Has anyone ever did I conversation from a column shift to a floor shifter try to get rid of some of the linkage that was used to do it on my 83 cutlass

 

The linkage is used to operate the neutral safety/backup light switch at the base of the column as well as allowing the lock to tuen back and the steering wheel to lock. If you installed an aftermarket shifter with it's own switches, you can disconnect to backdrive linkage and just zip tie the eyelet on the column up so that you can remove the key. If you go this route, be aware that the car can be turned off and the steering wheel locked while the car is moving.