Thanks csf03716. I would like to keep this thread going a bit longer because today I replaced the (broken/cracked) turn signal mechanism and sanded the outside of the column followed by some spraycan black enamel (on a Ford body when in doubt paint it black). So far I have replaced all the major parts with new parts for a total of about $85 which is a lot less than an Ididit column AND this column has a mounting plate welded at the bottom for a firewall mount. However, the "lever" (rack?) at the bottom must be turned to a certain position to allow the locking mechanism to operate and of course when running, the steering has to be free. It still looks like some relationship to "PARK" position must be made to kick in the locking pin. I am encouraged that the new turn signal plate had the complete wiring pigtail and a long connector (available from Auto Zone while NAPA said they did not have that part; Auto Zone is starting to look pretty good for stuff like this). In addition I see that Speedway has a kit of connectors for GM columns. It looks like there is a dimmer resistor near the bottom of the column but since I don't have a horn button yet, I wonder how the dimmer would be turned. I can live without the dimmer as long as I have the turn signals and the locking mechanism. If I get a fiberglass body I can keep the dash black so the column will match OK. Still there must be somebondy on the Forum who has adapted a GM column to a restorod? The bottom line is that I want to end up with a Loktar shifter that looks a little like the original Model-A stick and a floor-mounted parking brake but still be able to use the steering lock. Soooo, how can I hook the "rack-lever" to the shifter so it only changes position when in PARK? The whole idea of going with a SBC is to make use of all the gadgets developed in the street rod industry so I can be mostly an assembler. I know that is not very innovative but I have my hands full building the whole car so I wonder if there is already a kit somewhere for this problem? I guess if I get no further suggestions from this Forum, I will try calling the Loktar folks and maybe they already have this solved? Yes I know thieves can easily pull out the cylinder, but still I think this locking mechanism is better than a key in the dashboard which can be hot-wired easily by just reaching under the dash. Suggestions? Comments?

Don Shillady
Retired Scientist/teen rodder