When doing this conversion do i still need to have the switch on the column connected. Do i just not connect the leads to the coulmn switch? How to i go about wiring this. I have the console wiring harness. Any diagram would be appreciated. Thanks!

you need to have those wires connected somehow to your floor shifter. you would disconnect the wires from the column and connect them to your console harness.

If the back drive rod is still functional, I believe it should actuate the NS switch/back up light switch on the column.