Is this a backup light switch?

[Lugnutz65]

I'm sorting out a minor wiring rats nest in a 1963 short fleet I have. It's a 1963 Custom C10 and from what I can tell, it had back up lights. The housings are there but the lenses and such are long gone.

So I'm under the steering column looking at wires. There is a switch on the underside of the steering column (second pic) and my guess is that it's a factory backup switch for a 3 speed column shift truck.

Anyone else have one?

[ray_mcavoy]

Yes, that is a factory switch for the backup lights. It should have 2 terminals ... one that's connected to +12V from the fuse box and the other that connects to the lights.

[Blue666(2)]

I have not ever seen a column mounted reverse switch for any trans except automatics. Looks easy to take off and inspect further or test for function.

The orange wire lights - worked a U Haul many years ago, we sold those for people who did not want to install a tow light harness. Older cars generally did not have a easy to remove plug for rear lights. The extra tabs, allowed easy connection to magnetic light sets or a trailer connection.

[LostMy65]

Originally Posted by ray_mcavoy

Yes, that is a factory switch for the backup lights. It should have 2 terminals ... one that's connected to +12V from the fuse box and the other that connects to the lights.

Factory?
Perhaps a dealer option?

[ray_mcavoy]

Originally Posted by LostMy65

Factory?
Perhaps a dealer option?

They were factory on 1966 & newer trucks. And I believe a factory option on earlier years (maybe dealer installed too). The style of switch shown in Lugnutz65's post is specific to column shift 3-speeds.

[Lugnutz65]

My 63 is about 95% original. Has a transplanted 1971 inline 250. Was repainted at one time. Has several factory upgrades. So I'm guessing the backup lights were factory installed, but it really doesn't matter. I don't have a build sheet, so the point is moot.

Truck has:
Windshield washer squirting things.
Custom trim

But . . . .
No A/C
No PS
No Brake Booster

[65chevysub]

My old 65 Chevy II Nova had the column mounted backup light switch, but it was on top of the column. Had a devil of a time trying to find a replacement switch for these 3 speeds.

[chtr65]

LUGNUTZ, Did you get your problem sorted out? I believe I have a NOS back up switch for your truck. I will try to dig it out.

[Lugnutz65]

Originally Posted by chtr65

LUGNUTZ, Did you get your problem sorted out? I believe I have a NOS back up switch for your truck. I will try to dig it out.

Thanks for the offer. I won't need a new switch since I don't plan on repairing the back up lights. I'm still working on getting the wiring for the brake lights sorted out.

[aerotruk63]

Same switch 3spd and auto.
Passenger car and truck were the same.
Dealer installed accessory.

[LostMy65]

Originally Posted by aerotruk63

Dealer installed accessory.

That's what I thought.