Post a picture you took today

[1997ThunderbirdLXV6]

...now I worry about clearances for the shift cable, etc.

Overall, I think it's doable but there are several unknowns.

Case in point: would I really be the first person to ever convert an MN12 to column shift?! Why is there no how-to article anywhere...? You all had 30 years to figure this out

 

[Zep5.0]

Please don't do this. There is no reason for it and there is very little room under the console, so no storage room available. Plus you can't have much wood on a column shifter...

 

[1997ThunderbirdLXV6]

Please don't do this. There is no reason for it

Well, there is if you like column shifters. I prefer drive controls on the driver side only, and I prefer the look and feel of a column shifter.
However, the whole idea may fall apart over the shifter not clearing the dash bezel because our column shroud is fairly short, and the bezel curves outward.

there is very little room under the console, so no storage room available.

I know. It would be a fairly shallow tray, enough for a wallet, etc.

Plus you can't have much wood on a column shifter...

Very true!

I'm still considering another project: a gated shifter as in an 80s Mercedes, with wood shift knob of course.

 

[Grog6]

Having swapped a shitload of panther transmissions, you'd need the bracket and the manual lever. The panther actuator is above,tbird is below. that makes them rotate opposite; the cable goes thru under the console, so you'll likely need a longer truck cable.