[1971ChevelleMalibu]

My '71 was stolen a while back and the steering column was torn up so I am replacing it with a new one. The original was a non-tilt, column shift auto and I am replacing it with a floor shift tilt steering column since I use a B&M floor shifter. The column bolted up fine and tried installing the new ignition lock cylinder and it will not turn back to lock or accessory, even with the ignition switch not installed. Has anyone else done this conversion? Im using the original ignition switch and the wiring harness plugs into the new column just fine. Will I need to disable the neutral safety switch? Or any other wiring changes?

 

[jcook76]

Search steering columns there is a post on this a guy was having the same problem might answer you question post was on a 69 column trouble should be the same

 

[MDchanic]

Sounds like it could be a problem with the safety interlock.

In my '70 ('71 the same, I'm assuming), there was some sort of a link between the transmission and a lug at the bottom of the column (it was long gone when I got the car in 1980), which rotated a portion of the column, exactly as if you'd shifted gears in a column shift car, when you put the trans. into reverse.
The idea was that you shift into reverse, then shut it off and pull the key, and the ignition lock prevents you from shifting into neutral to steal the car.
It also operated the usual backup light switch on the top of the column.
When the trans was placed in reverse, the ring on the column that would have turned had it been a column-shift car actually did turn, which would have been annoying to anyone who had attached a tach. to the column with a large hose clamp (like, f'rinstance, me).

I'd suggest firmly grasping the part of the column that would hold the shifter and rotating it each way, and trying to turn the key in each position.

- Eric

 

[JIML82]

Go out under the hood. Look down under the master cylinder. You will see the end of the steering column sticking out from the dash. There should be a lever extending out from the side of the steering column pointing toward the engine. There may be a linkage part attached to the lever. Remove cotter pin, washer, and the linkage attached to the lever. Lift the lever to the full UP position (about 1 o'clock position as if viewed down the column from the driver seat.)

With the lever UP, you should now be able to rotate your ignition key to the OFF-LOCK position and remove your key.

The linkage attached to the lever on the steering column was part of the Steering Column/Transmission Shift Interlock System. Basically it prevented you from shutting off the engine and locking the steering wheel unless you were in PARK (auto trans) or in REVERSE (manual trans). WIth the introduction of the locking steering column in 1969, General Motors was very afraid that people could lock their steering wheel while still moving forward. This system prevented their vehicles with locking steering columns from locking the steering column and pulling the ignition key while the car was still moving forward.

Jim

 

[JIML82]

In many cases the Strg Column/Trans interlock system is disconnected because of header clearance issues or the transmission is changed. In those cases the lever on the steering column is generally wired or somehow secured permanently in the UP position. Also be aware that with the lever always secured, you will not longer have backup lights when you shift to reverse. Also, you may not have a neutral start switch unless you build one into your floor shifter.

Jim

 

[1971ChevelleMalibu]

Thanks for the info guys, I just finished the install and that was the case that lever wasnt in the full up position which was the reason I couldnt get the ignition to go to lock. I still have one issue though, my car doesnt crank over when i go to the start position I think it is due to the neutral safety switch. Car was originally a column shift auto, so would I just need to jump that out? or I might hook it into my B&M later on, there is two connectors on the NSS which does what?

 

[MDchanic]

I still have one issue though, my car doesnt crank over when i go to the start position I think it is due to the neutral safety switch. Car was originally a column shift auto, so would I just need to jump that out?

Starter lock-out wires should be purple and purple-white.
Just connect them together to defeat the lock-out.

BUT...

DO NOT defeat the starter lock-out on any car with an auto trans.
BAD THINGS will happen. Maybe not soon, but ONE DAY, maybe when your wife or girlfriend has to use the car, maybe when you're distracted, stuck, etc., but it's not worth the risk.
When you try to start a manual trans in gear, it just bucks.
When you try to start an auto trans in gear, especially with a high-stall converter, it can take off like a raped ape, which can be bad if parallel-parked, or if you've got a buddy standing in front of the car saying, "Try 'er now!"

- Eric