Question About Neutral Safety Switch and Van Tilt Column

[es67chevy]

OK, so I recently discovered my tilt was definitely from a van. I figured that out when reading about neutral safety switches. I've read the FAQ about moving neutral safety switch down the column. I have two questions about my need to do so for those that are in the know for how neutral safety switches work.

1. I shortened my column shaft so now my neutral safety switch location is physically further down the column. What do i need to look for to determine if I still need to move the switch location even further down? In other words, what is the significance of the actual location of the mounting hole? Is it just a clearance issue?

2. The truck did not come with a neutral safety switch so I'm trying to figure out if I have to buy a van neutral safety switch or if I can use one for the truck. i know there is a difference in the plugs, but not sure if there is a diff in functionality. I would rather just buy one for a truck since I have a Painless wiring kit that has adapters designed to plug to a truck's neutral safety switch. I'm just not sure if the truck switch will work in the van column.



Any help anyone can offer will be greatly appreciated.

[JimKshortstep4x4]

I use the truck switch and install it on the lower end of the column in the same position as the truck columns. A slot is needed as well as welding in a "tab" that fits into the slotted tange on the truck switch. If you put the switch higher up on the column there are clearance issues.

Jim

[hotrodimpy]

Depending on what transmission you have, Lokar has a Neutral Safety switch that mounts on the transmission. It is a simple install. BL-1400U.
Lokar.com

[es67chevy]

Originally Posted by JimKshortstep4x4

I use the truck switch and install it on the lower end of the column in the same position as the truck columns. A slot is needed as well as welding in a "tab" that fits into the slotted tange on the truck switch. If you put the switch higher up on the column there are clearance issues.

Jim

Thanks Jim. I was afraid someone was gonna say that. verified it won't quite clear today too. Just barely. Ugh.

[es67chevy]

Originally Posted by hotrodimpy

Depending on what transmission you have, Lokar has a Neutral Safety switch that mounts on the transmission. It is a simple install. BL-1400U.
Lokar.com

Looking into this option as well. Two questions this option raises is, what mods will I need to make to my 67-72 18 circuit painless kit so I don't have problems AND has anyone ever made the Lokar setup work for both neutral and backup? According to their description of the part "Kit not intended to function as both"


Thanks for the ideas! Keep the info coming. I really want to avoid cutting a new hole if I can as I've already completed a lot of work that I would have to back out in order to take the column back out.

[hotrodimpy]

The Lokar BL-1400U can be used for only one function. It will wire directly into your factory or aftermarket panel where the safety switch in intended to be.
Thanks John