3ontree column shifter used for Automatic tranny?

[Holzy]

I am converting to an Automatic from a 3 on the tree. I was wondering if anyone has kept the column in and used the either the Reverse/1 gear or the 2/3 gear to link the automatic transmission. Saw it Ed China (wheeler dealers) do it on an old ford.
Was thinking it could work, just no indicator on the column or neutral safety switch (which you can't have anyway in this conversion).

If you used the the reverse/ 1st gear, at least you would have to pull in to engage the automatic F/R.

Anyone tried this?