Cut fiber optic shift indicator wire! - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

1970blazin · 09-06-2003, 08:14 PM

When the shift indicator got taken off of the steering column the wire got cut. Do I need to buy a new on of these? Does anyone know where I can get one, and/ or can I just patch these two wires together. (Sorry I don't know much about fiber optic wires) Thanks in advance for any help.
Diane

nu2-72 · 09-06-2003, 08:37 PM

Fiber optics are not really wires. They are glass/resin core like fiberglass/resin communication "wires". And it takes special tools to terminate and connect them. Time for a new one. I just pulled one today for the first time but think I am going to try and use it on a different column. Someone will have one here.

Bryan68custom · 09-06-2003, 10:04 PM

I put a van column in my truck the fiber optic cable was broken ,so I bought a red LED light from radio shack and made it fit in the hole the lens diameter is (6mm) or 1/4 across you will have to trim it a little. it worked out really good. part # is 276-084

lukecp · 09-06-2003, 10:19 PM

Call me stupid but....

You mean the shift indicator for a auto tranny in these trucks is illumiunated? Mine never worked and i haven't seen one that had, but i alwas wondered what that strange wire that wasn't copper was going from the steering collum to the dash was....learn something every day, lol.

Longhorn Man · 09-06-2003, 10:48 PM

If you look at the older van columns (non-tilt) you'll find them oce in a while...early 70's vans.
I find them once ina while and get 20 - 30 bucks each time.

ddsmith · 09-06-2003, 10:53 PM

These fiber optic wires are far from the quality required to transmit information that the new fiber optic cable have to. The only purpose of the original fiber optic cables was just to move the light from the dash light to the shift indicator. Corvettes used these type of wires to transmit the external light status to the dash in several late 60's to early 70's cars. You could try finding a replacement on a Corvette Parts web site I would think. I would think that with all the fiber optics in use now you could easily find a replacement cable. Digital audio optical cable could also be used for this I would think. Any experts out there have any input?

miket · 09-06-2003, 11:05 PM

They aren't that hard to come by and really all it is...is a fibre cable that runs up to a bulb socket in the back of your instrument panel....I believe you will need the whole thing...I believe the fibre optic piece is connected to the socket...

I did a quick search on eaby but didn't come up with anything...someone on this board will have/find one.

nu2-72 · 09-06-2003, 11:10 PM

Want a pic?

ddsmith · 09-06-2003, 11:12 PM

I just looked on the web and found this http://www.zip-products.com/Corvette...B681E664C89597 It is designed to repair corvette fiber optics wires. Looking at this and knowing that the purpose of this line is to transmit light you may want to try and splice the line back together. I would get some shrink tubing that when it is fully contracted is slightly smaller than the fiber optic line. Slide the shrink tubing prior to shrinking over the fiber optic wire and slide the other piece of fiber optic wire in to butt against the other piece. Heat up the shrink tubing and it should grab tight and hold the pieces together. Make sure the fiber optic wires are butted tightly together to prevent the shrink tubing from blocking the light transfer from one wire piece to the other wire piece. Good luck.

miket · 09-06-2003, 11:22 PM

70 blazin:

There are also two good sources for used parts within a reasonable drive from you....may want to get ahold of Wes or Frank...

jay6891 · 09-07-2003, 08:41 AM

I pulled a dash out of a 83 chevy last weekend and it had the fiber optic light in it also. I didn't follow it out so I don't know where it was going. Was heading off toward the ac controller or? You might find a replacement there.

72MARIO · 09-07-2003, 09:29 AM

I am Lost. Never seen that when I took my truck apart.

nu2-72 · 09-07-2003, 12:44 PM

Here is the one that I have just finished cleaning up. Polished the plastic lens and shined up the black. And it works.

TERRYP · 09-07-2003, 05:41 PM

Most 70's and 80's caddy's and old's had them to show light status on the front fenders, you see them everywhere. I used then to transmit taillights to inside of my panel, work real nice.

Project1970 · 09-07-2003, 08:03 PM

So that's what it looks like!!!

I've been using the light from my tach to tell, it does a pretty good job.

Speaking of which, I need to properly tap that in...

