I apologise if this should be in the transmission section but thought you "Classic" experts should be able to help. I am looking for some clarification regarding shift patterns in the 56 - 65 transmissions. (dynaflow / flightpitch / sp400) I am hoping to use a later model Neutral Safety Switch (NSS) on my 1956 Dynaflow steering column when I convert to 425 and SP400. I want to retain the original column and steering wheel, but the shift pattern is currently PNDLR compared to PRND21. I know I will need to modify the lever lockout as well. I noticed in another forum that a 1959 used a flightpitch and it suggests that the pattern was PRNDG=(Grade Retard) and thought if I could find a NSS for this 59, or a 64-66 It would be a reasonably simple modification. ( I now see that the column activator to switch connection changes between 63 and 64 , although a picture of a 65 Electra has the same type of activation connection as 63....... so I'm confused ) I found a NOS NSS switch for a 63 Buick which has the similar activation pin (not sure of correct term) connection but presume the dynaflow for that year was the same shift pattern as the 56? This is another option, but I would prefer to keep the switch in the car and not exposed on the trans. http://www.ronfrancis.com/prodinfo.asp?number=NS-400 Any advice or obvious problems with this idea welcomed. Thanks Ross
Can someone with a 64- 66 Riv (or similar, Im presuming all columns are the same diameter) measure or advise the diameter of the column where the neutral safety switch attaches, and confirm if these cars actually start in neutral as well as park. It looks like a 64 Neutral start switch part #1367775 should work if the column radius is the same as the 1956. It has the same connection "pin" by the look. Progress :grin: Thank you Ross
Hi Ross, 65 mm tube dia. on my 66 Riv. The small arm that connects to the safety switch protrudes out 35mm. Unfortunately my car has no switch there so cant confirm the start or no start positions, starts in any gear haha. Im sure the switch on the 66 riv is a rectangulor type. Hope this helps, cheers Joe. PS sing out if you need any other measurements etc.
Hey Ross, How did you get on with your 425, sorted I hope? Im in the process of looking at getting a rebuild on mine, been in contact with a board member over in the States. No body here in close prox, to me seems to even know what a nailhead is.
Ross, Great thread. I was just about to got through this same deal. Can you tell me what you figured out. I am also using the SP400 with a 57' Olds column and new I was going to have to figure something out for the NSS but if you already did the foot work...:TU:
Hi Dan I found a NOS switch for $10 from the people below. Great service. http://www.classicbuicks.com/1964.html part # 1367775 from a 64. or there is one on ebay for $160 :grin: http://www.ebay.com/itm/190363266946?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649 Joe stated his 66 Riv has a column diameter of 65mm (2.55in) , my 56 has a diameter of 60.5mm (2.38in) so I purchased one and will make it fit even if I have to make a spacer to go underneath it. Looks very similar to my original and should have the correct sequence as 64 had the later SP400 trans. Not sure about a 57 Olds column but I have no doubt you could make it work. Ross
