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Back up light switch operating lever missing- column shift

Billccm said:
Thanks for the tip. If you have any pictures or tips on installing I'd appreciate it. Did you install with the column in the car? Did you have to tap threads?
Click to expand...

The column was removed and taped the threads
 
Here are some pictures from my trip pin installation. Hopefully they are clear enough and helpful. Feel free to PM me if you want the full story of how I did things.

DSCN0585.JPG DSCN0587.JPG DSCN0588.JPG
 
Look over the pictures I posted and you will see two screw holes. On the other side is a single screw hole. These are for mounting the backup light switch. The switch is just inside the firewall. Is your switch like that?
 
Mine is like that. But when I put the switch on, the lever in the switch is facing the firewall and years ago I remember it being not so far down the column.
 
67PB2SS said:
Look over the pictures I posted and you will see two screw holes. On the other side is a single screw hole. These are for mounting the backup light switch. The switch is just inside the firewall. Is your switch like that?[/QUO
I've either lost or misplaced the screws to mount the switch. What size are they?
Click to expand...
 
The lever on the switch travels from right to left when it faces the firewall. The trip pin also travels from right to left going from low gears to park. When shifting from park to reverse, a complete circuit is achieved and the rear backup lights come on. They will turn off when the column is shifted to drive or any other position other than reverse.

So to recap, your switch should point towards the firewall and the wiring towards the driver. The switch lever is controlled by the trip pin and it moves from right to left from the driver's view- shifter moving from low gears to park. The switch has slot mounting for fine tune adjustment of the lever and corresponding electrical connection. I found it easy to set the switch lever all the way to the left (lever spring is compressed) with the trip pin holding it in place in the park position. The column was out of the car at the time I hooked up the electrical connector and shifted it to reverse, and yes, the lights came on. I them put column back in the car and re-checked to see if the lights would come on. They did and there was no need to do any more adjustments. It's kind of cramped down there so close to the firewall, but one can make those fine tune adjustment with small fingers. Hope this makes sense and helps you.
 
67PB2SS said:
The lever on the switch travels from right to left when it faces the firewall. The trip pin also travels from right to left going from low gears to park. When shifting from park to reverse, a complete circuit is achieved and the rear backup lights come on. They will turn off when the column is shifted to drive or any other position other than reverse.
Yes it does. And thank you for your help.
So to recap, your switch should point towards the firewall and the wiring towards the driver. The switch lever is controlled by the trip pin and it moves from right to left from the driver's view- shifter moving from low gears to park. The switch has slot mounting for fine tune adjustment of the lever and corresponding electrical connection. I found it easy to set the switch lever all the way to the left (lever spring is compressed) with the trip pin holding it in place in the park position. The column was out of the car at the time I hooked up the electrical connector and shifted it to reverse, and yes, the lights came on. I them put column back in the car and re-checked to see if the lights would come on. They did and there was no need to do any more adjustments. It's kind of cramped down there so close to the firewall, but one can make those fine tune adjustment with small fingers. Hope this makes sense and helps you.
Click to expand...
 
67PB2SS said:
The lever on the switch travels from right to left when it faces the firewall. The trip pin also travels from right to left going from low gears to park. When shifting from park to reverse, a complete circuit is achieved and the rear backup lights come on. They will turn off when the column is shifted to drive or any other position other than reverse.
There was a member that said to use a 1/4×28×1 1/2 stud with a jam nut. Been searching all the local stores, and no one carries that size. And what size are the 3 screws to mount the switch?

So to recap, your switch should point towards the firewall and the wiring towards the driver. The switch lever is controlled by the trip pin and it moves from right to left from the driver's view- shifter moving from low gears to park. The switch has slot mounting for fine tune adjustment of the lever and corresponding electrical connection. I found it easy to set the switch lever all the way to the left (lever spring is compressed) with the trip pin holding it in place in the park position. The column was out of the car at the time I hooked up the electrical connector and shifted it to reverse, and yes, the lights came on. I them put column back in the car and re-checked to see if the lights would come on. They did and there was no need to do any more adjustments. It's kind of cramped down there so close to the firewall, but one can make those fine tune adjustment with small fingers. Hope this makes sense and helps you.
Click to expand...
 
A threaded stud could be a good choice. My trip pin is out of a '67 Belvedere donor car. From my pictures you can see that I took an extra step by using JB Weld. It's critical that the trip pin stay in the hole that it goes into. It has to take a lot of pressure exerted on it when it pushes the switch lever. You might want to post a WTB on this forum for a trip pin. Someone may have a pin that they can sell you. I'll give you some tips when it comes time to install the pin if you like.
 
67PB2SS said:
A threaded stud could be a good choice. My trip pin is out of a '67 Belvedere donor car. From my pictures you can see that I took an extra step by using JB Weld. It's critical that the trip pin stay in the hole that it goes into. It has to take a lot of pressure exerted on it when it pushes the switch lever. You might want to post a WTB on this forum for a trip pin. Someone may have a pin that they can sell you. I'll give you some tips when it comes time to install the pin if you like.
Click to expand...
I would like that. I've seen the pins selling for $50 and up.
 
PM me when you find a pin. $50 for a OEM pin doesn't sound too bad to me. If you want your car to be correct and for the reverse lights to come on, you may have to just "bite the bullet" and purchase a pin.
 
closer9 said:
Billccm,
I don't have the answer, but was thinking the same thing. Decided to do some searching to see if anyone else already had an easy/easier fix. I've already printed several other parts. Will attempt this as well.

EDIT: The fix was a lot easier than I expected. Used a 1/4-28 x 1-1/2" stud with a jam nut. Threaded right in with a little effort.
Click to expand...
Can you send me a picture of the stud and jam nut you put in the steering column?
 
Hey guys I’ve been following thread since I decided to get my back up lights working on my 68 roadrunner. I was wondering if anyone has a picture of the plug this switch plugs into? Any help would be great thanks
 
Here are pictures of the switch and plug.

20201229_175614.jpg 20201229_175618.jpg 20201229_175620.jpg
 
I still have not fixed mine. When I do the steering box rebuild I'll tackle this with the column loose.
 
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