floor shifter question

[malibootay]

Thinking about converting from column shift to floor shift in my 81 malibu...what all is needed to do this? how do i make the gearshift indicator work with floor shift? or does that get eliminated as well? thanks

 

[darbysan]

More info on your specific application would help, but in general all of the connections from the trans to your dash stay intact when you do a floor shift. Not only the drive indicators are there, but also the reverse/neutral switch and the backup light switch. You will need a new "arm" where the levers attach to the trans, so the floor shifter cable can be attached. You can use an aftermarket shifter, or you can use a shifter and console from a more modern car. They can all be made to work with a little fab.

 

[malibootay]

It's a 1981 Chevy Malibu with a th350 transmission... I'm wanting to go with a b&m style shifter. Didn't know if I had to do anything custom for my reverse lights to work or if that would even affect it.

 

[Longroof79]

I have a Hurst V-matic shifter in my car currently using a TH350 trans. I have the cable connected to an add on selector arm on the trans.
For the neutral safety switch and backup lights, it comes with two micro switches attached to the side of the shifter. It did require having to cut and splice into the neutral safety switch and reverse light wiring.

The aftermarket shifters generally have a gear indicator on the side.

Here's some basic installation instructions for a B&M Megashifter http://static.summitracing.com/global/i ... hifter.pdf

I plan to change back to the original linkage when going with a 200-4R trans and Monte Carlo shifter.

 

[BuWaGone]

I usually just use the indicator on the aftermarket shifter, cut the reverse and back up light wire to the shifters micro switch. But I rhink if you want keep the stock indicator and not mess with the wiring you could weld the stock shift lever on the trans to the new aftermarket shifter lever. Just remove the column shift lever or find yourself a steering coumn from a console shift car.

 

[ssn696]

If you use a stock setup, the column does not have the lever, but still does have the linkage tab at the bottom. The floor shift then grafts onto the pivoting arm on the side of the transmission via a cable. Now when you shift the floor shift, the motion continues to carry up through the link rod to the base of the column, moving both the gear indicator and preventing motion when the key is removed and the column locks. You can grind the lever mount off the side of the column, fill and paint - or get the column from the same donor car as the floor shift and cable.

 

[malibootay]

Thanks guys, some very good information! May look for a monte carlo ss style console and shifter...