The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The Electrical Bay Reverse Light Switch for 66 c20 4 Speed

Hi All,

I am missing a reverse-backup light switch for Ol Green, my 66 c20. On top of the SM420 4 speed there is a sheet metal bracket and a cast metal rocker-arm looking bracket with a allen set-screw on the shifter arm. It looks like some type of switch mounted in the metal bracket and the arm would activate the switch when shifted into reverse. Does anyone know what this switch looks like? I need to come up with something that will work. I looked through past threads and did not find any active links. Thanks.

JC,

I did some digging around, and it appears the only year that came from the factory with a backup switch was the '67. Does the linkage on yours look homemade.?

There are a million normally open switches made that would work. How about a old AD Chevrolet brake light switch. Without seeing the way the mechanism is put together, it's a tough one to recommend anything.

Stuart

The backup lamps were still an option pre-'66. The basic kit as far as the mounting goes should be that same as what was used on the '55-'59, especially from the description of the mount you give. It's the same as what came in my backup lamp kit. It's basically a momentary normally off switch. I don't think an AD brake light switch (lever activated) will work. You'll need one that has a button on it. I'll see if I can post a pic of mine so you can see what it looks like.

The topic of a backup light switch for the sm420 4 spd is brought up every two years or so. You just have to do a search like I just did. I have a sm465 in my '67 so it was never an issue for me.
In this first thread look for the post from "gmc248" at the bottom of the page and again on the 2nd. He has pictures of the original.
'66 switch


On the next two threads, cmayna tells about a source for info and his own modification to put a switch directly into the top cover.
links
His own mods (his first post, at top of page)

Thanks for the replies. I saw the posted links that were active, but the configuration is not what I am seeing on the top of my SM420.

I am going to run a momentary switch off an old electric guitar amplifier's footswitch to make it work against the rocker arm bracket. I'll post a pic when it is done.

The pic I posted is what the switch itself looks like. The same switch is used for both 3 peed column shifted and 4 speed floor shifted trannies. The only difference is the mounting bracket.

My AD never had a back up switch, but I plan on adding back up lights with a manual switch. I suppose you could do the same. Another advantage to a manual switch if you use aftermarket driving lights like I'm going to do is that you can switch them on while driving if some road rager is flashing his brights at you.

I lived in Denver, where such road ragers are an everyday occurance, and they get mad with a slow AD truck is in their way.