Neutral safety switch ??
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 10
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Neutral safety switch ??
I'm working on a '72 coupe, 4-speed, w/o A/C. Need to know what all is involved in the neutral saftey switch set-up. I've got the assembly manual, and the service manual, but can't seem to figure out what all I need to acquire to hook it up. I believe there are a couple of purple wires involved, which I have located, but I don't know much else. I'm putting this car together from the point of a bare body on a completely restored chassis, including a similar to stock, non-matching engine and trans. Started w/NOTHING inside the car-- no wiring, etc. and about 25 boxes of parts, some for this car, and many more, not. So I'm at a bit of a disadvantage, and any help would be appreciated. Having a good time with it, but since I didn't take it apart, and have never even driven a vette before, it's been a real challenge!!
Thanks in advance,
TC
Thanks in advance,
TC
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 1,323
Likes: 3
From: I KNOW JESUS... HE'S MY GARDENER
There's a guy on E-Bay selling "blown up" multi-color wiring diagrams for our cars. Not sure of his ID, but if you do a search there you'll find 'em. Even though I don't have wiring issues (yet), I bought one just to have it. Highly recommended.
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 10
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Originally Posted by SkunkApe
There's a guy on E-Bay selling "blown up" multi-color wiring diagrams for our cars. Not sure of his ID, but if you do a search there you'll find 'em. Even though I don't have wiring issues (yet), I bought one just to have it. Highly recommended.
Thanks, SkunkApe. The wiring isn't the issue for me, here.....it's the hardware, and how it goes together, I have the wires located, but no parts, switch , whatever, to make it work. I need a brief description , in layman's terms, of what parts, how it works, etc.
Sorry if this should go in general instead of tech......it's become pretty darn tech for me..hehe
TC
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 1,323
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From: I KNOW JESUS... HE'S MY GARDENER
Any of the Corvette vendors will have a repro neutral safety switch available in their catalogs.
My neutral safety switch ('74 auto) is a half-moon looking thing with terminals/wires on it that mounts under the center console (right side of the tranny hump). I do believe that the auto version is different than the manual version, though...
I know mine connects to the ignition system and has another circuit that connects to the transmission and/or the back-up lights.
My neutral safety switch ('74 auto) is a half-moon looking thing with terminals/wires on it that mounts under the center console (right side of the tranny hump). I do believe that the auto version is different than the manual version, though...
I know mine connects to the ignition system and has another circuit that connects to the transmission and/or the back-up lights.
Last edited by SkunkApe; May 30, 2005 at 10:38 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 5,714
Likes: 6
From: Silver City NM
St. Jude Donor '05-'07
Originally Posted by tommcatt
Thanks, SkunkApe. The wiring isn't the issue for me, here.....it's the hardware, and how it goes together, I have the wires located, but no parts, switch , whatever, to make it work. I need a brief description , in layman's terms, of what parts, how it works, etc.
Sorry if this should go in general instead of tech......it's become pretty darn tech for me..hehe
TC
Sorry if this should go in general instead of tech......it's become pretty darn tech for me..hehe
TC
Just e-mail or PM me with your e-mail address.
Dep
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 2,008
Likes: 38
From: Space Coast Gator Territory
Dr Rebuild shows a harness for the neutral safety switch in wiring harness index. It is not shown on page 92 as indicated. You might want to call them on availability, they have been purdy good with me.
http://www.docrebuild.com/dr-r-web/INDEXX.HTML
http://www.docrebuild.com/dr-r-web/INDEXX.HTML
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,146
Likes: 10
From: Scottsboro Alabama
Those pics from Dep will certainly help. Locating a clutch neutral safety switch might be difficult, at least for a resonable cost. I bought one from Gary Gruhala a few weeks ago for $25.00. I do remember he said he had 4 or 5 at that time. You could make your own switch rod but Paragon might have these too. Gary's # 636-586-3909.........good luck! 