Majikbeer · 06-18-2020, 04:21 PM

Shift Indicator Fiber Optic Cable

Sold as Each

Part #: 7850
1967-1970 Chevy Truck or GMC Truck

**GMCPaul** · 06-19-2020, 04:43 AM

We stock them in quantity for 67-70 and 71-72 versions.
Part # 3276689 67-72 Shift Indicator Fiber Optic Cable
1967-72 Fiber Optic Cable for Chevy & GMC Automatic shift indicator pointers without tilt column. Excellent reproduction of the original, with terminals. Bulb socket with holder not included. Specify if 67-70, or 71-72 in cart. $20.00ea
https://gmcpauls.com/steering.htm
Paul Jr @ GMCPauls

**dennislbrooks** · 06-19-2020, 06:31 AM

As ddsmith has suggested, try cutting the ends as square as you can and supergluing . The strength of the glued joint is probably more importatnt than the straight cut. Straight cut makes a stronger joint. You have nothing to lose. All it is doing as said above is transmitting light. I used to splice communications fiber optics. At first we fused it together then they went with mechanical splices. Now use both.

A piece of shrink may help hold splice after but may not be necessary. 88 tape, vinyl electrical tape may aslo work for a cover.

Is it clear plastic or glass?

vitamin_c95 · 06-19-2020, 11:06 PM

This post was last posted in back in 03 btw. But Yeah, mine was cut too. I bought a new one, still no worky. I just count detent at night

**72afr** · 02-01-2021, 10:01 AM

Reviving a ridiculously old thread here, but I believe mine was cut when I got the truck. We swapped in a tach dash and looks like we forgot the socket needed to make the FO work. Does anyone know where I can track one down?

09-06-2003, 08:14 PM	#1
1970blazin Blazerless:-( Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Olympia WA Posts: 1,612	Cut fiber optic shift indicator wire! When the shift indicator got taken off of the steering column the wire got cut. Do I need to buy a new on of these? Does anyone know where I can get one, and/ or can I just patch these two wires together. (Sorry I don't know much about fiber optic wires) Thanks in advance for any help. Diane __________________ 1970blazin 1970 CST Blazer-Orig. Dark Blue-SOLD Progress Pics of Blazer for sale

09-06-2003, 08:37 PM	#2
nu2-72 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Amazonia, Mo. USA Posts: 2,821	Fiber optics are not really wires. They are glass/resin core like fiberglass/resin communication "wires". And it takes special tools to terminate and connect them. Time for a new one. I just pulled one today for the first time but think I am going to try and use it on a different column. Someone will have one here. __________________ 72 3/4 4x4 350 4spd 72 3/4 4x4 350 auto 2004 Duramax Silverado 4x4 2006 Duramax Crew cab 4x4 2010 Harley Ultra Limited 2011 Harley Street Glide

09-06-2003, 10:19 PM	#4
lukecp Formerly yellow72custom Join Date: May 2001 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 7,531	Call me stupid but.... You mean the shift indicator for a auto tranny in these trucks is illumiunated? Mine never worked and i haven't seen one that had, but i alwas wondered what that strange wire that wasn't copper was going from the steering collum to the dash was....learn something every day, lol. __________________ '72 Chevy C10 Mild 350/TH350/3.07. Ochre/White. Old high school ride. '70 GMC C2500 '62 327 4bbl/SM465/4.56-geared Dana 60. White/White. Project or parts truck. '97 Saturn SL DD. 1.9/5-speed. 40+ highway mpg

09-06-2003, 10:53 PM	#6
ddsmith Glowing since 1978 Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Lusby,MD,USA Posts: 532	These fiber optic wires are far from the quality required to transmit information that the new fiber optic cable have to. The only purpose of the original fiber optic cables was just to move the light from the dash light to the shift indicator. Corvettes used these type of wires to transmit the external light status to the dash in several late 60's to early 70's cars. You could try finding a replacement on a Corvette Parts web site I would think. I would think that with all the fiber optics in use now you could easily find a replacement cable. Digital audio optical cable could also be used for this I would think. Any experts out there have any input? __________________ 66 Chevy C30 Stakebody Dump, PS,PB, 327cu in 71 Corvette Coupe 454 4 speed 69 Chevy C20 Custom Camper

