71 dash

[71MOPAR]

I have a 71 dodge D-100 with a 727 on the column. I want to change it to the dash shift style. Has anyone done this? Is it hard? What all do i need?

[Hobcobble]

The dash shift ended in '68. There was a somewhat major re-design in '69. The
earlier dash could likely be "coaxed" to fit into the later cab..... its not a direct
bolt in. The shift selector arm on the tranny is different for the dash/cable
shift set up. You'd have to locate one. There is more [wiring harness differences,
steering column diameter differences, etc.].... others will likely chime in.
John

[66patrick]

The contour of the early dash is way different than the late dash. The dash shifter will not fit the contour of the late dash. It's not impossible to swap dashes out, but going from late to early requires EVERYTHING from the donor truck, to include the heater, the heater and vent cables, and the little corner pieces at the top of the dash off the early truck. IIRC, these will need to be cut out, very carefully, or you will have a very noticeable and ugly gap in the dash corners at the bottom corners of the windshield.

If I were you, I'd seriously consider finding a '68 cab, specifically, and do a cab swap, if the dash shifter is such a big deal for you to have in your truck.

Better yet, find someone wanting to trade trucks altogether and do it the easy way!

[71MOPAR]

Thanks for the help. I just like the dash shift style. Sounds like alot of work don't know if i will take on the project!

[65alive]

There is an easier way that does not require a trans. swap. Dodge built motorhomes in the 70's that used a shifter that is nearly identical with three differences. The shifter bezel is not contured, it's a flat mount, it works with the lever shifted trans rather than the cable shifted trans., and the shift stick isn't flat, it has a slight bend to put the knob closer to the driver. I bought one intending to put it in my '65, but the bezel is flat, so It didn't fit the dash well. Opted for the B and M Quicksilver. The motorhome unit looks Identical to the '65 truck unit though.

[Cageman]

are a 100 vans flat too?

[soopernaut]

are a 100 vans flat too?

I believe they are and they had dash shifters through 1970.

[71MOPAR]

So what your saying is that if i find one from motor home it would be any easy swap?

[65alive]

I've never tried it, but I think it would solve a lot of the problems you're running into. I'll set the bezel on my '69 dash and see how it fits.

[66patrick]

Forgot all about the motorhome shifters. That would be a good idea.

[71MOPAR]

The truck came from the U.S Army it has all the vehicle info on the dash. So i don't want to cut it up all that much. I done alot of custom work to this truck. Mostly suspension work now i want to work on the inside. Hopefully i can get some pic soon! THANKS 4 all the help!!!