Converting 69 Camaro 3 speed auto on the tree to 4 speed Questions

[69Z28freak]

I am in the process of converting my 69 Camaro 3 speed auto on the tree to a 4 speed car. I currently have my original steering column that is in perfect shape and I also have a donor 4 speed steering column. My goal is to remove my shifter handle and use the collar from the 4 speed column.

Is this possible and is it the best approach. Or should I use the 4 speed column? The 4 speed column is in rough shape compared to my original. I am looking for the most cost effective and productive way to do the conversion.

Also curious what are the major differences between the columns other than the shifter. I have not taken it apart yet, so I am looking to find out which is the best way to go. The original column is in excellent shape like I said. The 4 speed unit will need a full restoration.

I started a thread at TC as well. Hoping to get some great info here.

[tmodel66]

You can swap the top parts from the donor over to yours and make it work. Shouldn't be too much work to do but I would definitely use your original column.

[69Z28freak]

You can swap the top parts from the donor over to yours and make it work. Shouldn't be too much work to do but I would definitely use your original column.

Thanks Daniel. That is good news.

[sdkar]

Not sure if you are interested, but I have a very decent floor shifter steering column from my 69 that I would be happy to trade you even.  Also, if you have the PRNDL from the dash you are going to remove, I would be interested  in buying that as well. if you do not want it.

Email me at sdkar@bellsouth.net

Steve 

[sdkar]

Also, the floorshift column I have appears to be in better condition than what you are showing.  It is complete as well.  If you don't want to trade, but sell you column shifter, let me know as well.

Thanks,

Steve

[KurtS]

Steve's is a good offer.

Or you could just knock the pin out of the shifter handle, remove the handle, and use as is....

[69Z28freak]

Steve's is a good offer.

Or you could just knock the pin out of the shifter handle, remove the handle, and use as is....

Thanks Kurt. I thought of that several times, however I like the idea of having a correct appearing steering column for the 4 speed conversion. My column is mint.

Do you think I should bother trying to swap the collar onto my column? I have been reading different opinions on what is involved. Some say it is a simple swap, others say it is much more involved. I started down the swapping path after seeing a video that made it appear very simple.

Thanks

[69Z28freak]

Also, the floorshift column I have appears to be in better condition than what you are showing.  It is complete as well.  If you don't want to trade, but sell you column shifter, let me know as well.

Thanks,

Steve

Hey Steve can you send me a good pic of your steering column.

Thanks

[ban617]

  Not a big deal but you need the spring compressor to reinstall the clip at the top of the column .....

[69Z28freak]

  Not a big deal but you need the spring compressor to reinstall the clip at the top of the column .....

I got the spring compressor and everything came apart quite easily so far. I will try to do the full conversion myself and see what happens.

[ban617]

take your time and lay everything out in order removed .....then swap the parts and put back together ......

[Charley]

I'm curious what car you have that had the three speed auto column shift ?

[69Z28-RS]

with an auto column shift, it may also have had a 'bench seat'??  Did those items get used together?   Would a floor shift auto work with a bench seat?

[JohnZ]

with an auto column shift, it may also have had a 'bench seat'??  Did those items get used together?   Would a floor shift auto work with a bench seat?

There was no bench seat option in '69 - only available in '67-'68 (not available on convertible).

[rsr]

 Removing the column shift collar or any collar will require complete disassembly of the steering column because that's the reverse lock out on manual shift  and the heart of the column...It can be a real pain to get apart without causing the saftey plastic that holds the upper and lower sections of the lock out/shift tube together.Might be beat to just replace the column with a floor shift?