VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND NEWER 1946-1948 Reverse Light Switch

Hi everyone,

I tried using the search function, but I could not find an answer to my question. I am in the process of getting everything needed for a reverse light on my 48. I have the Guide B-31 light, the pedestal, CoF sells the wiring harness, but I could not find a switch that is activated when you put the car in reverse. Some have used a separate switch that they activate manually from inside car. I would like to find a switch that works when the car is placed in reverse. Anyone have a source for a switch? Are there substitutes for a NOS switch? Any help or guidance is appreciated. Thanks for taking the time to read this.

Tony

The proper switch is operated by the shift linkage. From what I have see they are next to impossble to find. There have been quires abouth this before.

NOS switch...? Not sure what you mean...The car didn't roll out of the factory with a back-up light...I know of at least two brands of switch's available that bolt on the the steering column under the hood and attach to linkage. I found them on eBay...Check for them in the '46 and '47 sections as well...One was a cable type that was still new in the box...It was only about $20 bucks...Good luck with your search...

NOS mmeans new old stock from the parts department.

If a NEW 1948 GM back up switch were found, part # 1997902, it would be considered a N.O.S. part.

As an accessory part, switch was still supplied by GM.

I was just trying to bring his lofty ambitions down gently, Gene.
I was lucky enough to find an NOS...He might have the same luck...I would try the eBay alert setting, so when one is listed he immediately gets an email that the item is available...saves time...

I have a couple NOS switches..I have never got them to work just perfectly,the switch will tend to pick up 2 gear as well..It is easy to disengage the switch and I keep it that way most the time...I mess around with it from time to time but have not been able to find the sweet spot..The back up light is kind of on my priority list

I know of two but they're mounted under the dash.

Fabricate one with parts from a hardware store.
Two cyclone fence type clamps, a normally 'off' 15-20A momentary contact switch, two bolts, nuts and lock washers.

Or look for a universal switch from Fulton et.al.

Thanks for all the replies and help on this. I may need to do some type of set up like Boardwalk25's illustration. Failing that, then some sort of toggle switch under the dash may be in order.

Tony

Get together with Bruce, maybe he will let go of a switch and maybe you can help him figure out how to adjust his just right. As one '48 Aero to another '48 Aero. After all, you guys are neighbors, right???

The problem I worry about with a switch under the dash is forgetting to turn it off, after backing up...You may be listening to the radio/talking to the spouse/girlfriend...Have to take your hand off the switch to make the turn...Next thing you know you're being pulled over by the po-po for driving with a white light in back, while moving forward...Geez, I forgot to look on the shielf while in the "country" this week for the brand names of the two I had...Bruce...Are you using the cable type...? That looks like the hardest to adjust right...

I opted to install a toggle switch, with a longer lever.

Switch is mounted in such a way, that the "forward position", meaning towards the radiator is off, while the position aiming towards the rear of the car, is the on position.

So, with the toggle lever pointing towards the rear of the car, the back up lights are on.

Works for me.

Tony, here is a link to where Bruce was asking about his 2 years ago.
reverse light switch

Sorry TeeZee,can't give up the switch at this time. It is NOS and took a long time to find...maybe we will hook up at a show this summer

Keep your eye open. Search on eBay with all kinds of descriptions. IE: Stop light Switch, Back up Switch, don't just search for 1946-47-48 Back up Light Switch. Keep a picture handy of what the switch looks like.

There's TWO 49-54 switches on there now but I think you'd have to do some surgery and fabricate a new support bracket.

381200146979 Less than hour to go

221668250211

Thanks to everyone for the additional follow ups and replies. It is most appreciated!

Bruce: I hope to see you at some the local car shows this spring and summer. I will be at the Fenders on Front Street in Issaquah and the Return to Renton car show for sure.

Ruscar: Thanks for the link to Bruce's early post. I did not see it on my earlier search in the VCCA site. And yes, Bruce and I are in the same vicinity in Seattle.

VCCA Son and Boardwalk25: I'll keep looking for a switch on ebay or try to fabricate one to work. I am aware that original switches are rarer than hen's teeth.

Tony

Bruce; Let me know if you get it figured out. I got the same problem. I figure it keeps the tailgater back a little when it put it in 2nd and the backup light comes on.

dick

Gene: can you enlighten Bruce & I on how to adjust backup light switch so it does not light up in second gear ??