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General Discussion => Q & A => Topic started by: dlmwtvl on September 14, 2016, 05:10:17 PM

Title: 65 GS automatic console install in 65 Skylark non GS
Post by: dlmwtvl on September 14, 2016, 05:10:17 PM
Could someone give me some advice in this install.
Where exactly to cut floor?
Is there a harness available to connect vehicle to console harness?
any help would be appreciated.
Title: Re: 65 GS automatic console install in 65 Skylark non GS
Post by: Loren At 65GS on September 14, 2016, 05:17:58 PM
Could someone give me some advice in this install.
Where exactly to cut floor?
Is there a harness available to connect vehicle to console harness?
any help would be appreciated.

If some one else doesn't have the positioning of the hole, I can get that in a few days.

As for the wiring , it is part of the main dash harness. So, if your car didn't have a floor shift originally, I think the harness won't be set up for wiring to a console.
I haven't seen a Skylark dash harness prewired for a console. 

 Loren
Title: Re: 65 GS automatic console install in 65 Skylark non GS
Post by: dlmwtvl on September 14, 2016, 05:25:21 PM
Thank you. I would really appreciate it.
I just bought a complete console and shifter from ebay.
I want to install it correctly.
Maybe a wiring diagram will help me wire it up correctly.
Thank you for your reply.
David
Title: Re: 65 GS automatic console install in 65 Skylark non GS
Post by: Loren At 65GS on September 14, 2016, 05:51:01 PM
There is a bracket that is welded to the floor at the rear of the console for mounting.   The neutral safety switch is on the shifter. Not an easy part to find, so I hope that comes with your purchase.
 Also the linkage from the shifter to the transmission is a solid rod and if I remember correctly, the piece that bolts to the shifter is floor shifter specific.

  Loren
Title: Re: 65 GS automatic console install in 65 Skylark non GS
Post by: sjfd04 on September 14, 2016, 05:52:29 PM
Looks like you just bought that console from me, I may have part of the harness that can be wired in to the main harness, I will check.  You will need to hook up the neutral safety switch, tach wire, and dash lights.  There might be somebody on this site that will have a complete dash wire harness that they would be willing to sell, that might make it easier.

I have included the retaining screws for the boot and mounting bolts for the console.  The neutral safety switch is there and the shifter rod.  The bracket at the rear of the console is not there.

Any questions, feel free to ask, there is a ton of info on this site and guys willing to help out.


Tom
Title: Re: 65 GS automatic console install in 65 Skylark non GS
Post by: Loren At 65GS on September 14, 2016, 07:53:02 PM
Sounds like you have most everything your going to need for that install.

Welcome!
 Loren
Title: Re: 65 GS automatic console install in 65 Skylark non GS
Post by: cwmcobra on September 14, 2016, 08:53:02 PM
Welcome David!

Chuck
Title: Re: 65 GS automatic console install in 65 Skylark non GS
Post by: mdkd on September 14, 2016, 09:10:37 PM
David

Sounds like you are on your way to hitting the ground running with your console upgrade.

If there is anything else you have questions on don't be afraid to speak up.

Welcome to the group.

Milton
Title: Welcome! (Re: 65 GS automatic console install in 65 Skylark non GS)
Post by: elagache on September 14, 2016, 09:46:47 PM
Dear David and 65GS.com welcome wagon, . . . . (http://www.canebas.org/WeatherCat/Forum_support_documents/Custom_emoticons/welcomewagon.gif)

I just joined this forum tonight.  I have been a Buick Nut all my life. This is my first 65 Skylark.


Welcome to 65GS.com David! (http://www.canebas.org/WeatherCat/Forum_support_documents/Custom_emoticons/welcome_smiley.gif)

It feels good to talk with other Buick people, who love them as do.


If that is what makes you feel good then you have most definitely come to the right place!  :hello2:

Cheers, Edouard  :occasion14:
Title: Re: 65 GS automatic console install in 65 Skylark non GS
Post by: GS66 on September 14, 2016, 09:49:14 PM
Welcome David!
Title: Re: 65 GS automatic console install in 65 Skylark non GS
Post by: 35chevcoupe on September 14, 2016, 10:24:16 PM
Welcome David ,
Glad to have you here . once you snoop around a little and as questions you,ll find theres a wealth of information here .
The folks here are great and very helpful .
Title: Re: 65 GS automatic console install in 65 Skylark non GS
Post by: Loren At 65GS on September 15, 2016, 10:47:07 AM
Here are some pictures of floor shift location.

