SM420 Reverse (Backup) Light Switch

[mobrien699]

What’s the best part of being quarantined at home?! ...finally having time to rebuild my SM420! My ‘66 Suburban has reverse lights; however, the factory reverse switch is missing and it seems to be just about impossible to source. Question to the group, has anyone successfully replicated the factory reverse switch using components that are readily available? I would love for my reverse lights to be operational without using a toggle switch!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[tbucketnut]

Hello, the best way around this problem is to scour the bone yards and ebay looking for a top cover from a 1967 Sm420. It has a factory backup switch incorporated in it, not the cheasy dealer add on that found their way into many 60-66 Chev/GMCs. Unfortunately the 1967 sm420 was the last year put into trucks so it will be a rare find but they're out there. I came across one last year that will be going into my 64. Slow load on the picture but worth the wait.
Steve

[AZKen]

I have thought about it over the years because the originals are hens teeth. It really would not be too difficult.

In general:
1. One momentary N/O push button switch.
2. Bracket for switch, welded to shifter retainer cup.
3. Actuator made from a set screw shaft collar with a paddle/lever welded to it.