Have a 70 Chevelle that has been changed to an SS with floor shift and TH350. Steering column also changed to floor shift type. My question is even though the floor shift is connected to the trans with the proper cable, the steering column rod to trans also remains connected. Is there any reason for this other than to give theft protection as I find the rotation of the outer column sleeve rather annoying every time you use the shifter. Can this rod be removed?

Yes, it has no use now. Who ever hooked it up this way had to do extra work to keep both connected.

The rod is also an attempt at an antitheft device. It will lock the shifter when the column is locked. I’m not sure on the 70 but it also activates the backup lights and the neutral safely for a 69. The switch is on the top of the column near the firewall. I have seen many Chevelles with the rod disconnected

I’m sure a 70 expert will post soon.

Mike

Is it there so that the gear indicator in the dash will move when the floor shifter is moved?

General Motors introduced a second generation, energy absorbing, function locking steering column in all of their passenger cars starting in the 1969 model year. One of the features of this system was the ability to lock the steering wheel and the transmission shift lever when the ignition key was rotated to OFF-LOCK.

There was a great concern that a vehicle operator might inadvertently lock the steering wheel while the vehicle was being driven on the road. To prevent this from happening, a blocking system was designed that prevented the ignition key from being turned all the way to OFF LOCK unless the automatic transmission was placed in PARK or a manual transmission was shifted into REVERSE.

So on the Chevelle with a manual transmission and floorshift there is a rod attached to the reverse lever on the transmission that connects to a lever on the lower end of the steering column.

A floorshift automatic has a rod connected to the transmission lever (or to the shifter) that also connects to the same lower lever on the steering column.

In either case, when you shift into REVERSE (with the manual trans) or into PARK with the automatic, the rod pushes the column lever all the way to the UP position. When the lower lever is in the UP position, a gate is opened inside the steering column that allows you to rotate your ignition key all the way to OFF LOCK. The steering wheel is then locked.

You can disconnect the rod from your column lower lever and wire the lever permanently in the UP position. However, then you will be able to turn your ignition key to OFF LOCK at any time.

Also, if the Chevelle floorshift automatic has a neutral start switch inside the car down on the steering column by your feet, (not attached to the shifter mechanism in the console), then your backup lights may not operate and you may be able to start your car while the transmission is in gear. Which is not a good condition.

Now that's what I call an informative answer. Thanks!