More help needed - Back-Up light Switch

[Jack Wheeler 0]

With the help of Sunndogg and others, I have acquired the bracket which holds the back-up light switch on the '69 Mach1 I am working on.  I'm using the original switch.  However, when I shift the transmission into neutral, the part of the shift linkage which is supposed to push the button in on the back-up light switch, does not quite tough the button.  It lacks about 1/16" (picture attached).  OK, what do I do now?  Is there an adjustment in the linkage mechanism, which will change the position of this linkage piece, Or do I have to modify the bracket, or weld a small piece on the shift linkage where it comes in contact with the switch?  As before, thanks very much for all the help I have gotten on this.

 

Jack Wheeler

[shelbyshelby 52]

You mentioned “when shifted into neutral”. It doesn’t have a neutral feature, it’s only for reverse lights. Only the automatics had the neutral safety feature. If the trans is in reverse in your pics, I think I might try just putting a vacuum cap or similar piece over button that would effectively make the button a little longer and maybe turn the reverse lights on.  Also, it seems like I remember maybe the 1st 3rd shifter stops can be adjusted to deep into shifter causing reverse to not fully shift. Just throwing out a couple ideas to check. 

[Midlife 814]

I agree.  Check the clearance when the transmission is in Reverse, not neutral!  Backup lights don't work in neutral.

[rockhouse66 22]

The Hurst setup uses the 1970 style switch, not the '69 style that you show in your picture.

[Jack Wheeler 0]

My mistake.  When I said "neutral" in my original post, I really meant to say "reverse".  When I took the picture, the shifter was in reverse.  Sorry for the confusion.

Jack