I am looking for the little spring in my auto column shifter...

It doesn't really have a name other than "spring". Sounds like yours is missing. Would you believe there's an "up-to/after" split for this completely simple piece of hardware? True. Up to approx 3/5/68, part number 2768 221. After approx 3/5/68, part number 2950 467. It's just a small coil compression spring 0.95" long by ?? diameter (you'll have to measure), originally with ten coils. I'd either get one out of another column or see if you can find one from Small Parts Inc.

(Where in ON are you? I'm usually in Toronto, 'cept when I'm not.)