I have rebuilt exactly one column shifter, and that was on a '68 Plymouth Belvedere in 1975. After 30 years I can still remember what a bitch that was! I honestly would not waste any time on a column shifter if I were you. If you have to stick with the 3spd manual, then go buy yourself a Hurst Indy 3spd floor shifter and pat yourself on the back for doing the easy thing. If you're going to an automatic, the point is obviously moot. The only possible reason I can think of to rebuild a shifter on a car as old as yours, is to restore to original condition; and it sounds like that is not a concern since you may be going to an automatic anyway. If you do choose to rebuild, you're gonna have a heck of a time finding used parts, and an impossible time getting them new from GM. The General is only interested in selling new iron to suckers with deep pockets, they don't give about grunts trying to repair their old junkers. There's just no money in it for them to sell obsolete merchandise over their parts counters.