[lotekinc]

There's a few threads concerning retro-fitting later model steering columns into A-body's, but there's still a lot of "probably"s and "maybe"s in most of the threads I found.

I can say with 100% confidence that the following combination is completely compatible with '69 - '72 Chevelles (and most likely, ALL A-bodies):

I started by lurking on ebay for GM tilt columns. If you're bent on having an original '69 - '72 tilt floor-shift column, be prepared to lay out $300 - $500. I noticed that the 3rd Gen G-body's (e.g. mid 70's cutlass/malibu/Regal/Grand Am) were much more plentiful and significantly cheaper. I scored a '74 Monte Carlo tilt column for $50 + $25 shipping. Note: be sure the seller verifies that the turn signal cam and return action operates. I had to swap over these components from my original column.

The column is installed and working wonderfully. It only took 1 Saturday afternoon. Here's all you have to do:

• Swap over the original metal bulkhead panel (the G-body panel is in the wrong location and is spot welded on).
• Swap over the bracket that secures the column harness to the column. The G-body bracket is 1/4" longer. You could also simply secure the harness using a tie wrap.
• Swap over the original emergency flasher knob (G-body knob is HUGE!).
• "Tweak" the angle of the backdrive lever to match the original.
• Lastly, grind off the column shifter boss and do basic bodywork to the effected area. This one aspect will save you $150+.

I hope this helps someone to save some hard earned $$$$ by doing this easy conversion.

sMiTtY

 

[lotekinc]

Ah, ok - thanks for the clarification. To be honest, I'm not completely sure which switch I ended up using - I just remember noting that they were reversed. If it's a "tilt" difference, then I must have used the "tilt" switch - since it does start and all the accessories work.