John S Posted October 4, 2017 Share Posted October 4, 2017 Is a tilt steering column from a floor shift automatic the same as a 4 speed? John S Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RealRed70 Posted October 4, 2017 Share Posted October 4, 2017 No it is not. The difference is the shape of the arm/ lever on the end of the column. Tilt 4 speed columns are VERY rare. An automatic column will have a hook shaped arm and a 4 speed will have a short straight tab on the end of the column. You could turn an automatic arm into a 4 speed arm very easily. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike Brichta Posted October 4, 2017 Share Posted October 4, 2017 Just curious. Are you talking about the tab that connects to the shift lock out rod or something else? Thanks!! Mike Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John S Posted October 4, 2017 Author Share Posted October 4, 2017 No it is not. The difference is the shape of the arm/ lever on the end of the column. Tilt 4 speed columns are VERY rare. An automatic column will have a hook shaped arm and a 4 speed will have a short straight tab on the end of the column. You could turn an automatic arm into a 4 speed arm very easily. Would I be able to use the arm/lever from my existing column or not? John S Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RealRed70 Posted October 4, 2017 Share Posted October 4, 2017 Yes, that is what I am talking about. John would have to modify it, making it to the dimensions that a 4 speed one would have. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RealRed70 Posted October 4, 2017 Share Posted October 4, 2017 Here is a link that will show exactly what the arm / tab must look like for a 4 speed application. Please disregard the fact that this is not a tilt column. Picture number 4 shows what I am referring to. http://www.ebay.com/itm/1969-chevelle-malibu-ss-396-4-speed-steering-column-70-71-72/192323082097?_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIM.MBE%26ao%3D2%26asc%3D41375%26meid%3D7a4730d49a434631a23649bcf83ef2d5%26pid%3D100005%26rk%3D4%26rkt%3D4%26sd%3D112559432070 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike Brichta Posted October 4, 2017 Share Posted October 4, 2017 I now see the difference between the two types of arms. I have 2 questions: 1) Can the automatic trans column be used with a 4 speed trans and have the lock-out mechanism work correctly, or does the arm have to be changed? 2) How hard is it to change the 2 different arms and can it be done while the column is still in the car? Thanks!!Mike Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RealRed70 Posted October 5, 2017 Share Posted October 5, 2017 I am getting dizzy answering the same questions twice. I would say you will need to re shape the automatic arm to look like the 4 speed arm. Others have made this modification. I would remove the column from the car to do the modification. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John S Posted October 5, 2017 Author Share Posted October 5, 2017 Doesn't look too difficult I can make it work Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RealRed70 Posted October 5, 2017 Share Posted October 5, 2017 I will have to get you the measurements over the weekend. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John S Posted October 6, 2017 Author Share Posted October 6, 2017 Ok thanks I have a welder, torch and a hammer. Something's gotta give Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RealRed70 Posted October 6, 2017 Share Posted October 6, 2017 Do you have a hard wheel grinder and a set of drill bits? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John S Posted October 7, 2017 Author Share Posted October 7, 2017 Yes I do. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike Brichta Posted October 7, 2017 Share Posted October 7, 2017 Just an update on steering columns. I was able to use an automatic steering column in a 4 speed car without pulling the column or making any modifications. I used the automatic column and the automatic lockout rod with the 4 speed lockout setup. It saved me hours of work today. Maybe this will save you some time also. Thanks!! Mike Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John S Posted October 8, 2017 Author Share Posted October 8, 2017 Sounds good thanks I like simple Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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