79 4spd back up light
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 6,247
Likes: 471
From: Glen Allen, VA
79 4spd back up light
Can anyone confirm what the shape if the rod that goes from the switch to the reverse bracket is? In my AIM and service manual, it shows the rod as being straight. I have picked one up from Zip and it is bent on one end at about a 15 degree angle. I've been trying for several years to get my back up lights working correctly, and this is the 2nd or 3rd rod I've gotten from Zip and all were bent exactly the same. There was no switch or related components on my car when i bought it, so I have no point of reference. KapsSA, how about your 79, or anyone else with an untouched 79 4 spd? 
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 12,631
Likes: 3,100
From: Shamong, NJ
That looks like the right rod to me. AIM and Shop Manual illustrations, often vary slightly in appearance, from actual parts. These illustrations aren't meant to be used to identify parts, but instead to indicate there installation. Even the factory parts book's illustrations, often vary in appearance, from the actual parts.
All 75-81 4 speed Corvettes used the same rod, switch and bracket.
Which trans and shifter, do you have? The original trans was a Borg-Warner Super T-10, though some 78-79's had Saginaw's. Either way, they both used the same switch, etc. Muncie's and early T-10's, used a completely different bracket, switch and rod. Aftermarket shifters (Hurst, etc.), are usually designed to work with stock back-up lamp switches, but I can't say that this is always the case.
If the switch and rod were missing, who knows what else may have been changed by a previous owner.
All 75-81 4 speed Corvettes used the same rod, switch and bracket.
Which trans and shifter, do you have? The original trans was a Borg-Warner Super T-10, though some 78-79's had Saginaw's. Either way, they both used the same switch, etc. Muncie's and early T-10's, used a completely different bracket, switch and rod. Aftermarket shifters (Hurst, etc.), are usually designed to work with stock back-up lamp switches, but I can't say that this is always the case.
If the switch and rod were missing, who knows what else may have been changed by a previous owner.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 3,223
Likes: 666
From: Northeast
If you look in Dr. Rebuild's catalog he says the 75-81 switch rod has been discontinued. Substitute 68-73 rod- heat & bend as required.
If you go to Ecklers site, it looks like they sell a straight one:http://www.ecklerscorvette.com/corve...1975-1981.html
Also, according to Ecklers the bent one appears to be for a Muncie.
If you go to Ecklers site, it looks like they sell a straight one:http://www.ecklerscorvette.com/corve...1975-1981.html
Also, according to Ecklers the bent one appears to be for a Muncie.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 6,247
Likes: 471
From: Glen Allen, VA
Ok, I didn't think to mention, I do have a Hurst shifter, but I assumed the bracket that the reverse rod attaches to was original. I do have the original BW ST10 trans. John65, the rod I bought was exactly like your picture. KapsSA, yours looks dead straight to me. yours is the most original 79 I know of, and I really appreciate you taking the time to get that picture for me. I think that the reverse bracket on the side of my trans is exactly the same as yours, by your picture. Does anyone think the Hurst shifter would make any difference?
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Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 6,247
Likes: 471
From: Glen Allen, VA
Thank you again KapsSA. The reverse rod bracket you show is definitely the same as what's on my car. I won't be able to get back on it 'till next week, as the car is at an indoor car show all weekend.
