shifter on the steering column or on the central consol

[Blue Velvet]

hello everybody,

i have some questions about the shifter

- what is the difference betwen the shifter on the steering column and the shifter on the central consol.
- is it the same automatic gear box ?
- is it possible to change a shifter on the steering column by a shifter on the central consol ?
- is someone do already this on his charger ?





regards
Chris

[Kern Dog]

CENTER CONSOLE
CENTER CONSOLE
Since these cars were screwed and bolted together, it is simply a matter of unbolting some parts and bolting on others to get the combo that you like. To switch from a column shift to a floor shift setup, it will cost a few bucks. The console has several parts to it. The shifter and its associated linkages are B body specific as well. Some guys will give up and use some sort of aftermarket floor shifter. I never liked that look in a street car. Fine for racers, but for me, I like a basically stock appearing interior.

[Blue Velvet]

Thanks for your quickly answer
So if i understand, it's possible and easy to modify this system and keep the same gear box.

I'm looking for a charger with a shifter on the floor. If i don't find it i can modify it and this modification is reversible to come back on the original.

[charger_fan_4ever]

Same transmission (gear box) just different linkage and sterring column.

[Kern Dog]

The body of the console is available new. Reproductions cost about $230. Then there are the small parts to complete it... The metal top, the shifter plate and the console door, followed by a little ducktail at the end. The brackets to secure it to the floor can be fabricated... I've done it on A bodies before. The shifter and linkages can be found on any 68-70 B body, maybe even a 66 and 67 car, not quite sure on that one though. The steering column CAN be modified by removing the PRND21 parts as well as the shift lever. I've read of some guys cutting off the nub and smoothing it out with Bondo, then painting. This is far cheaper than buying a floor shift column, but it ruins any chance of returning the column back to stock.

[kab69440]

Not to mention if you forget to move the lever out of "park" before cutting the nub off...

[Rolling_Thunder]

You can also convert the steering column from a column shift to a floor shift with using the collar and can from the right application. These occasionally pop up on ebay but rarely - alot cheaper than finding a whole column.  I need to do the same with my Satellite as I am going to a 4-speed.

[stripedelete]

Since the "hump" / "tunnel" is stamped the same between the two configurations, I cut the "hump" out of a floor shift car (donor) and trimmed it down to include only the console and shifter brackets and the sheet metal connecting them.  Then I just screwed it to the floor.  Because of identical stamping it lined up perfectly.  When the carpet was back in, no one was the wiser.  It also made the change very reversible.

I was lucky enough to have the two cars side by side when I did it.  It took about 6 hours start-to-finish to have both cars operational again.



   

[70charginglizard]

I did this conversion on my charger. Let me tell you it can be a challenge to get everything needed to do it. I actually drilled my hump instead of trying to find a replacement section of hump with the brackets on it and then just found the colsole brackets and insalled those on my hump. It worked out ok but you got to be very carefull on the placement of the hole or your linkage thru wont align up proerly and you might have some shifter linkage issue. locating all the correct steering column pieces can be a challenge too. When all is said and done it all worked out for me and looks very close to correct in mine. you really couldnt tell the difference when all was said and done I think.

Good luck

[Blue Velvet]

Thank you all for your advice.
I concluded that there is nothing impossible.

I am looking for my future Charger 68.
I am ready to buy the charger of NGC414 because I prefer a charger with the center console. Therefore, no change. In addition, This car has all the attributes that I like.
If the seller decides otherwise, I will continue my research and I will try also with the shifter on the steering column.
I am not a ghost buyer and I know the model I want to buy.

Regards
Chris