Steering column/ headlight wiring

[Capthunter]

So I recently purchased a 85 swb and the previous owner swapped it from a Column shifter automatic to floor shifted manual. And didn’t swap the column out so it still has the automatic column in it and the ignition switch falls out. I’d like to swap in a universal gm floor shift column. My question is how hard is it to wire the high beams to a floor dimmer switch and also putting the wipers on a dash controlled switch. I don’t want to spend the big money on a flaming river or ididit column if I can wire them up separately. Just looking for any input on this or hopefully someone who has do it before. Thanks

 

[Matt69olds]

As common as these trucks are, find a factory column that fits the truck.

The dimmer switch pinout is the same for column of floor mounted dimmer switches. You will need to lengthen the wires to reach the floor.

The wipers will be a little more difficult, it depends on what switch your new column has as to how it’s wired.

 

[Strick]

The column mounted & floor mounted dimmers are the same wiring pigtail. You should be able to extend the wires or just make a harness extension that plugs in.

Strickland

 

[Capthunter]

Yeah the dimmer looks easy enough. Any ideas on what to do about the wipers?

 

[Strick]

82 or 83 was the last year for dash mounted switches. If you can source one of those along with the pigtail & wiring it would make the conversion a little easier.
Can you not find a manual column in your area?

Strickland

 

[Capthunter]

I haven’t been able to source one yet. And I’m stuck on a boat for the next few weeks. Was trying to order the parts needed so I can install it when I get home but may wait and see if I can find one first