1966 Chevy Auto Column to 1960 GMC Issues
 

Hello, I have a 1960 GMC 1002 with a 700 R-4 Tranny. The current Column is from a 1966 Olds Toronado. It will not stop Telescoping, and I can not figure a fix out . I am thinking of going to a 1966 Chevy Column, the kind from a T-400 truck. Two Questions I must resolve.

1.How do I convert my Bowden Cable -Pyramid Connector type truck to use the C-Shaped connectors of the Chevy Column.
2. Will a GMC Wheel from 1960-66 fit the Chevy Column?

Has anyone ever attempted this conversion? Was it worth the work?
I will not miss the tilt in the least, and the telescoping even less. I would love to make this swap and make it look like it came from Pontiac with this Column.
Did GMC make a Column that had PRNDL1L2 in that era, as Chevy did? If so ,might be an easier swap? I have read about the GMC Hydra Matic, with the N 1-4 13 12 R insane(but probably thief -proof) Column, but never seen one on a truck.

Thanks for any advice and ideas, Greg Head

Re: 1966 Chevy Auto Column to 1960 GMC Issues
 

Not original but this would work.

http://www.hotrodwires.com/enlarge/qck-8.jpg

Re: 1966 Chevy Auto Column to 1960 GMC Issues
 

Greg. My heart sank when I read this. From your windshield post I had the impression your truck was a nice refurbished original truck .factory spec but the windshield. Not to sound snarky but it sounds like a hotrod. I have hotrods but I keep it to myself. Hotrods are easy. Original stuff is hard. I restore trucks. And build hotrods. I build the hotrods from junk. I restore good stuff. No more input from me. Sorry.

Re: 1966 Chevy Auto Column to 1960 GMC Issues
 

Hello, I am trying to get this truck back to close to factory original, with some running upgrades from GM in the 6066 era. I can not, and do not desire to swap an original Manual tranny into this truck just to get the Correct shifter back in it. When I got the truck, there was no chrome, and the original owner had modified the truck thru the years. I am steadily trying to get it back close to original, over time through exhaustive research . I plan to source NOS and used parts where available. But the truck is not, and will not be exactly stock, just reasonably close.
This truck has over 1,000,000 miles in service to the Harley-Davidson Of Macon Georgia dealership. Duane Allman and Berry Oakley of the Allman Brothers Band have both had there ride in the truck with there bikes in the bed. It was pictured in the 1963 Macon Telephone Book complete with the wild Harley badging Grover had painted on the sides. He ran 1960 Buick wheel covers too. And I still have them hanging on the wall,even though I sourced the original wheels and hubcaps. This truck is rolling history around here. People come up to me all the time grinning and ask "Is that Grovers ole truck". They don't smile and ask
"Is that truck all original with no repairs or parts replaced?".
I appreciate anyone who has knowledge of these trucks and there willingness to swap notes with me. Always glad to share what insight I have gleaned along the way as well. But I find it rather disheartening for folks to blame others for modifications from stock that were beyond there control. Heck, many of my trucks mods were completed before my birth.
I dare say this would be a lot smaller group if you could only have room for perfect survivor vehicles ,with no replacement parts, NORS, or for that matter, NOS parts. After all, NOS was not original to that vehicle, so those guys are out of luck also. And who among us has not had a repaint. Did they use 777 Enamel from the original supplier. Even if they did, there truck is now not visible because it is coated with imposter paint. New tires anyone?
Finally, I want to end on a positive note. Thanks to all the members who have helped, and hopefully will continue to help me. You guys are really helping me get the truck ever closer to where I want it.
I appreciate you, Greg Mead

Re: 1966 Chevy Auto Column to 1960 GMC Issues
 

Thanks Andice, Is this a picture of a connector that is Pyramid on one end, and c-shapes on the other? Might you have a source name for this? Thanks for the help. I really appreciate it, Greg Mead

Re: 1966 Chevy Auto Column to 1960 GMC Issues
 

Greg: No, that connector was simply an eight-way connector which can replace the c-shaped connector if your original is missing. The connector internals (terminals) are the same: Packard 56 (aka gm 56). You can remove the plastic connector "cover" by carefully depressing a small tab on each terminal while gently pulling the wire/and terminal out of each connector socket. I searched the internet last night for replacement c-shaped connectors and they are not available as far as I can tell. They are still used on aftermarket turn signal switches and on vintage Signal Stat emergency flasher units. However, even most of these had bare terminals and would require using your own c-shaped connector. In the end, you can use any connector you want - it all gets stuffed up under the dash.

Re: 1966 Chevy Auto Column to 1960 GMC Issues
 

Thanks Andice, I think I pinned out the Pyramid Switch on my 1960 truck some time back. I was just hoping to get lucky and find a plug-n-play to keep from having to cut the wires behind my factory Pyramid switch. I wonder if you can still get the Chevy truck-side connector that would fit the Chevy column side connector. I could just splice the wires in once I get the column side connector pinout.
Thanks Again, Greg Mead

Re: 1966 Chevy Auto Column to 1960 GMC Issues
 

Having no experience with the factory pyramid connector I was left to assume that it could be removed the same way as the c-shaped connector: by depressing the pins. Am I mistaken?

Re: 1966 Chevy Auto Column to 1960 GMC Issues
 

Don't get me wrong. You do have a nice truck there. I just get excited with an original 60 GMC. There aren't many left. Why don't you just try to find s 60-61 auto column. They are out there. You can get the indicator in modern 4 speed auto pattern. Its the same indicator for most full size gm cars 58-61. Since you have not seen one here is a 60 auto column.

Re: 1966 Chevy Auto Column to 1960 GMC Issues
 

Here is another indicator. This is Chevy turbo glide.