what to do about the neutral switch

Help, If anyone has any ideas for installing a neutral switch.I don't want to install a floor shifter on my turbo 350.I just installed a 72 Chevrolet steering column with column shift.After noticing no neutral switch or any place to mount one on the column.Has anyone ran into this problem.Any after market kits available.or any ideas for solving the problem.The project is a 1932 Reo Coupe.Thanks Ralph

 

You could mount a micro switch on the actual shift arm on the trans. Just build a bracket that positions the switch so it closes when the trans is in park.

 

That would be easy , but it also needs to be started in neutral.That could be a temporary solution , until I figure something out.

 

I would get another column ...

I like to use a tilt column from a mid 70's Chevy/GMC van. They have the neutral start switch and the also have the gear shift indicator built it. They also do not have the ugly key in them.

 

lokar makes a neutral safety switch that bolts to the th350 , starts in park and neutral

 

Ron Francis has a few. He was the first with a pan mounted kit IIRC. It worked great 30 years ago and I ***ume it still does.

 

Yes, Ron Francis has one that works off the shaft for the shifter. Floor shifter or anything. Uses the standard GM switch on a bracket and linkage.

 

All of the GM's I have seen from the sixties and seventies had nuetral switches on top of the column near the firewall. Maybe yours had one and was taken off? The switch usually incorporates the backup light switch also. I am rewireing my '70 short bed right now and it also has the same style switch. I would check a few junk yards.

 

Thanks for the responds, I'll check out Ron Francis Wiring. My column is from a mid 70's van, NO neutral switch hole on the column.Doesn't have the key switch either.I've used these columns on my last 2 rods that I've built and there was a neutral s.switch/backup opening on the column.This one is solid with no openings.These column are getting very hard to find.Most junk yards around Houston area don't have older vehicles.

 

You may be able to have something fitted to your existing column, I would try calling a column manufacturer such as Ididit, they are real helpful, they may be able to help you retrofit something.

 

Simple job to add the stock GM one. The inner shift tube just has a 90 degree bent up piece of heavy sheetmetal that sticks upwards. Then the switch mounts on a rectangular hole right above that bent up tab.

The tabs fits into a fork on the switch.


Just add a welded tab, cut the hole, drill 2 screw holes.

 

I used a pan mount one that I got from Summit . Starts in park and neutral . Worked out pretty slick.

 

I have been using the Lokar switch for ten years with out problems.

Joe

 

Thanks to everyone that responded.It gave me some good ideas to play with.I'll post some photos as I progress with the project.Got her ready to start up.