Automatic to Automatic Conversion

[Chris 69]

What is involved in converting a 68 Charger with a column shift auto to a console shift with a stock 68 console?

Have any of you guys done this?

Thanks,

Chris

[Telvis]

You would need a new column or you would have the old shifter to deal with. I would think the linkage, console and shifter along with the hardware would do it. I have never swapped one out but I can't imagine it being all that difficult. A donor car would help a lot.

[Chris 69]

How difficult is it to find the correct linkagefor the console? Is it still being produced/reproduced?


Chris

[Troy]

You'll have to get it used but since most all Chargers (and other b-bodies for that matter) were autos it's a lot easier to find than 4 speed stuff. I believe the same shifter/linkage was used from 1966(?) through 1970. The console itself is harder to find in good shape than the shifter and linkage but they are being reproduced now so you don't need to pay a lot for busted plastic. Don't forget the console brackets and wiring harness. As Telvis said, you'll need a different steering column. You'll also have to cut a small hole in the floor but it's already marked for you.

Troy

[Chris 69]

Troy, thanks for the info, and moving my post to the correct location.

The reason I would convert to a console auto rather than a 4-speed: I don't think I could operate the clutch as I am 6'-6" tall



Chris

[Chris 69]

Troy,

You mentioned the console is being reproduced. Do you have a web address or know the company's name?

Chris

[Telvis]

There's a thread on the consoles. I remember seeing it the other day. I think I also read something about the Chinese removing them from the molds too quickly causing some fitment problems. You might want to find that thread and ask someone who has installed one.

[Chris 69]

Thanks Telvis.


Chris

[Troy]

I was just saying that the console auto parts will be much easier to find than 4-speed parts since they made a lot more of them. The place that makes the consoles is L&P Enterprises (http://www.landpenterprise.com/). There's a thread with lots of pics on a comparison between the Stinger fiberglass consoles and the L&P consoles but I don't have the link handy. There was also a thread about the molds but, as far as I know, it's all speculation at this point. As usual, don't believe everything you read on the internet. I have one of their 4-speed consoles and it looks great (of course it's a very early one too).

Troy

[John_Kunkel]

Keep in mind that the console brackets and floor shifter brackets are spot welded to the floor tunnel.

[Chris 69]

Thanks for the information.

Chris

[The Ghoul]

I found a hirst indimatic shifter for the 3rd gen that seems to do the trick.
you might have luck finding one cheap (if your not dead seat on keeping it stock).
next time Im in the parts shed Ill take a look at the applacation guide and see if it covers 2ed gens as well.

[Chris 69]

Thanks cudaeh.

I prefer the stock auto shifter and console.

Chris

[squeakfinder]

I did the conversion on my 68. Your probably going to need a floor hump thats been cut from another car with the brackets still welded to it so you have a template on where to mount the brackets in your car. I think the shifters and linkage are the same from 66 to 70 on b body's but 69 and 70 might have used different shifter knobs. You probably would be better off getting an aftermarket console (the plastic part). Your going to need all the hardware from a stock console to transfer onto the new one. I see parts and complete consoles on ebay all the time, but you can never be sure of the quality when you go that rout. You'll need to replace your steering column, remember that power steering cars and manual steering cars have different couplers to the steering box.