Thread: Reverse Switch

The only set-up I've seen is threaded through the rear vertical face of the gearstick mount and uses the same switch as the vacuum-boosted brake-light switch (part number 575166). If I recall correctly the hole is 3/8" unf and the switch activates upon a simple right-angle steel bracket mounted on the adjustment screw and nut for the reverse lockout "catch-thingy" on the selector rod. I fitted one to my 2A.

Dan.
69 2A 88" pet4 (still in disguise), 68 2B FC pet6 (for sale), plus a dozen other parts cars.

Hello All,

I just found out why I could not find any wires leading from the reverse light switch on the gearbox to the rear of the ute tray. It is because one was never fitted. This afternoon removed the tunnel again and I investigated all the gearbox's vertical faces – nothing not even a hole where one might have once been fitted. So it looks like it was an optional extra which was opted out of back in 1976 by the original owner.


I will now buy an illuminated rocker switch and hook the reverse lights up as a manual on/off switch. The method is supposed to be a legal alternative in Queensland. Even though I could just say to the vehicle inspector that reverse lights were an optional extra which were never fitted so the vehicle is "equipped as standard" from the manufacturer.

However, I think having lights coming on when I am reversing on a dark night and being able see where I am going is actually a good thing. It is sort of up there with brakes that work too.

Thank you everyone for your assistance - it was much appreciated.

Kind Regards
Lionel

Originally Posted by Lionelgee

Hello All,

I just found out why I could not find any wires leading from the reverse light switch on the gearbox to the rear of the ute tray. It is because one was never fitted. This afternoon removed the tunnel again and I investigated all the gearbox's vertical faces – nothing not even a hole where one might have once been fitted. So it looks like it was an optional extra which was opted out of back in 1976 by the original owner.

Your car falls under the ADR Second Edition and should have ADR 1, or 1/00 on the compliance plate, which is probably on the radiator support panel. ADR 1 is the requirement to have reverse lights; so it probably means someone has changed your mounting which held the switch - perhaps the whole gearbox - although why the wiring would have been removed is anyone's guess.

In any case; reverse lights were not an option in 1976 and you will need them to get the car licenced.

Check out this link which spells it out in more detail, although it can be rather tedious to search through it, http://www.infrastructure.gov.au/roa...Jan2011_v2.pdf

I will be surprised if a non-automatic switch as you suggest is allowed - if you search the dept of Transport website you will eventually find descriptions of what each ADR means in practice,

Cheers Charlie

Check out the top of page 41, ADR reverse lights, in the link in my previous post; they must be operated by the reverse position of the gearstick,

Cheers Charlie

Originally Posted by chazza

Check out the top of page 41, ADR reverse lights, in the link in my previous post; they must be operated by the reverse position of the gearstick,

Cheers Charlie

G'day Charlie,

Thank you for the links to the documents, much appreciated. I did look over the site and found that some states chose to follow the adoption of ADR II only after 1989 as it was selective. I went to the Queensland Department of Transport site and found their standards and the I found two references where it says Reverse Lights Mandatory/Optional.

It does state that my alternative of having an illuminated rocker switch is illegal because the lights can be on when reverse gear is not selected. I have filled out an online form about my options and the form states that I should hear back from them within 15 days. Well since I sent the message last night and Monday is the Labour Day Public Holiday here in Queensland - it might take a bit longer. I will post up the recommendation once it arrives.

This afternoon I will remove Rowan's tunnel and check if there was a reverse light fitted on him. Rowan is my petrol Series III which is one month younger than Baldrick. Rowan has been fitted with a chrome rocker switch on the fire wall which operates its reverse lights. The switch could have been a replacement for a faulty gear mounted reverse switch; or maybe a compromise to have at least some lights on while the vehicle reverses.

Kind Regards
Lionel

If it were me, I would look at either getting part 594190 (the bracket with the hole) or drilling and tapping a hole for the switch to fit into.

Legal, and seems to be as much work as the other things you are talking about doing.

Alan

Hello Alan and other respondents,

Today I bit the bullet by drilling out and grinding off a number of bolts that were rusted on tight and had prevented me from completely taking Baldrick's tunnel off yesterday. I can't say removing these bolts was exactly a fun experience .

Anyway, with the tunnel off it was pretty clear that at that present moment of time there was no reverse switch fitted anywhere on any face of Baldrick's gear shift mount. No wires either.

I then walked over to Rowan and took his tunnel off. I do not know whether the way tunnels are assembled between a four cylinder powered motor and a six cylinder one are arranged differently; but I had the tunnel off Rowan in less than 10 minutes.

There as clear as day sitting in the very same position that Will's photo showed was the mangled remains of Rowan's reverse switch. When this switch became unserviceable a previous owner had mounted a replacement rocker switch on the fire wall – yes it was an illegal act Charlie.

So armed with this new evidence I grabbed my torch and a screw driver and I went back to Baldrick. I scrapped away years of built up crud and I found in the exact same place as Will’s photo was a hole which has a thread cut into it.

I also have four brand new reverse/brake switches sitting in a box. So very soon I will be able to have legally functioning reverse lights on both vehicles.

I am also going to buy some stainless steel bolts and some anti-seize compound so hopefully I won't have to endure a drama just to take the tunnel off again.

It has been a saga and must have had some involvement of a certain bloke called Mr Murphy, but despite this I will have two vehicles with fully functional reverse lights.

Thank you everyone for your patience and advice.

Kind Regards
Lionel

I just use these for mounting the floor and tunnel panels:

LAND ROVER SERIES 2/2A/3 FLOOR PAN SCREWS (BAG OF 10) | eBay

I purchased several sets of them and the special 'nuts' they use and haven't had any problems getting the panels off.