'65 Column shift reverse light thing

[Hemicbx]

On the '65 column shift cars there's a little finger that sticks up out of the column. It's down under the dash and is connected to an inner ring in the column. When you move into reverse position the finger engages a switch for the reverse light. It's pretty common for this thing to break off since it's purely in bending and as the switch gets old & stiff, the finger breaks.

Anyone know of a source or a fix for this?

My car has a toggle switch that is functional, but certainly not convenient nor fool proof.

-Hemicbx
York, PA

 

[mrkinger]

Ya,i had the same problem,i had a friend bring me a steering column back from the mopar nationals last summer,making sure the arm was on it,worked out great for me.Not sure any other place to get one,i think they used them on more than one model.Maybe have to check the autowreckers ,or if you know someone who installed a floor shift may have one they cant use,do you know what they look like .i dont think it would be that difficult to make on once you see it
Paul

 

[kdtjb]

Can you put the newer 3 wire N safety switch in it and rewire it to work ? Just asking. I run my trans break threw one, so I don't have to push a button to back up on my race car.

 

[Hemicbx]

I don't think that the newer 3 wire NS switch will work. There wouldn't be anything to contact it in reverse.

I had this plan a long time ago to use a pressure switch. Since the rear servo is at a much higher pressure in reverse, I figured I could use a pressure switch set to approx 250 or so. I even had a few samples sent to me. But then I sold the car, got tired of them sitting around, threw them out, and here we are with the car back again and no pressure switches . . . .

mrkinger, I don't remember exactly what it looked like. I remember, like you say, there wasn't that much to it and probably isn't hard to make. I'll have to keep my eyes open @ Carlisle this year to see if I can get a good look at one.

 

[mrkinger]

I can try and explain it to you ,or draw a pic and send it also if you like.It is shaped like the letter A,it has to claws on the ends and it snaps into the inner column,then it has a washer that slides over it to keep in tight and in place ,hope this makes sense and helps out,

 

[Hemicbx]

yep, your explaination makes perfect sense. refreshes my memory as well; I had forgotten about the washer.

I may pull the column out just to see what I can fab up. So much easier working on the bench vs under the dash . . . .

 

[65belv]

Reverse Light Switch Activator

The spring steel A piece with the washer around the base eventually rusts or fatigues to the point of breaking. I made a trip to the Wildcat Auto Wrecking yard in Oregon and they had a trailer full of steering columns. The piece is easily removed from a steering column that is out of the car and they seem to have plenty of columns that could serve as a donor. Give them a call and see if they can provide one.

 

[kdtjb]

I don't think that the newer 3 wire NS switch will work. There wouldn't be anything to contact it in reverse.

Yep you are correct, I forgot my race cars trans is newer.