[rambler]

Someone please help. I'm no idiot when it comes to cars but I own a 1969 Chevelle Malibu with a 350 L-48, 4-Spd. M-21 Muncie. The shifter is on the floor with no console. I am trying to locate the reverse light switch. Every parts store I go to says they can't get it or they give me the column mounted switch. This does me no good since the column never knows when the tranny goes into reverse. I just put the tranny back into the car and didn't see any locations on it that would lead me to the switch. Does anyone have any ideas? Am I just looking over the obvious? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[DT69SS]

Are you using the stock linkage? If you have a Hurst linkage it hooks up to the trtans differently than the stock one. If stock linkage is used it ties into frame and has an arm that , indeed, moves the column when you shift to reverse. The switch is on the column.

Dan

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Central Illinois
69 Cortez silver SS 427
69 azure turquois Malibu 250
ACES #02351
Team Chevelle Gold #35

 

[Len]

rambler,

DanErnst is correct. The original shifter setup assembly used what I think was called a "BACK DRIVE" assembly.

There was a back-drive rod connected to the reverse shifter lever on the transmission. This was connected to a bracket assembly on the frame.

In turn, a rod went from this frame bracket up to the steering column and connected.
From above, looking at the steering column it would look like an automatic column because of the shift rod

Thus when you would shift into reverse, it moved the back-drive rod exactly like the rod on an automatic. And if memory is correct, you had to put the car in reverse so that the column inter-lock assembly would function, and let you take your key out.

My '72 454 4spd Vette had this setup except it used a cable instead of the rod(s).

Len.

 

[David Host]

rambler,

Thanks for reminding me about the back-up light, I almost forgot to do something about that before I drive it in about a week or so. I'm almost ready to start my engine and break it in and drive it about 30 or more miles like someone told me. After 10 years of doing a frame-off resto, I got excited and forgot all about the back-up switch because when I bought a tilt steering column about 6 years ago, I thought that the lever on the end of the column was for a automatic trans and cut it off because I have a 4-speed and wanted to clean up the engine compartment and fabricated a chrome sleeve that covers the end of the shaft. Then I found out that the lever is also for the reverse switch on a 4-speed and then someone told me I could get a back-up switch from Hurst that connects to the bottom of the Hurst shifter to turn on your back-up lights. The part number for the switch from Summit is HUU-2480003.


[This message has been edited by David Host (edited 09-16-99).]

 

[Bob Tiley]

Everyone is exactly correct. Gm originally has the B/U light switch on the column with linkage to turn the steering wheel column. As a side note, with the factory linkage hooked up you must put the car in reverse to remove the key from the ignition. Hurst does make an aftermarket Reverse light switch with a bracket that can be attached to a Hust shifter. You need to run wires from the switch up under the dash and plug them into the factory reverse light wiring above the steering column.