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View Full Version : 1966 Chevy Auto Column to 1960 GMC Issues


1960HDGMC
November 17th, 2014, 09:30 PM
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

Andice
November 17th, 2014, 09:45 PM
Not original but this would work.

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

BarryGMC
November 18th, 2014, 07:39 AM
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.

1960HDGMC
November 18th, 2014, 12:53 PM
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

1960HDGMC
November 18th, 2014, 01:01 PM
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

Andice
November 18th, 2014, 01:52 PM
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.

1960HDGMC
November 18th, 2014, 04:19 PM
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

Andice
November 18th, 2014, 04:43 PM
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?

BarryGMC
November 18th, 2014, 05:02 PM
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.

BarryGMC
November 18th, 2014, 05:04 PM
Here is another indicator. This is Chevy turbo glide.

1960HDGMC
November 18th, 2014, 10:56 PM
Do you think the GMC Auto Column would have comparable throw range to shift a 700-R4, as a TH-400 Chevy Column from a 1966 model? Pros and cons to each that jump out at you? Also, do you think there is a PRNDL that is close, or dead on for my 700-R4 tranny gears? Is there a supplier that you can recommend for a replacement Indicator? Would the GMC Auto Column swap in easier? And would the Hand Brake bolt up with either column? For a 700-R4, I would need PRND(or OD) 3 2 1 to show all gears selectable. As long as D is right, I guess the lower gears registering off a little is not the end of the world. But accurate readings would of course be preferable. Thank again for all the help. Greg Mead

1960HDGMC
November 18th, 2014, 11:05 PM
Great Pictures. I noticed you have a 100,000 miles register that is visible on your speedo. The one on my truck is hidden behind the faceplate. You can see only 10,000 miles, but the 100,000 miles does work, you just can not see it until you remove the speedo. Have you ever heard of such. It made me think of the running changes you mentioned concerning these real early, first year model trucks. If this is not the place to ask about this, please tell me where to type it. I am really new to this . It is a blast, but being easily side tracked, I have to really work to stay focused on here. Thanks again for all the help, Greg Mead

David R Leifheit
November 19th, 2014, 07:25 AM
Great Pictures. I noticed you have a 100,000 miles register that is visible on your speedo. The one on my truck is hidden behind the faceplate. You can see only 10,000 miles, but the 100,000 miles does work, you just can not see it until you remove the speedo. Have you ever heard of such. It made me think of the running changes you mentioned concerning these real early, first year model trucks. If this is not the place to ask about this, please tell me where to type it. I am really new to this . It is a blast, but being easily side tracked, I have to really work to stay focused on here. Thanks again for all the help, Greg Mead

That is actually common. It seems some show all the miles digits (but not the tenths) and some show the tenths but not the hundred thousand.

With the column, does the indicator really need to be correct? As long as -you- know which position is drive... it would be (as I think you mentioned) one heck of a way to confuse a thief.

1960HDGMC
November 19th, 2014, 01:10 PM
David, Thanks for the info on the speedo. My truck show 10,000 miles. But no tenths of miles. I will have to look, but I think there is no tenths miles marker at all. There is the 100,000 marker, but it is hidden behind the face plate. But as best as I can remember, there was no tenths marker hidden or visible. I wonder what the logic was for hiding that 100,000 miles marker on these vehicles. Wish they had hidden a 1,000,000 miles marker while they were at it, for long term accuracy on these trucks that will not die.
As for the PRNDL, the early Auto Column would look confusing. Also, I understand that the Chevy 64-66 auto column can accept aftermarket turn signal replacements ( life saver going forward). I believe the early GMC auto columns do not accept them. Plus, I would think that the Chevy column in my truck would save a GMC Column for a needy GMC restoration.
Thanks again for the info and ideas, Greg Mead