Topic: steering column

[4speed76]

Does anyone know if an  Automatic steering column is different than a 4 speed column?

[eroc022]

nope they interchange

[ponchonutty]

They'll swap but isn't the wheel lock different?  You know, where you have to put it in reverse to get the key out of the ignition?

[4speed76]

That's what i need to find out.

[Rick]

They'll swap but isn't the wheel lock different?  You know, where you have to put it in reverse to get the key out of the ignition?

Nope, the column is the same for both.  That mechanism is controlled by the reverse lockout linkage under the car.

[4speed76]

Are they easy to take apart?  I am going to be painting mine and I want to do a good job so I want to take it right apart.

[RRR76TA]

Not  bad might need some special tools

[ponchonutty]

Real easy to do.  I just did mine about a month ago.  Steering wheel puller and snap ring remover is all I used.  The rest was just common tools

[4speed76]

Oh ok thanks,  luckily I have both

[ponchonutty]

I actually did mine with out completely removing the column.  This included painting of the outside too.  I just dropped it down enough to get at what I needed to mess with.  Now, if you need to replace the bushings inside you'll need to pull the whole thing out.

[ta78w72]

The columns swap....but the reverse light switches are different.  The auto reverse switch light turns on in a different location than the four speed.  In addition, the auto reverse light switch also houses the neutral start switch for the automatic.  The columns themselves are exactly the same though. 

The ignitions switches are different from tilt to non tilt.

[4speed76]

Thats not going to be a problem because the shifter I am going to be using has reverse light switch and neutral safety switch built in.  Since it is a 4 speed column I remember there is a locking mechanism that needs to be in reverse to get the key out,  Is there any way to take that out so I dont have to worry about it engaging on its own?  I dont intend to use the rods that go from the column to the tranny.

[Joker (§ir£Ğragon)]

Just make sure the column is turned as if the car were in reverse. The lever under the hood needs to be all the way up. That way it will always be released and not lock the key in. And since your reverse lights won't be operated by the stock switch you won't have to worry about them being on all the time.

[4speed76]

That makes sense just hope it wont come down from the vibration

[Joker (§ir£Ğragon)]

I zip tie or piece of wire can hold it there. You should be able to tie it up without making it look obvious. Or if you're not worried about it going back to stock you could tack weld the lever up.