Steering column shift arm hits valve covers and manifold

[FarmerSid]

Got to fitting a 69 GM van column in my 52 Chevy truck. As you can see in the pic, the shift arm hits the valve cover and exhaust manifold.



Is there a way to correct this? Could I cut and weld to make it closer to the fire wall? I only have about an 1-1.25" between the valve cover and firewall.

I thought of moving the column over to the left a bit but then the steering shaft will hit the frame. The column as it sits has a straight shot with no hitting down to the rack.

Thanks for the help!

[First c10]

You can move the column towards the inside of the cab maybe, or shorten the overall length, or relocate the hole in the shifter arm to possible clear the block, or reposition the shifter arm to the other side of the column and use a cable..
hope this helps

EDIT: This is what I used.

[First c10]

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=342845
a link

[FarmerSid]

Thanks for the idea's. I've seen that link and that kit but don't understand how they move the lever on the fender side. My arm does not bolt on.

[First c10]

Would have to cut & reposition and weld back together Is the only way I can think of. Maybe can cut down the current shift tab.

[solidaxel]

Cut and weld to fit !
Do you have a straight shot to the trans arm/linkage
Do you have enough travel to go from PRNDL?
Just like everything else, make it work!!!

[FarmerSid]

Thanks Solid! Yep I have a straight shot to the lever on the trans. Cut out the opening in the floor pan and moved the column over about 1/2 inch. Clears fine now. About 22" from pin on trans lever to lever on column. Steering wheel is out is square to cab by about 3/8". Don't notice it sitting on a milk crate. I have the column 7" away from dash measured from dash to base of steering wheel or end of column where the column and wheel meet. Seems a bit far away from dash. Trying to get cab done but having a hard time getting a seat local. Want a Chevy truck bench with fold down arm rest. Right now I'm going off of my 04 Sierra for fit. It has leather buckets.

Cut and weld it is!! Have no problem with that but just wanted to see if anybody had a cooler solution I could steal!

[FarmerSid]

Another question. My 4L60E trans is an 04 and has the neutral safety switch on the trans and my column is a 1969 van column with no safety switch on it. It has the curved electrical connector. Should I and how do I use the neutral safety switch off of the trans? I have a pcm, gas pedal and tac from an 04 truck that is not from the truck the trans came from.

[solidaxel]

I like the N safety switch on the steering column and the key circuit for starting just keeping things standard to the start circuit.
What happens if you change trans when one brakes and the shop just changes out one they have on the shelf!

[solidaxel]

Whats up Sid !