[38 special]

I have a Camaro steering column in my 38 DeSoto and the tranny is from an 86 Olds Cutlass. There is no auto shift on the column. I don't really want an auto shifter on the floor, so I've been thinking of putting the shifter somewhere on the dash. I've seen push button shifters on old cars. How do they work? Can I accomplish something like this on my own? If this is too vague of a question to ask let me know. I'll try to be more specific. SORRY MODS! I posted this in the wrong forum. You can move it. I thought I was in the tranny and rear end forum.

[adtkart]

I remember working on Chry products that had push button shifters. The trans was not interchangeable with the regular linkage shifter cars, as they had a cable for shifting. Although I have learned not to say that it isn't possible, I have to say that it would take alot of engineering.

[poncho62]

Probably easier to find a column with the shifter built in....

[Pony]

Chrysler Corp cars in the mid to late 60's had the push button shifter but got away from it as it was too complicated and just not worth the extra cost. If I remember right you wouldn't be able to adapt it to your trans.

P.S. Now if you were to put a 392 hemi and torqueflite in the Desoto you could have the in dash shifter!!

[38 special]

Thanks guys. I'll have to see what kind of shifter I can rig up..

[DesertPanel]

Years ago my parents had a '64 Dodge Dart with a pushbutton automatic. I don't know what kind of trans it was - they sold it when I was 10 or 11. I remember that it had R N D 1 2 buttons in a vertical line, then a narrow chrome knob to the side of them that you slid upward to put it into Park. When you put into Park, the button of whatever gear you had it in at the time popped out, and N popped in. When you took it out of Park, it stayed in Neutral, and you had to choose a gear from there.

I'm sure it could be done, just not sure where to begin. As far as cable vs linkage is concerned, I thought all aftermarket floor shifters were cable operated. I know the B&M shifter I put into my F-250 came with instructions for GM models and Chrysler models, and it's cable operated.

You might check some of the Dodge/Plymouth/Desoto/Chrysler forums and see if you can find a trans man who knows older pushbutton automatics. I think it would not only be very cool, but completely different from anything I've seen in years.

[Frisco]

Originally posted by DesertPanel
I thought all aftermarket floor shifters were cable operated.

Just some info. Lokar shifters are not cable operated. They have a threaded rod for the linkage.

As to using the pushbutton shifter; perhaps if you can locate one in a donor vehicle you can adapt it for your application. Edsel had one in the steering column where the horn button would normally be.

[DesertPanel]

Thanks for the info, Frisco. I didn't check with Lokar when I put the shifter in my old beater F-250. A Lokar would be worth more than the truck.

I felt lucky getting away with just shelling out the bucks on the B&M. Some of the things we'll do to keep our old vehicles running...

[38 special]

Thanks DesertP. Now I've got another wild thought. I've never fooled with a floor shifter before So I'm relying on those who have. Just to be wildly different do you think I could mount it in a vertical position under the dash and get it to funtion properly. May sound weird but it would be very interesting to see something different. Just thinking outside the box!

[DesertPanel]

I went back through the instructions for my B&M shifter and can't find a reason why you couldn't mount one vertically. As long as the cable isn't kinked, that is. It might be a bit tough to do that. I can't help but think it would be a bit awkward to use, though.

I do like the pushbutton idea, though.

Hmmmm.... wonder if I can find an old Dart or Polara in one of the local wrecking yards.....

[38 special]

Poncho, I went to Cars ands Parts Swap meet today. took your advice and found a steering column with the Auto on the tree. Got'em down to 15 bucks so I thought it was worth it. Maybe I can sell the old one I have. Thanks!

[WoodsEdge]

Hey 38, before you give up on a cool idea, the auto Corvair had the shifter in the dash and it used a cable. Shouldn't be hard to find one and adapt it to your use.
Jack

[38 special]

Thanks Woods. now I have 2 choices.

[adtkart]

I seem to remember some type of van that had a shifter on the dash. I can't remember what it was right now. I think it was one of those big "cube" type vans similar to the UPS or bread type with auto trans. Might check on some of them.

[TooMany2count]

Originally posted by adtkart
I seem to remember some type of van that had a shifter on the dash.

the early dodge vans (60's up to 70)had the shifter in the dash & it was cable operated.........joe