The console I bought with the shifter, for upgrading the 1980 El Camino column shift to the floor, is from a much newer S-10. While I was plotting my strategy, it occurred to me that the TH350 does not have 4 speeds....okay no problem, the cable makes it shift whether 3 or 4 positions. It may not line up perfectly but function. I then noted that the new one has a lockout Park, which requires the brake to be depressed to move the shifter out of Park. Has anyone found a way to fool the shifter into thinking the brake pedal is pushed? Is this a switch like the brake lights or more complicated? I hate idiot-proof systems. I do not want to have to touch the brake pedal to start or move the damn 1980 car. If all else fails I have a nice 3 speed shifter but I am guessing it will take some skills I don't have to make it fit and work correctly in the console. The shifter in the console has a lot of plastic pieces too. Maybe I am old...I like simpler and mechanical, to complex interlocks and switches that are not needed. The harness has 8 wires. I need a light bulb and the neutral switch only, not the rest of the nonsense they stick on cars today. HELP!!!!

 

Just unbolt and throw away the solenoid that locks the shifter. Problem solved.

 

There 'ya go Chuck. You had me wondering too. Joe to the rescue!

 

"Remove dumb added-on stuff" is a good rule of thumb.

 

 

Thanks guys! Joe I always like your style! I will toss it for sure now. What a simply stupid idea for the stupid half *** drivers, a switch that keeps them from backing over the tricycle in the driveway. I think the neutral safety switch is unnecessary, but I put up with only it! Someone on GBODY site sold me a t-handle shifter for the TH350 for the going rate. It is absolute junk, broken plunger, broken t handle attachment, no detent plate and a kinked cable. I wonder when the numb nuts on enthusiasts sites get a conscience? Since it was late for the build, it was in a box until I thought about it yesterday. It is not salvageable, not rebuildable, just 6 pounds of metal. I wish I had all the screw job money back, I'd be finished with my project by now! It IS why I prefer ClassicOldsmobile to the GBODY groups!!