66 column shifter differences

[Hemicbx]

Hey guys,
I'm trying to understand what prompted differences in 66 mopar column shifters.

I have this type:


But I also see this type around

Can anyone tell me what models had each?

Thanks in advance,

Mike

 

[patrick66]

The "B" and "C" body shifters were different. Why? Who knows.

 

[Jeremiah]

The B's didn't get the huge, ugly black plastic knob on the column shift lever until '67 when they went to a collapsible tube column that also uses a different mount, dash bezel, and turn signal switch than a '66 model. The '66 to '67 transition also garnished such safety features as dual-circuit braking system, four way flashers and optional head rests. I always thought "Unsafe at any speed" should have been more focused on the 1966 426 HEMI 4-speed cars that the Corvair lol.

 

[theman440]

I believe it depends on the build date, early cars got the nice slender chrome jobs, later built cars got the black knob version. I have two '66 Coronets one built 9/15/65 (slender chrome shifter) the other built in Aug '66 (it had the black knob version) They are interchangeable.

 

[Cranky]

My present 66 Belvedere was sold on Feb 5, 1966 has the slender one. How do you decode the build date on the build sheet? My first car, a 66 Belvedere had the black knob. Have no idea when that car was built.

 

[Hemicbx]

Thanks guys. Build date sounds like the likely source of the difference.

I just put a 66 column in my 65 car. The 65's, of course, had the slender style, although partially painted. The 67 & later type looks out of place in the 65. Already had the 65 lever out of that column and the internal end machining is totally different so no interchangeability there.

I'll be on the lookout for another 66 column I guess.

 

[Jeremiah]

If you need '66 Column parts PM me. I have quite a few complete and parts columns in the attic.