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 10
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Originally Posted by Older Than Dirt
Those pics from Dep will certainly help. Locating a clutch neutral safety switch might be difficult, at least for a resonable cost. I bought one from Gary Gruhala a few weeks ago for $25.00. I do remember he said he had 4 or 5 at that time. You could make your own switch rod but Paragon might have these too. Gary's # 636-586-3909.........good luck!
Thanks for the help. May be giving Gary a call.
TC
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Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 10
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Originally Posted by DJ Dep
Tomm: I have a complete stick shift pedal assemby with the switch attached laying in my garage waiting for a sandblasting. I can e-mail you pictures of the neutral saftey switch setup that's on it. It's complete.
Just e-mail or PM me with your e-mail address.
Dep
Just e-mail or PM me with your e-mail address.
Dep
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 10
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Originally Posted by Red 69
Dr Rebuild shows a harness for the neutral safety switch in wiring harness index. It is not shown on page 92 as indicated. You might want to call them on availability, they have been purdy good with me.
http://www.docrebuild.com/dr-r-web/INDEXX.HTML
http://www.docrebuild.com/dr-r-web/INDEXX.HTML
I want to check out the good Dr., but they won't ship to an address other than my home(credit card billing addy) . I'm building this car as a surprise grad gift for my wife, who just got her BS in nursing at age....well, better just say we have a married daughter, a HS grad, and an 8th grader......and I have been having parts shipped to a friend's shop to keep the secret secure. However, the grad present has turned into a B-day, or maybe even X-mas present.....hehe.....
Thanks for the help, though
TC
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 5,714
Likes: 6
From: Silver City NM
St. Jude Donor '05-'07
TC: Pictures are on the way. Sorry I took so long. Switch is availalble from some of the Corvette catalog sellers. Rod may be more difficult to find but MAY be possible to build one yourself.
Dep
Dep
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 19,610
Likes: 778
From: Forked River NJ
If you have purple wires by the console it might have been an automatic car. A stick car will have the purple wires going to the clutch pedal switch only. There is no neutral switch on a 4 speed car. It will start in any gear as long as the clutch is pushed in.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 5,714
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From: Silver City NM
St. Jude Donor '05-'07
Originally Posted by Gordonm
If you have purple wires by the console it might have been an automatic car. A stick car will have the purple wires going to the clutch pedal switch only. There is no neutral switch on a 4 speed car. It will start in any gear as long as the clutch is pushed in.
Dep
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 19,610
Likes: 778
From: Forked River NJ
Yes you are right. I spoke to soon on this. The two cars just use different extension harnesses.
I think if he has the harness that is right in the console and none at the pedals it would be an auto car or had an auto in it at one time. Mine has always been a 4 speed car and there is no sign of the purple wires being in the console. The neutral switch just plugs into the harness as would the wires from the auto switch. Am I correct on this?
I think if he has the harness that is right in the console and none at the pedals it would be an auto car or had an auto in it at one time. Mine has always been a 4 speed car and there is no sign of the purple wires being in the console. The neutral switch just plugs into the harness as would the wires from the auto switch. Am I correct on this?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 5,714
Likes: 6
From: Silver City NM
St. Jude Donor '05-'07
Originally Posted by Gordonm
Yes you are right. I spoke to soon on this. The two cars just use different extension harnesses.
I think if he has the harness that is right in the console and none at the pedals it would be an auto car or had an auto in it at one time. Mine has always been a 4 speed car and there is no sign of the purple wires being in the console. The neutral switch just plugs into the harness as would the wires from the auto switch. Am I correct on this?
I think if he has the harness that is right in the console and none at the pedals it would be an auto car or had an auto in it at one time. Mine has always been a 4 speed car and there is no sign of the purple wires being in the console. The neutral switch just plugs into the harness as would the wires from the auto switch. Am I correct on this?