09-06-2003, 11:05 PM	#7
miket Registered User Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Seattle WA Posts: 1,466	They aren't that hard to come by and really all it is...is a fibre cable that runs up to a bulb socket in the back of your instrument panel....I believe you will need the whole thing...I believe the fibre optic piece is connected to the socket... I did a quick search on eaby but didn't come up with anything...someone on this board will have/find one. __________________ FocuzTech Performance Evergreen Protective Coatings Gatorhyde...the best kept secret in spray in bed lining & protection

09-06-2003, 10:04 PM	#3
Bryan68custom Registered User Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Denison, Tx. Posts: 189	I put a van column in my truck the fiber optic cable was broken ,so I bought a red LED light from radio shack and made it fit in the hole the lens diameter is (6mm) or 1/4 across you will have to trim it a little. it worked out really good. part # is 276-084

09-06-2003, 10:48 PM	#5
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,690	If you look at the older van columns (non-tilt) you'll find them oce in a while...early 70's vans. I find them once ina while and get 20 - 30 bucks each time.

09-06-2003, 11:10 PM	#8
nu2-72 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Amazonia, Mo. USA Posts: 2,821	Want a pic? __________________ 72 3/4 4x4 350 4spd 72 3/4 4x4 350 auto 2004 Duramax Silverado 4x4 2006 Duramax Crew cab 4x4 2010 Harley Ultra Limited 2011 Harley Street Glide

09-06-2003, 11:12 PM	#9
ddsmith Glowing since 1978 Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Lusby,MD,USA Posts: 532	I just looked on the web and found this http://www.zip-products.com/Corvette...B681E664C89597 It is designed to repair corvette fiber optics wires. Looking at this and knowing that the purpose of this line is to transmit light you may want to try and splice the line back together. I would get some shrink tubing that when it is fully contracted is slightly smaller than the fiber optic line. Slide the shrink tubing prior to shrinking over the fiber optic wire and slide the other piece of fiber optic wire in to butt against the other piece. Heat up the shrink tubing and it should grab tight and hold the pieces together. Make sure the fiber optic wires are butted tightly together to prevent the shrink tubing from blocking the light transfer from one wire piece to the other wire piece. Good luck. __________________ 66 Chevy C30 Stakebody Dump, PS,PB, 327cu in 71 Corvette Coupe 454 4 speed 69 Chevy C20 Custom Camper

09-06-2003, 11:22 PM	#10
miket Registered User Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Seattle WA Posts: 1,466	70 blazin: There are also two good sources for used parts within a reasonable drive from you....may want to get ahold of Wes or Frank... __________________ FocuzTech Performance Evergreen Protective Coatings Gatorhyde...the best kept secret in spray in bed lining & protection

09-07-2003, 08:41 AM	#11
jay6891 Car Knocker Join Date: May 2001 Location: jefferson,arkansas Posts: 664	I pulled a dash out of a 83 chevy last weekend and it had the fiber optic light in it also. I didn't follow it out so I don't know where it was going. Was heading off toward the ac controller or? You might find a replacement there. __________________ 68 c-10,91 sportside bed,350 .030 over,4 bolt,10-1 comp,2.05 intake/1.94 exhaust,1.6 Harland Sharp roller rockers,edelbrock rpm cam and intake w/750 carb, 700r4, 3.73 gears,Jacabbs Electronic Igntion w/Accel HEI distributer and super coil. ZR-1 roll pan, filled tailights. Blazer tank. Hidden hitch. 2 1/2" Flowmaster 40's. Parts bought but not installed>> ford 9" posi with disc. CCP front and rear lowering kit 4/5. Cab corners,foor boards,rockers, cab braces, Phatom grill, Painless wiring kit.

09-07-2003, 09:29 AM	#12
72MARIO Registered User Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Huntsville Ontario Canada Posts: 4,051	I am Lost. Never seen that when I took my truck apart. __________________ 1968 Suburban numbers matching all original truck now equipped with 6.0/4L80 on Accuair http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=625017 1967 C/20 6.0/4L80 Roofing Truck 1990 V2500 Suburban "Plow Truck" 2005 TAHOE DD

09-07-2003, 12:44 PM	#13
nu2-72 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Amazonia, Mo. USA Posts: 2,821	Here's one Here is the one that I have just finished cleaning up. Polished the plastic lens and shined up the black. And it works. Attached Images __________________ 72 3/4 4x4 350 4spd 72 3/4 4x4 350 auto 2004 Duramax Silverado 4x4 2006 Duramax Crew cab 4x4 2010 Harley Ultra Limited 2011 Harley Street Glide

