looking for 40 automatic steering column

[manny62rod@yahoo.com]

So i decided to go with a 331 instead of the original flathead on my 40 series 62 coupe. I was wondering if anyone has ever swapped out a manual tranny for an automatic, I have the auto tranny that came with the 1950 331, what i’m thinking I need is the automatic shift column and maybe some linkage pieces, would appreciate and info on this swap and or maybe a contact on the parts required to make this swap happen. thank you

[35-709]

   There was no automatic for Cadillac in 1940, that came in 1941 --- Oldsmobile had one in '40 though. 

[harvey b]

You should have a parts car that matches the motor and tranny,you should be able to adapt the shift tower to your column, or be able to attach your 3 speed lever to the tranny somehow, harveyb

[Jay Friedman]

1941 parts might work. 

[las39]

my 39 has 48 engine with Hydra-Matic connected to original column.
No indicator but no problem. Move the lever two notches and it drives. 

[Chris Bryant #19358]

This should fill the bill.
https://www.lokar.com/assets/instructions/INS0058-ColShiftLink-GM.pdf
It is a high quality product and you can have a neutral safety swithc as well.

Chris Bryant 19358

[The Tassie Devil(le)]

my 39 has 48 engine with Hydra-Matic connected to original column.
No indicator but no problem. Move the lever two notches and it drives. 

G'day Mo,

Down here, if a vehicle does not have the indication of the gears, it will not pass for registration, and I think that it would be the same all over the world.   (Got to protect not only the thieves, but anyone around that could get hurt by an unknowing driver.

Bruce.

[35-709]

In Florida there is no requirement for a gear position indicator to be installed in order for a car to be registered here.  Actually, there is no inspection whatsoever and no question on a form or a person asking if an indicator is present.  Many states have no inspections and even those that do I am not aware of any requirement for a shift indicator.  What would be done for a manual shift car?

Having said that, the NSRA (National Street Rod Assoc.) offers free, non-binding courtesy safety inspections that are pretty thorough at their car shows.  If you do not have a current NSRA safety inspection, you are welcome to be in the show but will not be eligible for any awards.  A gear shift indicator (for automatic transmissions) is one of the pass/fail NSRA inspection requirements.      

[Abe Lugo]

If you use a 41 automatic column. You can modify the gear selector to adjust for the dents. Then you can also modify the gear selector indicator as need to show the gear it is in. You would still need to add a neutral safety switch into the system.  Either modify or use the original one intended for
Your transmission or adapt something from a auto electric shop.  Ron Francis had something like this for a TH350 swap.

The other way about this it to located a full same generation column sleeve with all of it.  And modify to fit.

[las39]

G'day Mo,

Down here, if a vehicle does not have the indication of the gears, it will not pass for registration, and I think that it would be the same all over the world.   (Got to protect not only the thieves, but anyone around that could get hurt by an unknowing driver.

Bruce.

Hi Bruce
You are correct, even in up here in Denmark.  I missed the part he needs to get it registered.
Being the 39 is a vintage registered car, inspection is every 8 years.
Even so, no inspector will dare to test drive it.
I did have to rig an pull type motorcycle stoplight switch as neutral switch.

BTW vintage registered vehicles here are permitted to use historic correct type enamel plates.   Se link if any interest.