4/2/05 - TRANSMISSION and SHIFTING LINKAGE INTEROPERABILITY. CONVERSION TO CONSOLE FROM COLUMN SHIFT.
Project Notes:
The flat part above is actually a bracket that attaches to the oil pan and holds the bottom end of the torque shaft secure. The torque shaft then passes through the floor pan and fits into the hole in the bracket.The other end of the torque shaft attaches to the gearshift unit inside the center console. The lower linkage rod (on the bottom) connects the torque shaft bottom lever to the transmission control lever.The rod has a swivel assembly on the end that connects to the transmission control lever and a stud with a hole for a cotter pin or wire clip at the other other end for connecting the torque shaft bottom lever. The big take away here is that before you can install your new console and gear shift, make sure you get these hidden and physically difficult to locate pieces from the person you are buying the console and gearshift lever from. Otherwise it is not going to work.
4/3/05 WIRING/ELECTRICAL UPDATE:
RHMJR spent a majority of the day last Sunday hooking up the dash electrically. He had quite a few decisions to make in how to splice in the dash harness. NOTE TO ALL THINKING OF A COLUMN TO CONSOLE CONVERSION. From the factory a column shift car does not come with the connector for attaching the console lights and back back up lights for obvious reasons.Why would it right? Wiring the harness gets even more complex when you have to factor in the fact that the console lights need to turn on when either door is opened. RHMJR had to procure a a few connectors and splicing materials to make it all work. The only stone left unturned that day was the map light connection which was quickly hooked up the next day. Simultaneously Dennis was busy hooking up the battery wiring and the starter.
4/6/05 - Hang Ups
The engine compartment wiring is now complete, but not without a few hang ups. The ignition switch will not engage the starter, but the starter can be engaged from the starter relay. RHMJr suspects that a wire is loose in the bulkhead disconnect terminal. Ironically these cars do not change with time, as RHMJR recalls the same failure on his original Coronet R/T 37 years ago. Looking forward, RHMJr expects to have a bit of a problem with the neutral safety switch. But time will tell on that one.
The issue with the back up lights coming on in reverse will most likely be solved when we locate a connector that attaches to the transmission that indicates when the tranny is put into reverse gear which will inturn signal the back up lights to come on. More on this problem later.
So what is working? We are proud to say that the head lights, tail lights and windshield motor are all working properly.Additionally the drive shaft from the 727 Torqueflite transmission to our 8 3/4 3:23 geared rear end has been connected. The floor brackets to mount the console have been installed. The console shifter is in place but has yet to be welded to the floor pan. Stay tuned!
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