I first found the center of the floor from side to side. Notice line marked "CL".
I also outlined the shifter base on the floor. Front of shifter base is 7- 1/4" back from the lead edge of the floor pan sheet metal.
  [ jpg 868 ]
The rear mounting bracket for the console is 31- 1/4" from the lead edge of the floor pan sheet metal. [ jpg 871 ]
The center rear of the shifter base is on the center of the floor. [ jpg 872 \
The right hand side [ passenger] of the hole in shifter base is 3/4" to center line of floor. [ jpg 873 ]

 Loren
Title: Re: 65 GS automatic console install in 65 Skylark non GS
Post by: Loren At 65GS on September 15, 2016, 10:49:45 AM
More pictures
Title: Re: 65 GS automatic console install in 65 Skylark non GS
Post by: Loren At 65GS on September 15, 2016, 08:50:08 PM
David,

 If I understand correctly, you have a Skylark with a 300 small block.
That being the case, the transmission you have will not work with a 401. Totally different transmissions. Another thing is that '63 and earlier big block cranks are for a Dynaflow transmission. If I recall correctly, '63 and earlier engines won't work with the '64 and up transmissions.

You are already aware of some differences in installing the big block nailhead in your Skylark,  the frame plates, engine plates and motor mounts are '65/'66 GS only. Also the oil pan is '65/'66 GS specific.

Just trying to let you know that there are some very specific parts that are 2 year application only to make this work for you.

We are always here to help answer questions.

Loren
Title: Re: 65 GS automatic console install in 65 Skylark non GS
Post by: dlmwtvl on September 17, 2016, 08:45:10 AM
Thank you Loren.
After some more research, I have become a little more knowledgeable on the nailhead.
All my buicks have been BOP pattern, so I assumed the nailhead was also. Silly me....
I just sold a 77 Le Sabre project car this spring. I had put a 70 455 with th400 in it. Both rebuilt by me.
Two divorces and moving many moves in the last 15 yrs,it was a wonder I had held onto it that long...
But, my last gf convinced me to "get rid of that old car"
Im wishing now I'd kept it a little longer.....
Oh well. She got her walking papers and now the 65 is here to stay😀
Title: Re: 65 GS automatic console install in 65 Skylark non GS
Post by: Loren At 65GS on September 17, 2016, 08:56:33 AM
There have been a couple of cars I have wished I still had. Still got the original wife though. lol

 Life has it's twists and turns.

Good luck with the '65,

 Loren
Title: Re: 65 GS automatic console install in 65 Skylark non GS
Post by: EZ Cool on August 28, 2017, 04:11:11 PM
I found this thread while searching for info on installing a floor shifter in a column shifted car. The shifter in my Skylark is like the one below. Can anyone tell me what this shifter came out of?

Title: Re: 65 GS automatic console install in 65 Skylark non GS
Post by: WkillGS on August 28, 2017, 10:25:08 PM
Looks like a 1967 shifter.
The lever goes thru the floor at the shifter to accommodate the longer ST400 transmission.
There was a sheetmetal cover/ floor hump that goes along with it to cover the hole in the floor.
Title: Re: 65 GS automatic console install in 65 Skylark non GS
Post by: EZ Cool on August 29, 2017, 07:37:10 AM
Thanks, I was considering getting a cable kit from shiftworks but it looks like they are just for the earlier shifters. Ad shows a picture of the earlier shifter on their add for the conversion but says 64 to 67. Maybe the 67's used the earlier shifter for the 300 trans and the one I have for the 400.
Title: Re: 65 GS automatic console install in 65 Skylark non GS
Post by: wheelz on August 30, 2017, 12:38:08 PM
Hey EZ,  please dont git tooo excited yet, but, ...I  MAY HAVE an extra 65-66 auto floor shifter... MAY HAVE are the key words. ya see, I have several 65-67 auto consoles in various degrees of condition.... I just have to check if I have shifters for each console in stock...
IF SO, I MAY BE interested in partial trade your 67 for my 65? 
Like I said, dont get too happy yet, I have to check next time Im at my storage...

Wheelz, Tampa Bay
Title: Re: 65 GS automatic console install in 65 Skylark non GS
Post by: EZ Cool on August 31, 2017, 02:53:59 PM
Wheelz, I'll probably use the one I have. I already have it mounted on the hump and have ordered a cable. May have to do some fabing but thats the fun part.