Dep
Advanced
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 99
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From: Lincolnton NC
I'm currently "in process" (long,long, process) of scrutnizing the final details (so many) in preparation to switch my 81 auto to an 80-71 4 speed. (trans is 71 muncie, bellhousing etc and driveshaft are out of an 80) 
ANYWAYyy, the switch is located on the clutch pedal. The back up switch is located on the side of the 4speed tranny.
the automatic has them linked together on the shifter in the center console. I'll have to piece together the harness from the switch to the other end presently beside the auto shifter. I don't particularily want a clutch safety switch so I can start in any gear by pushing the clutch in. good luck, jim
ANYWAYyy, the switch is located on the clutch pedal. The back up switch is located on the side of the 4speed tranny.the automatic has them linked together on the shifter in the center console. I'll have to piece together the harness from the switch to the other end presently beside the auto shifter. I don't particularily want a clutch safety switch so I can start in any gear by pushing the clutch in. good luck, jim
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 10
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Originally Posted by Gordonm
Yes you are right. I spoke to soon on this. The two cars just use different extension harnesses.
I think if he has the harness that is right in the console and none at the pedals it would be an auto car or had an auto in it at one time. Mine has always been a 4 speed car and there is no sign of the purple wires being in the console. The neutral switch just plugs into the harness as would the wires from the auto switch. Am I correct on this?
I think if he has the harness that is right in the console and none at the pedals it would be an auto car or had an auto in it at one time. Mine has always been a 4 speed car and there is no sign of the purple wires being in the console. The neutral switch just plugs into the harness as would the wires from the auto switch. Am I correct on this?
The car is a 4-speed car, but the harness may or may not be. I had to trace, and repair a used harness. I had the two purple wires up behind the dash, but no connector, and the wires down under the console. So, that being the case, will I need to jump across the console connectors for it to work, or will the connection be made by the switch up on the clutch pedal? May end up being a trial and error thing.....
TC
Racer
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 339
Likes: 1
From: San Diego CA
Yes, the dash main harness is set up for both transmission types.
There are two connectors for the purple wires. They are wired in parallel, so when either one is connected, it works. For the 4-spd, the connector is under the driver's dash, and it connects to the clutch pedal switch. For automatic, it's under the center console, and it hooks up to the shifter.
My '71 has the factory 4-spd in it, and has the connector at the clutch switch, but under the console, another purple connector is laying there, taped back on itself, presumably taped at the factory.
There are two connectors for the purple wires. They are wired in parallel, so when either one is connected, it works. For the 4-spd, the connector is under the driver's dash, and it connects to the clutch pedal switch. For automatic, it's under the center console, and it hooks up to the shifter.
My '71 has the factory 4-spd in it, and has the connector at the clutch switch, but under the console, another purple connector is laying there, taped back on itself, presumably taped at the factory.
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Jan 2005
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Originally Posted by 71SoCal
Yes, the dash main harness is set up for both transmission types.
There are two connectors for the purple wires. They are wired in parallel, so when either one is connected, it works. For the 4-spd, the connector is under the driver's dash, and it connects to the clutch pedal switch. For automatic, it's under the center console, and it hooks up to the shifter.
My '71 has the factory 4-spd in it, and has the connector at the clutch switch, but under the console, another purple connector is laying there, taped back on itself, presumably taped at the factory.
There are two connectors for the purple wires. They are wired in parallel, so when either one is connected, it works. For the 4-spd, the connector is under the driver's dash, and it connects to the clutch pedal switch. For automatic, it's under the center console, and it hooks up to the shifter.
My '71 has the factory 4-spd in it, and has the connector at the clutch switch, but under the console, another purple connector is laying there, taped back on itself, presumably taped at the factory.
TC
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 5,943
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From: Wildwood IL
Originally Posted by jimbow
I don't particularily want a clutch safety switch so I can start in any gear by pushing the clutch in. good luck, jim
My car (72 converted auto to 4-speed) ) has both N/safety connectors sticking out of the harness. I removed the auto safety switch near the shifter, connected the purple wires together so the car would start. Installed the clutch safety switch, and thought I could just plug into the connector under the dash. Didn't work. Haven't done anything since cause I want to drive it!!!
Check Doc Rebuild for the switch rod.
Eddie