The previous owner made a lot of changes to the '70 Challenger I now own. From the factory, it had a 383BB with a 3-SPD. This was changed to a SB with a 4-SPD. The '70 steering column was replaced with a '71-'74 version. That's just a couple of the MANY things that were changed as part of his resto-mod. Earlier this year, I removed the entire interior in an effort to either correct, reverse, and/or improve on some of the decisions that were made by the prior owner. My goal is to try and have the interior be (and/or look) as close as possible to a '70. That being said, pretty much the last thing I would need to do in order to accomplish this goal is swap out the later year column with a '70 version. One issue is the $$$ for a restored column (~$500+), and the reverse lock-out linkage assembly (~$250+). So, I'm looking at somewhere around $800. I could and would consider just staying with the simpler style later model column (it is in extremely nice/good condition). Another concern is, I have TTI headers, and I'm not sure if the lock-out linkage could be installed. Does anyone know if the TTI headers would interfere with the lock-out linkage assembly in any way? What would you folks do? Would you go the extra mile and $$$ for the '70 version column set-up, or keep it simple and stick with the later model column? Any opinions and advice will be much appreciated. Thanks.

You have a very nice looking car and from the info. on your data tag #s, a very rare car too. Based on this, I'd lean more toward trying to go back to the 70 column but only when you can get one at a reasonable cost. Have you given thought to converting your 71 column to a 70 in appearance? Main surgery change would be switch section where you'd swap it out with the 70 non-manual key release style. Yes, the headers will interfere with your lock out linkage. It's your car and the ultimate decision is yours, but with such a nice car you can't go wrong either way.

Tom

I would go with a 70..I am one of those guys that will notice that at a show is it power steering or manual steering? leave it for now until a nice lower price one comes up for sale..I can check my stock for which one you need

You may want to search for your VIN at http://www.hamtramck-historical.com/found.shtml

It has nothing to do with your post, except that I cross referenced your VON & I had a VIN match for it. I have some history here about your car.

Update: I have a couple of options to purchase a '70 style steering column, as-well-as the lockout linkage assembly, but cannot pull the trigger just yet as I'm still unsure as to whether the TTI headers I have (part #TTI340BE) will interfere with the linkage assembly. I spoke to TTI this morning and their tech was unable to confirm this; as they have "never" had a '70 E-body (w/Small Block) and '70 style column with lockout linkage come in. So, does anyone else have any info on whether or not the TTI headers would interfere with the lockout linkage in any way? Is anyone using TTI's headers (TTI340BE) with a '70 style column and lockout linkage? One member's reply said they would interfere. While at the Fall Fling a couple of weeks ago, I spoke to someone who had "one" of his E-body's there. He said he also has a '70 Challenger with '70 style column and lockout linkage and TTI headers, and said there's no interference; but I don't know if he has a big or small block. Thanks.

I would tend to think that if the TTI can fit a column shifted automatic car, the "chances" might be favorable as the column shift auto linkage on an E body occupies the same location and configuration as the 4spd lock out set up?...I'd ask TTI if their headers are able to fit a column shifted smallblock E...


I'll dig up some factory photos of both set ups...


here's the 4spd interlock

here's the auto column shift

here's a floor shift auto/lock out 1970 E body, I would think if TTI's fit this mess, it should fit a 4spd interlock set up? something to quiz TTI on


Mike

This pic shows the location of the Z bar and the lockout linkage (except the rod up to the column), without the column in place. 70 challenger 440 4 speed, stock exhaust manifold. Thought a shot from above brake m/cyl might help.
jess

I sincerely appreciate everyone's advice and opinions. Based on all the input I've received here (and on C-C.com), I am going to stick with the '71-'74 style column I currently have. Some people suggested switching to the '70 column, while others said not to bother. I have been on the fence about whether to embark on the swap to a '70 style column, but finally realizing the costs associated, and possibly/likely the time required to restore used parts, I can now comfortably abandon the idea, and put the time, money and energy toward other desired needs/wants for the car. My later model column is in nearly perfect condition. It's currently fully disassembled because I planned on freshening it up with some new components and a paint job (before the thought of the swap). It will be much easier and cheaper to go forward with that. Thank and best regards.