I have a 1972 olds cutlass with a 455 and a 400h behind it am i going to have to change my transmission in order to change over to a floor shifter? Ive been told i would have to and i was told i didnt so im asking you expert olds guys for ur help.. Thanks in advance for your help..

 

That is certainly not the case

 

Linkage, and a hole in the floor, shifter delete stearing column, a couple of seats, a console is you desire, a shifter, the transmission you have will continue doing the same job.......when are you planning the conversion?

 

You can run a floor shifter with the bench seat. All the floor shifters are the same for a T350 or T400. Unless you just have to have buckets. As far as the column, you can grind and fill the mount where the column shifter used to be or just pull the pin and remove the handle.

 

As you can tell from the replies, whoever told you that doesn't know what they're talking about. Every 455 produced either came with floor shift TH400s or 4 speed M20 or M21 tranny. The popular configuration (but not exclusive) was floor shift. This was a really popular configuration for 70-72 Cutlass/442 lineups. On rare occasions you could find a factory built bucket seat car with a column shift.

If you're planning to make it look like factory, you'll need a console c/w mounting hardware, shifter, trans cable, electrical harness, floor shift speedo, floor shift steering column and of course the buckets. It's not cheap to convert, but looks really cool. The biggest $$$$$ is going to be for the seats and console. Harnesses, speedo, cable are not that pricey.

I disagree unless the floor shift was 4 speed without console. The D55 center console for 70-72 will not fit with a bench seat; A51 Strato Buckets were required. If it did fit, I would have put one in by now. I do agree the type of shifter is the same though for 350 or 455. Just the cable linkage and shift method were different. IMHO, if you're going to convert to floor shift, go all the way. I don't think ANY of the consoles from 66-72 would fit his car with bench seat. Aftermarket likely, but then it wouldn't be a correct looking car???

 

Thanks for the info guys well i have my bucket seats, console,shifter,wiring harness,mounting brackets for console should be here this week. I already had the floor mounting brackets welded to the pan for proper fit for the buckets. I have yet to find a steering colume im looking for a tilt i have one in there now kinda like it.. Im kinda tinkering on it as we speak...

 

I have a console for sale if you need one...I'm ready to make a screaming deal on it because it's just collecting dust in my office. It's black. I also have a floor shift speedo as well and a floor shift steering column sleeve if you're willing to take the column apart. You missed the NOS dual gate and top plate...but the console isn't cut for a dual gate yet so you still have the option.

I know, I'm shameless lol!

 

I prolly would have waited till the seats got there before welding in the brackets... Yeah, tilt columns are nice. I bought one years back. If you're still in the market, search for ANY GM A Body tilt column between 69-72. They are completely interchangeable. The column tilt is surprisingly as expensive as floor shift tilt. I saw several floor shift tilt columns on evilbay recently at really good prices. Keep your eyes peeled - don't be in too big a hurry and it will show up.

Aw Steve, I wish I'd known ya a few years ago. I would have taken that screaming deal on the console, but I'm going 4 way power A65 now. Shameless? You hussy..

kbdecatur - Steve's a really good guy and fair; don't be shy to PM him and discuss what he wants for the speedo.

 

Ok let me restate that in the aftermarket shifters they will work for both the T350 and T400. I was going with the assumption he was considering keeping his bench seat and going this route.

 

https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums...oke-wheel.html

 

Thanks guys for all ur input im looking for a floor shift column. I have everything in need for the conversion except column and my console mounting brackets but their on the way ive already ordered it.

 

This is a bit pricey but have a look. http://www.ebay.com/itm/69-70-71-72-...#ht_500wt_1040

I'm pretty sure this will fit your application. You can always send them a question and confirm. The signal and tilt levers are easy to replace with Olds style.

 

I may end up going this route as well. I love the bench seat for comfort and I'm used to shifting on the column. However, I just made a bracket to move the seat back 2 1/2" and now the column shifter is a little bit of a reach for racing at the track lol!

 

Wow!! Yes it is a little pricey. Im going to sit around and wait and see if something comes up cheaper or maybe i may have to cancel the tilt...lol

 

I wouldn't cancel the tilt idea. The column I posted just happens to be available now. Some guys jump on that because it's their only option, if you know what I mean. Personally, I'd sit tight and wait for the right column to come along.

Have you got in touch with Eric (jensenracing77), John (2blu442), Scot (Oldspackrat) or Brian (507OLDS)? One of them will likely have one of the columns you're looking for; may need rebuild, but they all are really good guys to deal with.

I'll keep a eye peeled and post if I find something better priced. BTW? I paid around 270 + shipping for my column tilt (including rebuild)

 

Thanks... I will sit tight and i will check with those guys... Im not quite ready for it right now maybe by next month school is about to start and you know what that means school clothes and supplies for my son...lol...

 

Yup, I already sprung for my sons 1800.00 laptop. He's going into Architecture. Next will be the college tuition fees - have to be paid in full by Aug 25. Prolly get them done earlier so he doesn't have to stand in a huge lineup for books and what not. $$ is not as bad as it could be because he's staying at home. Still expensive though. Is your son interested in mechanics and able to help you out? Or maybe still on the young side...

 

Actually he is 14 and very expensive he is into computers and baseball..

 

Sounds like we both been there & done that. One thing I really love about my son - he still listens to and respects my wife and I. Wish I had 3 of him.