Hello All!

I am curious if someone here in the transmission section could guide me in understanding how to change the column shifter from PRNDL to PRNDL2L1, as well as if there is anything that needs to change at the transmission to make the transition complete.

Thanks in advance!

Bryon

 

Are you wanting to change the indicator placard or just make the linkage work?

 

If you just want the shifter to work, just line-up PRN and the low gears will just be there but not showing. The gear lever will keep going down for each gear as you select it. If you just leave it in 'Dr' the rest won't matter.

 

Your column shifter and stock linkage should be OK w/ a 3-sp trans, I believe the sweep angle of the shift control shaft on the trans is the same (or close enough) between the Jetaway and TH350/TH400. If you were going to an OD 4-sp trans like a 200-4R, you'll probably need one of these:

http://www.kugelkomponents.com/zenca...c371d40277e8a7

This allows you to change the ratio between the column lever and the trans shift control shaft, which operates through a larger angle/sweep than a Jetaway.

If you find a source for parts to change the dash indicator from PRNDL to anything else on your '68, please post up. I've only been able to find revised indicators for Chevys (Novas / Camaro / Chevelle), which won't work in a Cutlass.

 

Chevrolet and Buick heresy!

Airboddy knows Olds and Pontiac 3-speed automatics say "DSL"! SOOPER range, hell yeah!

I'm drawing a brainfart- is the 68 shift quadrant in the speedometer as later or is it in dash below speedo like the big cars were? If it's in the speedo, should be able to find a THM car speedometer face. Bound to think some THM A-body cars could supply a shift indicator lens. Most Vista Cruisers had THM.

 

Its at the bottom of the speedo face. Didn't think about a boneyard face from a car w/ a A3, that would work. Nobody is repro-ing those though (that I could find). Myself I need one for an A4 (200-4R), or P-R-N-(D)-D-S-L (I'd settle for a P-R-N-(D)-D-2-1) Won't find that in a boneyard.

 

Thanks everyone!

oldcutlass, I am looking to do both, if I can.

 

The swap is a matter of setting the shifter up from park. The indicator is going to require you finding one for a T400 which was available in 68.

 

oldcutlass, would finding one for a TH400 mean some junk yard surfing? Or, is there a place that sells that kind of stuff?

 

After looking for a bit, the automatic speedometer seems only available for a 2 speed trans and the 3 speed seems to be floor shift only. Maybe some of the other guys may know if it was floor shift only.

If you hook up your linkage it will work properly showing 1st at the L, 2nd will be just to the left, and D will be a little to the left of drive, neutral will be close to the N and R and Park will be lined up. I use the 2 speed indicator with my T400.

 

'68 column shift 442's and Vistas w/400 had the PRN DSL.