I have a 69 x44 car with a T350 trans and am looking to convert it to a console horseshoe shifter. I see the console kits and the shift assemblies but what do I need in the way of linkage and other related parts? I don't need to change the steering colmn do I?

The linkage going to the column shifter would stay. That's what makes the backup lights, neutral safety switch, and steering lock(?) work.

Take the column lever off, leave the rest, unless you mind having the nub the column shift connects to.

what new linkage do I need to add the horse shoe floor shifter?

from drclassic.com:

T350 linkage kit, 68-69, complete #Z20046, $42.40

Horseshoe shifter 68-69 #F00560-C

Do you have a console? (I've never heard of or seen a car with a console woitout a floor shift)
Console Stuff: There's lots of peices n parts, would take an hour to list em all, on pg 206-207 of 2004 catalog, console itself is on pg 154, then there is the wiring, back of the catalog.

You will a need a shifter cable, a trans mounted cable bracket, and a gear selector lever in addition to the horseshoe shifter. You will need to drill a hole for the cable to pass through. Hopefully someone can post a pic of the correct hole location.

On the factory console cars, the neutral safety switch and the back-up lights switch is mounted on the horseshoe shifter. There is also a bellcrank and rod assembly that runs from the gear selector lever up to a lever on the column that operates the ignition lock. You might be able to find the column parts to make the conversion on the ign lock, but it would be easiest to find a column from a floor shifted car. 69 was the first year to have the ingition lock. I believe the Nova (and others?) column was the same.

Wonder why I feel invisible, Al?

The linkage kit in my reply includes "EVERYTHING" that goes between the post sticking out of the trans and the shifter itself. It includes the shift arm on the trans, the cable support bracket, the cable itself, and all the little clips and screws that hold it all together. No, it does not include the hole.

Since the poster see's where to get a console, I assume there is none now, there wouldn't be in a column shift car.

Since the existing linkage is there for the column shift, just leave it there... steering lock will still work, as will neutral safety and backup, it's all on the column all ready.

Get a console, run a power lead to the shift position indicator light and courtesy light, done.

Jim,

No offense intended - I hope you didn't take it that way. I was just pointing out the way it was done from the factory. Your method would be the easiest and would work just as well if he uses the ign lockout, but not technically correct.

We convert guys need to stick together - and yours is sweet, BTW graemlins/thumbsup.gif

Ok...You guys are great! And no offense taken. I just bought a '69 x44 car that's in good shape with new paint and interior, but the guy who did most of the resto (about 25% left) started with a auto t-350 on the column car. I'm getting ready to convert it to a console w/a horse shoe and needed some guidence. Everyone input has been very helpful. One of the tech guys (naperville, IL) referred to a 2004 catalog and page numbers. What catalog and what are some other good resources? Thanks Again

Tx Al, and yes, ragtops forever!!

Sometimes I get a lil confused between the "what works" and "whats originally correct" and of course the solution I jumped to was fastest, easest, cheapest way that would work well.

For our "needs a floorshifter newby", first off, welcome to THE BEST resourse IN THE WORLD for first gen Camaro's. Collectivelty, the people here, hundreds of them. have been over under and through first gen's from every angle, attitude, and application imaginable.

Us first gen owners are lucky, virtually every part on our cars is available NOS, used, or reproduced. There are lots of great parts resourses, including (but not limited to)our website sponsor, Gound Up Restorations, Rick's First Gen, National Parts Depot, and my own favorite (because they're close, I can GO there) D & R Classic Automotive, Warrenville, IL (http://www.drclassics.com)

I have 69 Camaro Big Block Clone that is obviously NOT Original. I want to find what I need to hook up Column Automatic Shifter to T-400.
Car has linkage from column to frame bellcrank. What year Camaro parts (??) are needed to go from Frame bellcrank or pivot to T-400 and brkt on T-400 trans. I do not have 69 Camaro assy manual. Could someone please scan and send me JPEG of what I need, or at least tell me what year parts I need to look for??
Thanks so much, Chuck Sharin Seattle CamarosRus@aol.com