Get a Chassis Manual & follow the linkage adjustment procedure with a helper. This is about the only piece that requires two people.
I tried myself a few times & could never get it right. Helper in the car..........done in 5 minutes. Column upper shroud can be changed or swap the complete column. This is all relatively easy work once you understand it.
I did it myself in the garage using 3 or 4 X 1-1/2 - 2 hr. sessions. Start by getting the front seats & carpet out of the car.

I used the shifter cable from TPPI & was quite happy with it.
I may have a spare column shroud. I'll check the length in the car & compare to what I have left over.


Good luck with it.

 

Here is the link to the page on Georges website

http://www.buickperformanceclub.com/buckconsole.htm

 

Much thanks Gentlemen, My email address is genovafamily@rogers.com

and additional info would be GREAT.

Thanks
(Again)
Chris

---------- Post added at 11:48 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:44 AM ----------

Sorry Steve TPPI is what?

Chris

 

Chris,
TPPI = The Parts Place Inc..
Just sent the exploded view with the shifter & linkage parts. Check your e-mail.

Cheers,

 

Just what I needed Thanks Steve

 

Steve, could you send to me as well? Also looking for shifter hardware...I have the console.
Thanks!
Tom

 

Tom,
Send me your e-mail & I'll return it to you.
I may have posted it here "somewhere" but memory getting dusty.

 

E-mail sent.

 

Steve: Was the shifter cable from TPPI the adjustable length type? If so, what was the part #?

UticaGeoff

 

Geoff,
Cable I used was TPPI # CJ23480551US. Don't believe it was adjustable. Installed with the shifter & adjusted the linkage at the trans.. Everything good to go.

Tom,
Drawing e-mailed to you.

Cheers,

 

Geoff,
Cable I used was TPPI # CJ23480551US. Don't believe it was adjustable. Installed with the shifter & adjusted the linkage at the trans.. Everything good to go.

I wonder if they changed that part #? It doesn't turn up anything when I use the TPPI search. I mention this because I needed the shifter cable too and ordered from TPPI part #[TABLE="width: 759"]
<tbody style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; outline: none;">[TR]
[TD="class: partDesc, align: center"]CP4690S[/TD]
[TD="class: partDesc, align: center"](1968 - 1972 Skylark/GS/Regal/GN) SHIFTER CABLE TURBO 350 OR 400*
[/TD]
[/TR]
</tbody>[/TABLE]
I haven't rec'd it yet...hopfully it's the right one...

 

Do you have a TH400? Let me know if the cable is correct. I'll probably be doing my conversion towards the end of the month after I get my Jim Weise tranny/converter.

Geoff

 

eBay item 390660409953, $64.95 from Tamraz's, eBay item 251423097612 $94.80 from another seller.
eBay item 331037432298 $54 from TPPI

The manufacturer is Goodmark

Part Description:Core: Console Automatic Shifter Cable
Notes: Use Original Slide Block
Manufacturer: Goodmark
Goodmark Part Number: GMK4432552682
Old Goodmark Part Number: 4432-552-682
Other Part Number: ZSC116
Fitment:
1968-1972 Buick GM A-Body


Hope this helps.

Lou

 

I have the TH350. Cable is the same but the shift lever on the trans. is different.

 

Item #9 on this link implies the shifter cable for car with a TH350 with buckets/console may not be the same for a car with a TH400:

http://www.buickperformanceclub.com/conversi.htm

UticaGeoff

 

George's site is stating the bracket, secured to the underside of the transmission, is different TH350 vs. TH400.

There may be a small bit of adjustment at the trunnion. End of cable is shaped like a bullet, inserted in the trunnion hole & held in place by the trunnion bolt.
Very similar set-up to brakes on a bicycle.

Looked at my circa '81 parts book again & found this:
4.045 # 1386390 lever , all 69-72 with long console.
4.047 # 1384210 trunnion, all 68-72,
4.047 # 1384208 bracket, 69 - 70, all AT long console
# 1386731 bracket, 71-72, AT floor shift

Don't know why the differences in the book other than possible typo's.
69-70 cars available as floor shift without the GS ?
Were they using only the TH400 for GS in 69-70 ?
71 & 72 cars still had either TH350 or TH400.

I'm confused myself.

 

Sounds like the cable should work (still haven't rec'd mine from TPP yet), I can say that the '73-'77 cable I have is about 6 inches too long. I'm hoping the '73-'77 trans bracket will work...?

 

I have the repop TH400 bracket so I'll assume my TH350 cable will work when the TH400 goes in. Thanks everyone for their help.

UticaGeoff