Back-up lights?

[daxloves]

My 62' has the SM-420 4 spd and has no back-up light sender but the body does have lights. How can I make them work without using a toggle switch that I'll forget to use or leave on? I have looked all over the place to find some aftermarket switch but have found nothing.

Any ideas?

[pestwagon]

I am a newbie so Im not sure what the SM-420 4 spd is, but I have a original 4-speed 1966 shortbed Chevy with standard backup lights and when the 4 speed shifter on the floor is put into reverse there is a tab on the shifter that pushes bown the back up switch.

Is yours a stock 4 on the floor shifter?

[BMSJaX]

This is what I have
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/HUU-2480003/

[daxloves]

Originally Posted by pestwagon

Is yours a stock 4 on the floor shifter?

Yes it is the stock but in 62' the 4 spd they used didnt have a back-up light switch as they werent required by law yet

Originally Posted by BMSJaX

This is what I have
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/HUU-2480003/

Thank you! that is exactly what I was thinking of trying to make if I couldnt find anything.

[pestwagon]

So probably if you find a 66 truck (because backup lights were mandatory in 66) with a 4 speed and shifter and buy the parts needed or find it from someone on this board you'll be set!.

[daxloves]

The only year that the sm 420 had a backup light switch was 1967. Finding one and changing trans is prolly not the easy fix. Besides, the SM-420 has the lowest low gear of any light truck transmission according to http://6066gmcguy.org/SM420.htm and as a Work truck that spends its days pulling 20' logs out the woods I dont think I would want any other

Aftermarket switch will work just fine.

[pestwagon]

Well thanks for that report! --I guess my 1966 C-10 has the optional SM-420 4 speed since the reverse is down left to the drivers side. But contrary to that report a backup light switch WAS available in 1966 (not just 1967) optioned 4 speed trucks since my 4 speeds came in 1966 with back up lights and a shifter mounted switch.

[ChevySixty6]

Originally Posted by pestwagon

Well thanks for that report! --I guess my 1966 C-10 has the optional SM-420 4 speed since the reverse is down left to the drivers side. But contrary to that report a backup light switch WAS available in 1966 (not just 1967) optioned 4 speed trucks since my 4 speeds came in 1966 with back up lights and a shifter mounted switch.

I'd agree. The blue one in my avatar had the same setup, all factory.

[aerotruk63]

Reference 1963 Custom Accessories Installation Book

[EVBuilder]

An available alternative to your issue might be to get a micro-switch that is used to activate the back up lights with aftermarket automatic shifters. Then make a bracket for the switch to be located in a place that the side of the shifter will hit it when in reverse. You will have to use a relay though because these switches can only handle low current. I use similar set ups when making electric reverse with my electric cars. They are the same type of switch used for neutral safety.