Great ideas guys.

Bob, Thanks for pointing out the different types of linear actuators. Most people don't even know about them, and those that do don't realize the wide spectrum of ones available. The trouble is, for the cost of a new actuator and control box I am knocking on the door of buying the ready to go unit. Spending $500 is out of the question for this part of the project. In that case I would just replace the current shifter with a new gate shifter for about $100 and be done.

I modified a 2" linear actuator on my 69 Vette to operate my wiper door. It works like magic, no vacuum, no worries. I wired it taking advantage of things that make common sense to the electric circuit. I then added delay wipers to the 69 which added a few twists and snags to the operation. It was a ton of fun to build and an absolute joy to see them working. (most 68-72 vettes end up with a long hood or the door saftey wired open all the time)

Right now the car is VERY unsafe. The shifter it has can be knocked into reverse just by bouncing on the seat! In fact, back in 1982 it happed to us, and we left a pair of black rubber streaks on the road for 30' or more in the wrong direction.

I like some of these ideas you guys have. I love the electronic shift indicator. My thinking is, you will be able to feel when the car goes into gear, so at that point you would just let go of the switch (like a power window). The wiring through the brake/back up lights, etc. is a really cool way to keep it from changing gears while you are cruising down the road.

Room? Hey, that is the goal. The actuator would be on the trans, and the switch would be on the dash. That would free the floor up all together.

Hmmmmm, still grinding this one over in my head. I am going to try to get the trans cleaned and painted before the weekend is over and just take a look at different mounting points on the actuator for giggles and grins.