Backup lights stuck

[t4bz]

Hello all. New to the boards! I spent a couple hours looking through archives last night.

I have a '79, and the backup lights have decided to remain on constantly. Any ideas? What type of fix does this involve? Would it be some type of relay or something?

Thanks!

 

[t4bz]

Its a 4-spd manual, by the way. I don't know if that matters or not. Thanks again!

 

[mkapp7879]

Backup switch is located on the side of the transmisson by the linkage. I'd check there first. Welcome from another new guy.
Mike

 

[hapafcop]

Backup switch is located on the side of the transmisson by the linkage. I'd check there first. Welcome from another new guy.
Mike

I agree. The switch should be available at any parts store for about $5-$7. Including jacking the car up or driving up on your ramps, you should have it replaced in less than 15 minutes.

 

[brusso]

I have a '79, and the backup lights have decided to remain on constantly. Any ideas? What type of fix does this involve? Would it be some type of relay or something?

Thanks!

You mean that you don't want to be like some of those kids that have them on all of the time on purpose?:eyerole

 

[t4bz]

Ummmm...probably not! I've had the '79 for about a week now, and have to get it inspected and legal soon. Thus, the backup light problem.

Thanks everyone for your help! I'll look under it soon.

 

[t4bz]

Is there a "technical" name for it; backup switch? backup relay? Just wondering because sometimes I get the teenager at the parts counter who only knows about "rims".

 

[hapafcop]

Is there a "technical" name for it; backup switch? backup relay? Just wondering because sometimes I get the teenager at the parts counter who only knows about "rims".

backup light or reverse light switch. that's about as technical as it gets.

 

[JohnZ]

I agree. The switch should be available at any parts store for about $5-$7. Including jacking the car up or driving up on your ramps, you should have it replaced in less than 15 minutes.

You won't find a 4-speed backup light switch at any parts store or dealership - they were discontinued about fifteen years ago. Most of the resto parts houses have them, for about $60.00; if the mounting bracket and stone shield are also gone, that's another $30.00 or so.

Could be that your switch is still there, but the link rod from the switch to the reverse lever on the tailshaft is missing; get the car up in the air first and see what is or isn't there- it should look like the pic below.

 

[t4bz]

John...thanks so much. Particularly for the pics. I tried a few places today, and found that no one had the switch! So you're right about the discontinued thing. I'll try to find a resto parts place. Any suggestions? I'll put her up tomorrow and see what's there. Argh!

 

[t4bz]

Well, I thought I might not pass inspection, but I looked up Missouri law and backup lights aren't required. Whew! But I'd still like to get them working, at least eventually.

 

[JohnZ]

If you find that your switch is missing, Paragon and Corvette Central have them.