09-07-2003, 05:41 PM	#14
TERRYP GYRO GEARLOOSE Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Nevada City, CAEverett, WA Posts: 361	Most 70's and 80's caddy's and old's had them to show light status on the front fenders, you see them everywhere. I used then to transmit taillights to inside of my panel, work real nice. __________________ Nevada City, CA Everett, Washington 57 3/4 rat, 235, 3spd 66 C-10 Panel, SWB. 350 from '68, 200R4 tranny, 3.07 rear ratio, restoring 68 C10 LWB 350 4spd, 4.56 rear dump runner 82 Camaro, 305, THM-200-R4 84 Monte Carlo 305 TH350, land tuna 85 Tercel SW, snow runner DISGRACED OUTLAW MEMBER OF THE DRUM BRAKE CLUB

09-07-2003, 08:03 PM	#15
Project1970 14.1 @ 96MPH Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Mesa, AZ Posts: 2,811	So that's what it looks like!!! I've been using the light from my tach to tell, it does a pretty good job. Speaking of which, I need to properly tap that in... __________________ Project1970 - LS1 Swap Complete!



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06-18-2020, 04:21 PM	#16
Majikbeer Registered User Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: San Diego CA Posts: 3	Re: Cut fiber optic shift indicator wire! Shift Indicator Fiber Optic Cable Sold as Each Part #: 7850 1967-1970 Chevy Truck or GMC Truck

06-19-2020, 04:43 AM	#17
GMCPaul Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Rockville,In. USA Posts: 3,722	Re: Cut fiber optic shift indicator wire! We stock them in quantity for 67-70 and 71-72 versions. Part # 3276689 67-72 Shift Indicator Fiber Optic Cable 1967-72 Fiber Optic Cable for Chevy & GMC Automatic shift indicator pointers without tilt column. Excellent reproduction of the original, with terminals. Bulb socket with holder not included. Specify if 67-70, or 71-72 in cart. $20.00ea https://gmcpauls.com/steering.htm Paul Jr @ GMCPauls __________________ Secure Online Catalog for-GMCPauls Truck Parts Email- GMCPAULS@GMAIL.COM

06-19-2020, 06:31 AM	#18
dennislbrooks Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Williamsburg, Ohio Posts: 1,798	Re: Cut fiber optic shift indicator wire! As ddsmith has suggested, try cutting the ends as square as you can and supergluing . The strength of the glued joint is probably more importatnt than the straight cut. Straight cut makes a stronger joint. You have nothing to lose. All it is doing as said above is transmitting light. I used to splice communications fiber optics. At first we fused it together then they went with mechanical splices. Now use both. A piece of shrink may help hold splice after but may not be necessary. 88 tape, vinyl electrical tape may aslo work for a cover. Is it clear plastic or glass? __________________ 1942 Chevy 1/2 ton Rod, 1959 GMC 1/2 ton Fleet Stepside, 1967 Chevy SWB K10, 1985 Corvette Coupe 4+3, 2015 Chevy Duramax reg cab 4WD W/T Last edited by dennislbrooks; 06-19-2020 at 08:41 AM. Reason: words

06-19-2020, 11:06 PM	#19
vitamin_c95 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2019 Location: So Cal, CA Posts: 108	Re: Cut fiber optic shift indicator wire! This post was last posted in back in 03 btw. But Yeah, mine was cut too. I bought a new one, still no worky. I just count detent at night __________________ 1971 C20 Longhorn 350/350 "Conquistador"

02-01-2021, 10:01 AM	#20
72afr Beep! Beep! Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Rural, MO Posts: 281	Re: Cut fiber optic shift indicator wire! Reviving a ridiculously old thread here, but I believe mine was cut when I got the truck. We swapped in a tach dash and looks like we forgot the socket needed to make the FO work. Does anyone know where I can track one down? __________________ 1972 Chevrolet C/10 shortbed, stepside, 350, HEI, Fire Engine Red, Black Interior, Former Army cargo transport 2003 Chevrolet 2500HD CC 6.0 4wd 2004 Jeep Rubicon some aftermarket stuff... 2019 Jeep Unlimited Rubicon (the wife's baby hauler)

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