School me on a-body steering columns please

-
fishmarket

fishmarket

Well-Known Member
Joined
Dec 10, 2011
Messages
127
Reaction score
206
Location
Essex, Ontario, Canada
Specifically, I'm looking for a 1970 duster, floor shift column. I know that the 1970 is a unique column, but what are the differences between 1969, 1970 and 1971-1973?
Thanks
 
Generally "A" body column assemblies can be grouped as '60-'61, '62-'66, '67-'69, and '70-'76. Within these groupings column assemblies are typically interchangeable as whole units. This is not to say they are exactly identical in every way within a particular group. For example in the last group, to which your '70 belongs, there can be differences in the harness plugs. Also as you suggest, the '70 column has a neutral safety (mechanical linkage) to prevent starting without clutch depressed. But again they are mostly interchangeable as whole units as far as bolting into car and attaching to the steering box, minor wiring differences aside.
 
1970 was a unique year

1970 was the first year steering columns had a steering wheel lock. 69 and back had the ignition key switch mounted on the dash and did not have a steering wheel lock, but in 70 the ignition switch was moved to the column with a steering wheel lock. The idea was to increase security, because with the steering wheel locked and a more secure ignition lock on the column, that was supposedly harder to break into, the car was more secure against theft, and against children playing and accidently putting the car in gear.

70-76 COLUMN SHIFT AUTOMATIC columns are basically the same except 73-6 the tube design changed, however they can interchange. The wiring may vary year to year.

On FLOOR SHIFT columns there is a very big difference and this is where 70 is unique. 71-6 have a key release lever with a decal on it (see pic) the idea of this was so the operator did not turn the key off and lock the steering wheel while the car was still in motion. Some people have a habit of switching the car off and killing the engine as they coast into the driveway or parking spot. This was not a good idea with a steering wheel lock because as long as the car is in motion the steering wheel should remain unlocked and in control of the vehicle.

70 only floor shift columns did not have the key release lever but rather had linkage on the bottom of the column that resembled colomn shift auto linkage.
They had interlock linkage so the key could not be removed until the car was in first gear or in "P" on auto console cars which assumes it was parked in either case. This linkage was a poor idea which is why it was one year only. The linkage was bulky and often hot rodders would get rid of it with header installs. The linkage did prevent the car from being taken out of first gear or "P" (console cars) without a key but proved to have too many moving parts which is why it was greatly simplified in 71+

MD4172.jpg
 
Last edited:
valiantpatrol said:
. Also as you suggest, the '70 column has a neutral safety (mechanical linkage) to prevent starting without clutch depressed.
Click to expand...

starting in 1970 they had a neutral safety switch on manual cars so the clutch had to be depressed. This switch was located on the clutch pedal assembly and had nothing to do with the column.
 
Rainy Day Auto said:
1970 was a unique year

1970 was the first year steering columns had a steering wheel lock. 69 and back had the ignition key switch mounted on the dash and did not have a steering wheel lock, but in 70 the ignition switch was moved to the column with a steering wheel lock. The idea was to increase security, because with the steering wheel locked and a more secure ignition lock on the column, that was supposedly harder to break into, the car was more secure against theft, and against children playing and accidently putting the car in gear.

70-76 COLUMN SHIFT AUTOMATIC columns are basically the same except 73-6 the tube design changed, however they can interchange. The wiring may vary year to year.

On FLOOR SHIFT columns there is a very big difference and this is where 70 is unique. 71-6 have a key release lever with a decal on it (see pic) the idea of this was so the operator did not turn the key off and lock the steering wheel while the car was still in motion. Some people have a habit of switching the car off and killing the engine as they coast into the driveway or parking spot. This was not a good idea with a steering wheel lock because as long as the car is in motion the steering wheel should remain unlocked and in control of the vehicle.

70 only floor shift columns did not have the key release lever but rather had linkage on the bottom of the column that resembled colomn shift auto linkage.
They had interlock linkage so the key could not be removed until the car was in first gear or in "P" on auto console cars which assumes it was parked in either case. This linkage was a poor idea which is why it was one year only. The linkage was bulky and often hot rodders would get rid of it with header installs. The linkage did prevent the car from being taken out of first gear or "P" (console cars) without a key but proved to have too many moving parts which is why it was greatly simplified in 71+

View attachment 1714961877
Click to expand...
Can I simply cut the lever off and eliminate the clutch interlock or should I just keep my eye open for a 1971 up column? I'm converting this car from auto to manual.
 
If you are converting to floor shift and not changing length of column then you need upper conversion only and keep the rest the same. Just removing shift lever
Here is what you need

image.jpeg


image.jpeg
 
Bringing up an old thread because I am running into a similar problem.

Converting from column shift to floor shift on my 73 Duster and I can’t find a complete column or the top half to convert mine. Are there any aftermarket solutions available?

Thanks in advance….

Bill
 
Thank you for posting the link to the collar. I was having a similar issue until I saw this thread. I bought one last night along with a B&M Star Shifter.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
-

Back
Top