using factory column shift with bigblock

[nasty 68]

Can you use the factory column shift with bigblock in a A body.Car was originally a 225 slant six/904 and I'm installing a 69' 440/727 with 8 3/4.I want to try to achieve the sleeper look.Thanks for any info

 

[Two7T3Dart]

Doubt it...all factory big block A bodies were floor shift.

 

[jamesdart]

yes.

 

[Dubob]

I am doing this on my 71 Demon 440 727. I don't believe the 904 linkage will work, I bought the linkage for an a body with 727 and when I mocked it up I'm about 99% sure it is going to work fine. The only concern is to make sure the trans has the hole on the forward left side of the case for the column shift bracket and isn't for a floor shift. The linkages are starting to get harder to find. Also the type of headers you run will have an effect for the torque arm coming across from the frame bracket to the transmission. Sorry I didn't take pictures of it when I mocked it up, and I'm slowly getting the car together so may be a bit before I'm at the point of installing it. There are others here that have theirs completed and will chime in.

 

[nasty 68]

I know all factory bigblock 440 darts were autos,and the 383 were 4spd or auto on floor.I use to own a factory 69 dart GTS 383 auto in console on floor years ago.I've heard of it being done in the past,so I'm assuming buy all the factory 340/727 auto on column parts I can find and see if it works.thanks for info.

 

[Jim Lusk]

I have thought about how to accomplish this (but I would never do it). Exhaust clearance is the issue. If the exhaust you choose will not allow the use of the stock setup, consider a cable from a Dakota/Durango (entire column is also a possibility) and fab up the column attachment while using the original Dak/Dur trans brackets.

 

[moper]

I did it on a Swinger I put a 383 in. But - no headers. You have to keep manifolds and the lever comes out of the column - so cutting it way bak may not be feasible.

 

[dodge71demon]

Just did it to my 69 Valiant using Schumaker headers and down pipe may be difficult on other brands - had to rework the torque (cross) bar but works fine

 

[barty005]

Mine is on the floor now but still has the column shift steering column I've just had to go about cutting the shift linkage arm and colar off the end of the column as it had less than a millimeter clearance on the headers.

 

[halifaxhops]

Just did it to my 69 Valiant using Schumaker headers and down pipe may be difficult on other brands - had to rework the torque (cross) bar but works fine

Any chance you have a pic or two? I am doing the same on my dart with the Schumacher kit.
Thanks

 

[dodge71demon]

Any chance you have a pic or two? I am doing the same on my dart with the Schumacher kit.
Thanks

I just so happen to have it jacked up right now so yes I can PM me your email and I'll try to get them tonight I'm not the best picture taker I have the 400 big block

 

[Two7T3Dart]

I just so happen to have it jacked up right now so yes I can PM me your email and I'll try to get them tonight I'm not the best picture taker I have the 400 big block

Can you post that pic here, so we can all see?

 

[halifaxhops]

Can you use the factory column shift with bigblock in a A body.Car was originally a 225 slant six/904 and I'm installing a 69' 440/727 with 8 3/4.I want to try to achieve the sleeper look.Thanks for any info

I am doing almost the same with a 74 more door. I WOULD LOVE TO FIND THE METAL WINDOW VENT SHADES TO FINISH THE LOOK.

 

[dodge71demon]

Here's a couple of pictures I do not know what the torque shaft was off of I just had it in inventory reworked tranny side bracket and bolted to ear on tranny - had to shorten arm to clear exhaust of course after that I had to figure out frame side bracket used a piece of a stir stick with hole in it for linkage used long nose vise grip to clamp it to the arm and had someone shift it till it was in the correct place and used it for a template to weld on a new tab using Lokar kick down cable

 

[jamesdart]

I just used stock parts on mine. It might have been a mix between the c body donor and stock slant stuff. I really don't remember but I know I didn't have to buy any extra parts and I did not modify anything.

 

[COLORMEDODGE]

Can you use the factory column shift with bigblock in a A body.Car was originally a 225 slant six/904 and I'm installing a 69' 440/727 with 8 3/4.I want to try to achieve the sleeper look.Thanks for any info

Yes you can use your column shift easily. I had to modify the 904 rod bracket to fit the727 but everything else fit correctly. Mine is a 69 that I built as a sleeper

 

[halifaxhops]

Thanks for the pics gives me an idea of what I will have to do.

 

[nasty 68]

cool,thanks for all the tips and pictures.I have a few C-body parts cars sitting around,a welder and sawzall and torch so pretty sure I can make it work.LOL just want to do it right and not cobble it.