Column to console shifter conversion - Anyone done this?

[new2turbo]

Thinking of buying my first turbo 6 car, Buick T-Type. It has a column shifter. Has anyone ever converted the column to a console shifter, and if so...

Was it worth it...
Is it reliable...
How hard was it...
What kind of mods had to be done... You get the idea. Thanks for any input.

 

[Chris McDade]

Im not really sure why you want to do this. I have column shift car and love it. It's different. Yes, It can be done. You will need all the hardware, seats, console and shifter. You will have to drill a hole in the floor board. Get ahold of Mike Mccoy or Bweavy and they will probably have a everything you need to get it done.

Good Luck.

 

[Matt Weiser]

I know why you would want to do it. It's just "sportier."

I did it on my hybrid wagon using a B&M Megashifter. It's not really a big deal but it is a fair amount of work. There are a couple of important issues to consider. Some people say you should retain the stock column linkage. The main reason for this is because the engine computer is attached to the reverse/neutral switch. The computer needs to know when the car is in gear and this is how it does it. Not a big deal if you just wire the floor shifter to the park-neutral switch: disconnect the switch and plug the shifter wires into the switch harness. I wanted to eliminate the stock column linkage to save weight and clean up the underside of the car, so this is what I did (same goes for the reverse light switch). Others say to retain the column linkage for anti-theft purposes. There are other ways to protect your car from theft, so i wasn't convinced by this argument. I wanted a floor shifter, so I went for it.

You'll also have to drill five holes in the floorboard: four small ones to mount the shifter, a bigger one for the shift cable. You'll also have to cut up the top of your center console (if you have one) to mount the shifter.

In short, count on a good full-day's work to mount a floor shifter. It's not complicated, but does require patience and a willingness to cut and drill.

This pic (kinda crummy) gives you an idea of my setup:
http://pweb.jps.net/~mweiser/stereo.jpg

In short, it was well worth it and has been reliable so far. I like the looks of the finished mod and I like the convience and "sportiness" of the floor shifter.