I was installing a set of headers on my 69 Camaro last weekend and had to remove the oil filter and shifter linkage to get the headers in on the passenger side.
When I was trying to bold the shifter linkage back to the frame rail, it would not fit with the new headers.
I stopped what I was doing for a min and realized that I was hooking up shifter linkage for a column shifter when my car has a center console shifter. I pulled the linkage as it is no longer needed.
I am guessing that my car in it's past had a column shift and was converted to a center console shift and someone just left the original column linkage.
Is my assumption correct or did the column shifter linkage come on the car even if it had a center console shifter?

Just a guess here but that linkage might be the safety interconnect linkage from the tranny to the wheel lock when you put it in Park. I dont recall the name, someone will post it here Im sure.
If this is what you are seeing I know the linkage is missing from mine too. I can pull my tranny out of gear when the steering wheel is locked. Not safe with thieves round but it still works. That might be a project for next winter.
Let us know what you have.
http://www.brainerd.net/~knudsen/69RS/69RSSteerCol1.JPG graemlins/thumbsup.gif

Did you mean driver side? The linkage you removed is there to prevent you from removing the key and locking the steering wheel unless the transmission is in park.

You beat me Jim, I was looking in the AIM for the name but didn't find it. I think it's called "Interlock Linkage" though... graemlins/waving.gif

That is it. It is on the driver’s side and runs from the trans up to the column. It mounts to the spot in the photo. I thought it may be original column shifter linkage but I guess it is the column/shifter locking gear.

I could not bolt it back up with the new headers. It was about 1/8" to close to the headers to mount it back on the frame.

I am using Dynomax 1 5/8" headers. I am guessing that other people have run into this problem and have deleted the linkage too.

So am I fine with deleting this linkage?

I have standard exhaust manifolds so Im not sure why previous owner removed mine, but for safety I will put it back someday. It works fine without it, but safety is your main question. If front end is on ramps it could still be pulled from park without key turned, could be dangerous, just be aware of that all the time.
Timing is funny here with posts at times. Dennis usually beats me graemlins/waving.gif graemlins/thumbsup.gif

I've never seen a header equipped Camaro with it put back. I've always intended on modifying mine so it would fit and be functional but haven't gotten to it...

Thanks Dennis.

I think if I made a bracket with a lower profile/closer to the frame it would give me enough space to put it back on.
I will wait until next winter to take on that project.

You can make it work by removing two of three bolts that go in the bracket on the frame, then rotate the bracket until it the linkage clears your headers and adjust the linkage until it is aligned correctly. Then either tack weld the bracket in its new location or drill and install a couple new bolts.

Its hard to describe without pictures, but I did this to get my column shift 68 to work with headers and a TH350 tranny. Its the same bracket and linkage as a 69 I believe, although I pirated my new column shift linkage setup off an early full size TH350 car and cut the rods to the right length. I had to put a little bend in the rod between the pivot point on the frame and the tranny lever though if I recall.

The issue you'll have to deal with now is keeping the collar just forward of the steering wheel in the fully counter-clockwise position so you can turn the key to "Lock" and remove it. You can either turn it manually each time (PITA), or secure the lever at the bottom of the column (which was driven by the rod/bellcrank arrangment from the shifter lever on the side of the trans) in the fully "up" position by wiring it up to the booster bracket, etc.

If you had a 4-speed you'd have another issue with the backup lights, but on a floorshift automatic that switch is on the shifter, combined with the neutral safety switch.