As my description asked, is there an easy way to tell if a car changed from column shift to console shifter?

I've been looking at several cars for sale, so I wouldn't be able to disassemble anything.

It seems that many people switch these so I was wondering if there are telltale signs If someone has done a good job, replaced column, etc.

Thanks for the input! smile.gif

Baring not seeing the shift column dog/bracket/feedthru for the lever, they did a column changeout.

I believe: the other telltale signs maybe in the harness. With column shift, the switch was mounted above the column at the firewall. To relocate to the console, either a replacement harness was done, or an extension was made from existing plug. This would appply to an automatic equipped car.

Manual trans had a clutch switch, 69 only, and for all years, the rev switch was mounted on the trans. A hole in the firewall by the pedal was the route taken for its two wires.

Maybe others here could enlighten........

If the steering column has been changed, it's more difficult to tell at a glance if the cars been converted. You have to check for the reverse light harness as Everett suggested. If you can look underneath, or lift the rugs, then the cutout for the shifter might be another give away.

I actually left my auto column in my car when I swapped to a manual trans. I took the column all apart and did some "body work" on the cuff to eliminate the shifter hole and the PRNDL indicator and lamp!! But still, you can get in the car and turn the cuff just like if it had the column shifter!! I use this as a poor mans anti-theft device, if you rotate the cuff clockwise, the neutral safety switch opens. :D Of course, sometimes I forget and wonder why my car won't turn over! graemlins/clonk.gif

Paul D.