47-55.1 Final wiring dilemma .......maybe

[TX3100Guy]

Thank you all for your advice and assistance to date on my wiring questions. This one isn't really a wiring question as much as it is a question on how to implement the use of two new wires in my American Autowire wiring harness.

As you all know, the 1953 truck didn't have backup lights, but I always intended to implement them and have devised a backup light solution to make that happen. (see pics below)

I've installed a Grote LED tail/turn/brake/backup lens into a motorcycle fog light bucket. However, my GM 4 speed transmission doesn't have a backup light switch and so far I've been unable to find one that was designed for this transmission. Given the hot rod nature of this truck given the previous owners design of the floor shifter, I can't find anything that will work on it either.

Below are a photo of the transmission linkage (and I've pointed out the reverse linkage) and the floor shifter. I'm open to any great ideas that you guys have on how I can integrate a backup light switch. Alternatively, if you are aware of a backup light switch kit that can be installed on this transmission, please let me know.

[Hcb3200]

For those of us not 100% up to speed.
Exactly what transmission are you running?

[TX3100Guy]

Originally Posted by Hcb3200

For those of us not 100% up to speed.
Exactly what transmission are you running?

It is a GM Saginaw 4 speed transmission, as best I can tell from comparing pictures online. Here are a few more photos of it.

[Hcb3200]

I would just put a micro switch on a bracked mounted to those two bolts below your arrow on first picture and if you shift reverse it engages the micro switch.
OR disengages (which turns on backup) depending on how the lever moves.

There are lokar and other brands who do something like this on automatics for netural / park switches and reverse etc.

Lokar example bracket attached.

[Hcb3200]

You could also do something with position in cab but that a lot of extra stuff and wires to get kicked bumped and broken.

[Hcb3200]

Found another site online that has PICTURES. Seems that gm even had a switch and linkage for it.
https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/...inkage.957909/

[Tempest67]

I use a switch like this on my Muncie.

This switch has a rod (coat hanger) that attaches to a hole in the reverse lever.

When put in reverse, it completes the circuit, and the lights come on, take it out of reverse, the lever 'swings' and breaks the circuit.

Hope the pics help

[Tempest67]

here is one on ebay (I hope the link works)


https://www.ebay.com/itm/25305572080...Bk9SR8zE79zyYQ

[TX3100Guy]

Originally Posted by Tempest67

here is one on ebay (I hope the link works)


https://www.ebay.com/itm/25305572080...Bk9SR8zE79zyYQ

I just bought that exact one on JEGS. Thank you.

[mr48chev]

That's going to take the least amount of fabricating and probably be far less trouble when all is said and done.

There is a mounting kit for that switch if you have a muncie. There is probably a mounting kit for a Saginaw 4 speed if you have one too. https://www.camarocentral.com/1967_1..._p/das-299.htm

Or at least the photos of the pieces might get the fabricating brain entergised.

[TX3100Guy]

Originally Posted by mr48chev

That's going to take the least amount of fabricating and probably be far less trouble when all is said and done.

There is a mounting kit for that switch if you have a muncie. There is probably a mounting kit for a Saginaw 4 speed if you have one too. https://www.camarocentral.com/1967_1..._p/das-299.htm

Or at least the photos of the pieces might get the fabricating brain entergised.

As it turns out, after buying it online at JEGS, I recalled a local business called Firewheel Classics that sells parts for Camaros and other GM muscle cars. Rather than wait a week for processing and shipping I drove out to Firewheel and bought the switch and harness. While there, the owner politely asked me if I wanted/needed the bracket to mount it to a Muncie transmission. After looking at the bracket, I thought it might also fit the Saginaw that I have, so I bought it too.

Here is a photo of it mounted already (five minute after I got home). I still will need to fashion a connecting rod from the switch to the reverse shift bracket, but that will be a piece of cake. Thanks to everyone that suggested this switch, not only will it work, the bracket for the Muncie fits perfectly.

[Tempest67]

that is good to hear,

I don't know if you can see in my pics, but drill a hole in your reverse gear lever, and attach a wire (coat hanger) with a bend on both ends,(similar to door lock and latch rods in a door)


Glad it worked out for you.

[TX3100Guy]

Originally Posted by Tempest67

that is good to hear,

I don't know if you can see in my pics, but drill a hole in your reverse gear lever, and attach a wire (coat hanger) with a bend on both ends,(similar to door lock and latch rods in a door)


Glad it worked out for you.

Excellent, I will exactly that!

[Rickysnickers]

Originally Posted by TX3100Guy

As it turns out, after buying it online at JEGS, I recalled a local business called Firewheel Classics that sells parts for Camaros and other GM muscle cars. Rather than wait a week for processing and shipping I drove out to Firewheel and bought the switch and harness. While there, the owner politely asked me if I wanted/needed the bracket to mount it to a Muncie transmission. After looking at the bracket, I thought it might also fit the Saginaw that I have, so I bought it too.

Here is a photo of it mounted already (five minute after I got home). I still will need to fashion a connecting rod from the switch to the reverse shift bracket, but that will be a piece of cake. Thanks to everyone that suggested this switch, not only will it work, the bracket for the Muncie fits perfectly.

Attachment 2267655

Always nice when you can support your local stores

[TX3100Guy]

Originally Posted by Tempest67

that is good to hear,

I don't know if you can see in my pics, but drill a hole in your reverse gear lever, and attach a wire (coat hanger) with a bend on both ends,(similar to door lock and latch rods in a door)


Glad it worked out for you.

It took me three tries to get the length and shape correct, but as they say "the third time is a charm". I used a welding rod and put my home made continuity tester (nine volt battery and an annoying buzzer with test leads attached). I didn't need to drill a hole in the reverse bracket, I was able to attach it to the threaded rod with a jam nut. In reverse a loud annoying buzzer, out of gear peaceful silence. Tried it multiple times and it worked each time. Thanks for the photos and advice.

[Tempest67]

perfect, glad it worked well for you.


now, on to the next task.......... the life of a restoration

[TX3100Guy]

Originally Posted by Tempest67

perfect, glad it worked well for you.


now, on to the next task.......... the life of a restoration

Yep. One down, hundreds to go.

[Hcb3200]

You know the best part of this thread. The creator actually replied with the outcome with pictures. Sooooo much better than the thread that get started and the creator goes radio silent after they fix the issue without telling anyone or does something completely different.
Super shout out to TX3100Guy and his great work and followup.