Steering column with wiper switch vs dash wiper switch

[64nailhead]

Can a steering column with a stalk wiper switch be used with an older car with a dash mounted switch?

We have an '80 Cutlass and are looking to use a column from an '87. I'm pretty handy at wiring if it can be done, but we don't want to buy it if it won't work.

Thanks in advance for any help - Jim

 

[Longroof79]

Jim,
The later column will work with an earlier dash mounted wiper switch car. You just won't have the stalk wiper function, but the turn signal and high beams will work like the early column.
My car has a later column in it, but is wired to use the stalk switch, but also uses the later type wiper motor. I eliminated the dash mounted wiper switch. It also entails acquiring the necessary plug to connect the column to the stalk switch. You would also need the pigtail to connect the later wiper motor.
I'll have to look back in my notes for the specifics.

 

[pagrunt]

I had an '86 column in my '81. I just pulled out the wiper type lever & used my original lever.

 

[Ribbedroof]

I had an '86 column in my '81. I just pulled out the wiper type lever & used my original lever.

Same here, 85 column in my 81, with 81 signal lever

 

[ssn696]

If you hope to control the wipers with the turn signal controls be aware that the wiper motors changed wiring schemes along the way (polarity?) I used to have a wiring diagram to make the swap...need a little time to locate it. Others may chime in with this data.

 

[64nailhead]

Thanks for the info guys. The wiper motor polarity issue would be just that, an issue without some up front knowledge.

We haven't bought the column yet, but basically, we have access to a reasonably priced column for a floor shift - which we haven't been able to locate yet. It doesn't have tilt which is a little bit of a bummer. If Jack or ssn696 can find the necessities about the wiring that would be great. And I'll discuss it with my son to swap over the current turn signal switch to the newer column.

Am I safe to assume that the older t/s switch will fit/mount directly onto the newer column?

 

[pagrunt]

Am I safe to assume that the older t/s switch will fit/mount directly onto the newer column?

Pull & replace, the socket end of both levers are the same.

 

[565bbchevy]

It doesn't have tilt which is a little bit of a bummer.

I personally would modify a tilt steering column with the column shifter than go with a non tilt column floor shifter version.

 

[64nailhead]

I personally would modify a tilt steering column with the column shifter than go with a non tilt column floor shifter version.

How can I modify the column shifter column?

 

[565bbchevy]

How can I modify the column shifter column?

So am I understanding you correctly that you just want to replace a column shift for a floor shift column? If so quite a few have removed the handle and ground down the column and filled with a metal piece and JB weld in place or any similar method will work.
I will be doing this on my Regal eventually since I have a good working tilt column that I want to be a floor shift.