What exactly is needed to convert the lower part of the center dash from a full-console floor-shift to the dash used on the column-shift? I never even knew a column-shift existed until seeing pics here.
I may need to eliminate my console due to trans/shifter relocation.
Dave
Just the trim around the radio from a car without the full center console. Is it a cougar or t-bird?
I think you may be the first person to go from a floor shift to a column. Everyone seems to go the other way.
If you want to keep the console,there's a tray that replaces the shifter bezel trim panel,and then you can go to column and leep the console.If you're removing the console,like stated above,you'll need the plastic panel for the radio surrouind,the slide out ashtray,and new carpet,as the carpet under the console has holes in it to accomodate the harness,and mounting brackets for the console.
I bet you could do it with the sterring colum with the shifter in it. Then you would need all the linkages from the colum to the tranny. You would'nt have to remove the console just need to get one of those shifter bezels like vinniebird talked about. If it is an 83-84 I don't know that they made them with out the console so it might be a little tough on one of those models. If it 86-88 you should be able to find all the parts to remove the console.
Oh,you'll also have to cover the hole left behind from the floor shifter as well.I am curious,why go to a column shifter?You will need to either swap the shift linkage arm in the tranny,or,possibly turn it 180 degrees (you'll have to drop the pan and do that),you'll also have to get the column shift column,associated linkage as well.You'll also more than likely need to change the TV cable linkage oin the tranny as well.
Find a member that is close by, that has a column shift car that wants to trade, and buy a 12 pack, and let 'em do all the work! ;)
So what's the deal that may cause you to go to a column shift?
hope your not running duals. thats why i switched to a floor shifter, the linkage was in the way. you might get lucky an it fits but ...
Before the floor shifter was installed on my other Bird,I had duals with no problems.Just going to a column shifter is probably as much or more work than going from coulumn to floor shifter.
i know some people have done it with no issue but i was just sayin there is the chance he will have the same problem i did.
I agree.
Are you just planning on relocating the shifter elsewhere on the trans tunnel? What are you planning on using for your trans?
Like mentioned earlier, I think it's just the center surround trim thats different. But also, like mentioned, you'll need to figure out center console wiring relocation. But I'm sure you knew that already.:D
an new carpet plus weld that hole closed. im good. i love my floor shifter now that i have it.
OK, I did not expect all these responses and so quickly. Without going into a bunch of details in this post, I am "NOT" converting to a column shifter. I am going to install a Richmond road-race 5 speed behind an old Nextel-Cup motor. For now, I want to attempt to retain the interior in a fairly stock appearance. This transmission has the shifter to the side and not above the tailshaft like the T-5s. I wasn't sure how I was going to work around this until seeing various pics here of interiors.
Dave
take the front of a console an cut it off. extend it back or move it forward as needed. make sides out of 'glass an make a custom shifter plate. Or just make a new console. either way theres alot of work ahead of you
I think this will only be a tiny project compared to the rest of the car. I will make an introductory post at some point.
I like the console in the above pic, and the clean look of the dash center. I may decide to delete the console altogether.
Dave
BTW, it will be on an 87-88 Tbird. Sorry for leaving this part out.
The console above is connected to the seat track on that model.It moves with the seat.
Nothing a little sawzall action won't fix :D
:sawzall:
I beleive someone else did this when installing an aftermarket shifter. You would need to fab up some custom mounts to hold it to the tunnel, but it wouldn't be too difficult. Not sure what wiring would be like. Perhaps someone who installed a floor shifter in a column car can chime in as the process would be just the opposite.
I installed a B&M floorshifter in my t-bird...didn't touch the consolette...I only got away with it because I'm 6'1" and need the seat all the way back anyway.
I like the short console, and mounting it to the floor wouldn't be a problem. I too need the seat all the way back, so I may ask for some pics from you guys later on. Mostly the dash is what I like about the whole thing.
I would love to use the floor-shift console,(as I already have it) but getting the shifter to end up in exactly the correct place is not likely.
My column shifter is still on my yellow 86', and it's now a 5 speed. 5.8Fastcat actualy did the mod for me. If i think of it, I'll try to remember to take a pic of it.
Can you post a pic of it please.