Neutral saftey on van column
 

Just moved neutral saftey on my van column and thought I'd post what it took.I got a 68-72 column at swap meet today so I finally had a template to go by.Needed air cutoff tool , dremel cutoff tool, magnet,and 9/64" drill bit

I first drew center line from top of column tube to the notch at bottom of shift mech. Then measured up 5 1/2" from notch in shift mechinism for the bottom end of neutral notch.

Next drew 5/8" wide lines and 1 1/16" long in each direction from center line

Used a regular air cutoff tool to cut out the hole . Didn't have to worry about the lenght of lines to much as the switch hides the overlap.

Next I marked off the inside slot. I found it to be just a 1/16" off the center line, The full 5/8" of your first cut and 3/8" or slightly wider for the tang of the switch to fit in

I used cutoff tool for the perpendicular cuts but had to use a dremel cutoff wheel to get down into the tube for the straight cuts. I found my dremel wheel was just alittle large to go down in but after grinding for a few seconds the wheel shrinks down enugh to get in.

I used a small magnet to pickup any filings that fell in (not sure if thats a concern or not. Once the inner hole was cut I just set the switch in and Drilled 2 9/64" holes for the switch in the center of the elongated switch holes and bolted it back down. The colmn I got today was an original tilt and thats where I got the 5 1/2" measurement from. I have not got it mounted in the truck yet but its now the same as a factory tilt as far as location so don't know why it wouldn't fit.

I just posted this cause I have been setting on my column and thought maybe some of this info could help someone else

What about the old safety switch hole. Do you leave it open or close it up? Or does it really make a difference?

I cover them with electrical tape or leave them open, either way.