Backup light switch for a 3-speed????

[Russell Ashley]

I've been scouting EBay for a while now looking for a backup light switch for a column shift three speed. Anyone know where I can get one? I can make one but would rather find one that was either original or aftermarket as it probably would look better than the one I fab up.

I know they exist because we had a car that had one. It was a switch that mounted on the steering column under the dash with an arm that clamped on to the shifter shaft that pressed the switch when you put it in reverse.

[mr48chev]

I've never seen one for a truck that I know of. it seems that you could rig some sort of switch on the column under the hood that the shift lever would activate.
You could do it under the dash too but would have to attach a tab to the rod that runs down the column that would activate the switch when you pulled the lever into reverse.

Something like this

My hands don't work very good some times so the drawing is a bit rough but you should be able to visualize what it's about. It might be a lot easier to put a switch under the hood though.

[Russell Ashley]

That's exactly the way I'm considering doing it. Years ago we had a 47 Ford that had an after-market setup like that. The arm that depressed the switch was narrow and clamped on to the shaft and you adjusted it to operate the switch in reverse but not second gear. I'd like to find an aftermarket kit like that.

[c50rob]

If you are still looking for this switch, my local Chevrolet dealer located 7 of them somewhere on a shelf in Oregon. I have been trying to find one for awhile and had them order it and it should be here next week.

[Russell Ashley]

Originally Posted by c50rob

If you are still looking for this switch, my local Chevrolet dealer located 7 of them somewhere on a shelf in Oregon. I have been trying to find one for awhile and had them order it and it should be here next week.

Yes, I'm still wanting one. I haven't done anything toward making one due to higher priority tasks. I'd like to see a pic and also a p/n when you get it. If it's not too expensive I'll see if my local dealer can get one, or maybe I can order one from your dealer.

[kda2000]

An update for anyone who has the same question - spent time looking for one as well -- LMC has them - #36-0661

Says "Backup Light Switch - Manual 3-spd 67-72"

http://www.lmctruck.com/scripts/mgrq....aspx?page=169

[kda2000]

Sorry wrong link location -- (it was the 4-speed switch) here is the 3-speed:

http://www.lmctruck.com/scripts/mgrq....aspx?page=169

LMC catalog page:

http://www.lmctruck.com/icatalog/cb/full.aspx?Page=169

[1project2many]

Reverse lights were available in '58 as a dealer installed accessory number 987454.
I'll be attaching full instructions shortly.

[1project2many]

Instructions for 987454. These were for all trucks and Suburbans including 3 and 4 speeds and Hydramatics.

[Russell Ashley]

I'd almost forgotten about this post. I purchased a switch kit off of EBay a while back but haven't found any backup lights that suit me, so haven't installed it yet. It's a generic kit that doesn't look as good as an original style like shown in the PDF but it should work OK.

[Leeforbes]

found the switch for sale new online for my 1966 3-speed column shift:
http://www.classiccarautoparts.com/c..._exterior.html

$20 shipped!