I had my tranny switched from a M-20 to an M-21 a while back. The problem is is that the white reverse lights worked before with the older tranny but they do not work now with the M-21.

Since I didn't do the tranny swap I have looked for the wiring that goes to the reverse lights. Can't find it.

Am I missing something here? Does anybody know if the reverse lights are connected to the tranny or is there another way to make the reverse lights work? What would cause them not to work?

Thanks
Kissel-

 

You'll have better luck with this on "Classic Tech"....

Moving.....

 

I know that on my 68 the back up lights are controlled by the netural safety switch, located in the center console - incorparted into the horse shoe shifter. You may want to take a look at the shifter area - perhaps the connection got disconnected when the tranny got swapped.

Hope this helps.

 

The switch on a '69 is on the steering column. There should be a activation rod that connects the reverse lever on the transmission to a lever on the steering column. Look to see if that rod is there. If it is, it probably needs to be adjusted. You can tell if the rod is connected if you check the collar on the steering column. That collar is ahead of the turn signal stalk. That collar should turn when you put the transmission in reverse or take it out of reverse. If it does not turn, the rod is not connected or it is missing. If the rod is missing you can turn the back up lights on by rotating that collar.

 

Well I thought that the ring that you are talking about was for the reverse lockout. So that when you started the car it had to be in reverse gear, clutch in, otherwise it would not start. I have to check my old shifter.

The car is a four speed and maybe there is a possibility that the reverse rod is still attached to the old shifter.

It would make sense what you are saying about the lights being associated with the reverse collar on the column. Have to check it out and see. I do know that the reverse rod is not connected at this time

getting closer......

kissel-

 

Yeah, I'm pretty sure the reverse lockout on the steering column also controls the backup lights. That's why those parts are worth some money to people restoring their cars to original, everybody tossed the reverse rod when they upgraded their shifter.

 

There is a switch on the steering column that is for the backup lights with the rod . Be aware if you get a new switch , there are two kinds of switches. I'm pretty sure its one for tilt wheel columns and one for standard columns. By the way my backup lights didn't work - it was the switch.
Good luck Dan

 

Well I finally figured out what is going on. There was no linkage on my old shifter, unfortunately. After looking at my current setup, I don't think that I will have the lights be able to work because the Hedman headers won't allow it (clearance). I could have a rod made but it is not cost effective.


Thanks for everybody's help on this one....

Kissel-