Jim Kniola

Recently, when I was shifting my hydramatic into N (from D), the shift lever came off in my hand! The pivot point (now in two pieces) for that lever is incorporated into a cast collar that sits (around the shift column) just below the "ND12R" indicator ring. There is no way I can see to repair this broken part. I have a shop manual but there are no pictures and I do not know what some of the terms/parts are in the description of how to work on this. It seems I may have to remove some pieces of the steering column from underneath, by the steering box (I am new to this area of repair and I'm not sure how to proceed).
I now have two problems:
1) how do I remove this collar?
2) where can I get a replacement?
Without being able to work the shift lever, I cannot drive this car...big bummer! Is there any way to fix this so I can shift again without taking all this apart? Any help would be appreciated.

Charlie Jones

I couldn't find anything on 1950 specifically.
However, I found IPB's on 1949 and 1951 that may be similar.

Jim Kniola

That's great, thanks! The 1949 diagram is closer to what I have. The part, #4.038, is what broke. What is an IPB and how can I find that without your help next time?

Charlie Jones

An IPB is an Illustrated Parts Breakdown.
I have a collection of Oldsmobile parts books that cover the years 1923 thru 1975.
68RocketAction and I have made some of these available as a free download to ClassicOldsmobile members.
These 1954 books should cover your 1950 pretty well ;
1954 Oldsmobile Master Chassis Parts Catalog - ClassicOldsmobile.com
and
1954 Oldsmobile Master Body Parts Catalog - ClassicOldsmobile.com

You will need to download and save these huge files to a PC.

Charlie Jones

A lot of those parts are in group 4.038 .
I'm going to guess that you are looking for the shift lever housing ( on the steering column ). It carries part # 5560620.
And it fits all 1949 and 1950 models with Hydra-Matic.

Jim Kniola

Thanks, Charlie! Now, to find a good one... I would be able to find a machinist who can create one out of steel but I'd prefer an original (I think). I have some contacts in the National Antique Oldsmobile Club that I'll reach out to. At least now I have a part number to go by.