I'm not sure where to post this question, but here goes. I have a 69 Cutlass S conv. automatic on the column. I am pretty much doing a fairly complete budget restoration. I've had the car stripped and painted and am now doing the interior. My question is how to repair the gear indicator. Currently I have to feel my way into whatever gear I want. Is it mechanical or electrical?
thanks,
Steve Worthing

 

Steve, you can get aftermarket shift indicators:

https://www.summitracing.com/search/...8%2B4294882857

The part that is broken or missing is just an indicator. If you disassemble the shift quadrant in your steering column you may be able to repair the indicator. I looked at Fusick, Kanter and Year One and wasn't able to find a replacement indicator. Hopefully someone else knows a source for this part besides a salvage car.

 

Is it mechanical or electrical? I have the steering column lowered at the moment and don't see anything on it and have had the speedo out and see nothing. How does it work, i am baffled.
thanks,
Steve

 

It's mechanical. There should be an orange indicator that moves when you change gears on the column. Here's a column shift quadrant from a similar year Chevelle. I doubt it would work in your Oldsmobile but at least it gives you an idea:

https://www.opgi.com/chevelle/CH2085...yABEgKG6PD_BwE

 

Isn't there a thin cable that connects from the shifter arm to the indicator mechanism?

 

The thin cable is probably broken . I think it’s spring loaded so might have retracted
have fun

 

There's a wire link that connects the shift column to the speedo gear shift indicator. This guy sells the wire linkage > https://www.ebay.com/itm/1970-1971-1...MAAOSwW0Vb3Mdj Also, on some A/T speedometers, the off-white plastic gear selector is broken off where that linkage connects. If that's the case, you need to contact one on the parts guys here on CO who can source you that part.

 

he off-white plastic piece out from back of the speedo pod is what moves the PRNDSL needle.

This pic shows the wire piece that connects to the off-white plastic piece. It almost looks like the wire piece could be made from a paper clip.

And this is where the wire piece connects onto the steering column.

 

Related thread > https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums...hook-up-59463/

 

Thanks, that shows it all pretty clearly.

Steve