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When I bought my 68, it didn't have the correct rear filler panel with the backup lights. After a year or so of looking, I was fortunate to find an original 68 rear panel with the lights and lenses. I gave it to my body guy to paint and I installed it a few weeks ago. I installed new bulbs and was thrilled to see that both lights lit up. Not only did they light up in reverse, they also lit up in neutral and 1st through 4th gear (yes it's a 4-speed manual...Muncie). Oh well, so much for being thrilled. I'm guessing it's a switch issue, but (this is where I start feeling stupid) for the life of me I cannot find the backup light switch on the tranny. Everything I read tells me it's on the left/drivers side of the tranny, but I can find it. Is it above the crossmember? Hidden behind the exhaust pipes? Only accessible from the top side (pull shift console and go in through the tunnel)? I feel like and idiot that I can't find it. Maybe it isn't there. I think I found the wiring harness in the engine compartment, but this is driving me nuts. Looking for any help you can offer and pictures will be HUGELY helpful! Thanks!
From: Lincoln NE Riding and Driving Corvettes since 1967.
It is only accessed from the bottom, drivers side. There is a tiny metal rod that attaches the reverse linkage to the switch - that rod is what moves the switch to make electrical connection that completes the circuit and turn the reverse lights on. The switch has about a 3 foot green/pink 2 wire lead that goes up the firewall and plugs into the engine harness, close to the wiper motor.
The switch is attached to the trans side plate on a bracket. The switch being attached to that bracket has 2 screws that you loosen and move the switch forward or backward so that it adjusts to turn on the lights when the reverse shift linkage pushes the little rod.
Also, if installed correctly, there will be a small (1 × 2 inch) metal shield that protects the switch from road debris.
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Look for 2 wires that should come out of your fire wall and down to the tranny on the drivers side. The wires should be pink and green. I'm guessing the PO didn't hook it up or disconnected it and tucked in in some where.
These are pics of when I installed mine from underneath. I included them all to help you install yours if you find it somehere else or its there whith out the linkage
Last edited by Rescue Rogers; Jul 8, 2017 at 07:20 AM.
Thanks folks! Hoping to get back under the car tomorrow to see what I can see. I couldn't find it the other day, but laying on my back on the garage floor when it's 90 degrees isn't the best circumstance. I didn't see the switch, but need to look again. The pics and description are a huge help, thanks!
1968 (early) Backup Light Switch
