'58 tHree-on-the-tree column conversion
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Senior User
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 193
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From: Lakewood, Colorado
'58 tHree-on-the-tree column conversion
Good Day All,
Can my original '58 steering column with three speed manual shift lever by retained to use for an automatic transmission swap?
Dave
Can my original '58 steering column with three speed manual shift lever by retained to use for an automatic transmission swap?
Dave
More Turbo
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 704
Likes: 40
While the linkage could be rigged to work it would not be safe. There are no mechanical detents in the manual transmission column. Without a detent to hold the transmission in park, it may pop out without much provocation. You would always have to park it against a curb or something to make certain it wouldn't roll away.
Lou Manglass
Lou Manglass
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 193
Likes: 1
From: Lakewood, Colorado
Thanks Lou, Ok then, so as far as the bottom end is concerned, a linkage could be fabricated to shift an AOD. The problem would be the lever detents on the top of the column. Am I correct in assuming that the only detents are usually on the column right near the selector indicator dial? Can these detent be salvaged from other steering columns
Here's why I ask; now that I have replaced or repaired most of the steering linkage I find the ease of steering this manual system is acceptable. So, I won't be changing the steering column as part of an upgrade to the Toyota power steering. But would still like the around town drivability and overdrive of the AOD.
Thanks
Dave
Here's why I ask; now that I have replaced or repaired most of the steering linkage I find the ease of steering this manual system is acceptable. So, I won't be changing the steering column as part of an upgrade to the Toyota power steering. But would still like the around town drivability and overdrive of the AOD.
Thanks
Dave
More Turbo
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 704
Likes: 40
IIRC, the detents are part of the inner tube so you would have to find a like steering column w/automatic and swap enough parts to make one out of two. It would be much easier to swap in an automatic steering column (once you found it) or easier still to convert to a floor shift. There's no short cut on this one. I appreciate your dilemma, I have given a lot of thought about ways to modernize the driveline but still keep the original steering column and shifter.
Lou Manglass
Lou Manglass
