Im getting ready to change my '71 GS from a bench with column shift over to bucket seats and a console with floor shift. I have a swap column for a floor shift set up. I want to know if anyone knows of any previous threads relating to this subject or if anybody has ideas, input or advice on anything to do with this swap. I'm a beginner so anything would be a help to me. mnelson007@gmail.com
http://www.buickperformance.com/buckconsole.htm Check out this link. I found it very helpful when I converted my 70 Skylark. The best advice I can give is to make sure you have the correct shifter base. Good Luck !!!! :TU:
I have done this conversion two times and jsut take your time and find someone who knows how to weld. Get all parts/brackets/correst screws from a donar GM A body car if possible. Console brackets will be the toughest to find as they are GM specific. Get the repro bucket seat brackets from Ames Performance Pontiac. Buy the good 4 piece set that is like original and forget the crappy inner set sold by most places as they are junk. The good sets include the front outer brackets which most places do not sell. If you do not use these the seats will not fit right and will "rock". I have always used the existing outer rear threaded holes that are the same as the bench holes. These are the only ones that you will re-use with a bolt as the others have studs. Most holes for the console screws are already dimpled and are easily located as is the disc shaped area where the cable passes through. Just trial fit everything and weld once! MAke sure the seats will clear the console and the seat belt retractors. Install the shifter first and fit the console to it so it does not rub the console. You also need two brackets for the shifter cable that are different. One that attaches to the transmission and the other that attaches to the trans pan. Get a service or assembly manual for pictures of these. I think Mike Garrison sells these brackets. The linkage arm to the steering column remains in place and in operation. MAny people make the mistake of removing these but they should remain in place as they are correct on all console cars as is the gear indicator in the speedo. The steering column should still move even with the floor shift! You could find a complete steering column for a floor shift or just pop off the arm and use as is or cut off the nub and cover hole somehow. You could also just find the single bowl area without the hole and put on your column but they are not easy to find and a steering column is tough to take apart if you do not know how. Just give it a try. It is fun and educational. :Smarty:
You don't need the very front bracket for the console. The mounting point to the shift and rear brkt will be sufficient to hold the console in place. You can get the rear console bracket new from www.thepartsplaceinc.com for $20
