Auto trans to Manual trans issue

[rdt2007]

I just got my 74 CJ5 last week. I thought the ignition switch was just bad because you couldn't lock it all the way back but it turns out the PO or someone swapped it from a column shift to a 3spd manual Transmission . I turned the what use to be column shift all the way up and was able to lock the ignition switch and now it will not start. i have a new chassis wiring harness on the way. I was just wondering how to get rid of the old column shift part of the steering column. Do I need a whole new steering column? If anyone could assist or point me to a thread with the answers i would really appreciate it.

 

[rdt2007]

Turns out it was a loose battery cable. Rookie mistake.

 

[Torxhead]

Yeah, after 25 years of wheeling, I still make rookie mistakes.

 

[IOPort51]

I enjoy making silly mistakes, when they are easy to fix.

It would have only been a mistake if you had pulled the column.

 

[spikey]

If it matters any i made my auto into a manual and left the original steering column in. Until recently when I put in the push button start, the neutral safety switch was a kinda neat little theft deterrent. if you didn't move the old shift collar to the left it wouldn't start. lol. The only other strange thing is the steering wheel has a clicking that comes from it but if I pull straight out on it, it goes away.

But theses are what makes Jeeps fun

 

[rdt2007]

One of the previous owners did a lot of work on it (new engine, suspension, lift, tires, and engine harness). Most all I have to do it wiring and body work. There are some small dents and the floor is rusted out. Will outsource for the floor but gonna do everything else myself. Will start a build thread once I get started on everything. One concern I have is that there is a gap between the windshield frame and body. I lowered the windshield frame but there is still a significant gap. I may have to build it up with bondo or something. There is also a hole in the defrost duct where the hood vent goes down to. Looks like a PO snapped something off. Trying to find a replacement part to put on my list of things to get.

 

[mtnwhlr]

Do you have the rubber seal between the w/s frame and tub?

 

[rdt2007]

It's has the rubber seal. It's dry rotted but it's there. The tub down slopes to about halfway and then back up to the other windshield hinge. I got my wirin harness today. Will be starting that soon. Want to drive jeep a few days before it is out of commission for that process. What do I gut and what do I leave? PO spliced a lot of stuff.