Alternatives for reverse light switch on gearbox?

[wagonist]

Anyone ever struck issues doing a conversion where the reverse switch is in the way?

I've got issues where I've fitted a replacement (different) gearbox. As the reverse switch has been moved on the newer box, it now interferes with one of the mounts (the original mount bolts up) & I've got to cut a lot away from it just to clear this switch. So much, that I doubt I can get enough strength back by welding in other pieces (not so much room to spare).

Therefore, I'm thinking about just putting a short bolt into the hole where the reverse switch goes & find ing an alternative.

I've thought about a micro switch onto the gearstick, but being a FWD cable shift, getting it into the right place could be tricky.

Thoughts/opinions/suggestions?

[thechuckster]

a proximity switch (e.g. reed-switch that requires magnet close by to close contacts) rather than a direct-contact microswitch?

Does the gearstick have a ring/button that you depress to engage reverse (my brother's barina shitboxen does) - if so, mount microswitch that makes use of it?

[wagonist]

The shifter's been modified to make shorter throws, so I suspect a proximity switch may not work. Interesting idea though.

Nope, no collar, just a normal double "H" pattern.

[dumbass]

Who cares bout reverse
We hooked up a switch in dash so we pass rta.
If car doesn't get driven much then switch in dash is ok.
Even switch in gear knob where u turn on when in rev

If u r anal and want reverse to work normally then u need
To get switch working normally off gearbox or off linkage

[wagonist]

To be honest it's not that important, but there's the odd situation when something happens at the track (when things are happening at higher speeds) when others should know when you're doing something that may not be entirely expected.

[Hen]

How about two switches, one on each linkage on the box, then run them in series. So each linkage has to be at "correct" end of it's travel for the light to come on. A bit fiddly to get right, and I'd guess doing it in the cabin would be easier, but another option.

[thechuckster]

being in a rally car, I suspect a fiddly setup will not survive being bounced around - but a novel idea.

I suppose a simple dash switch would be the safest solution tho you'd need a fairly bright indicator light above it so you don't drive a whole stage with the reverse lights on.

[wagonist]

To be honest, I think the whole rallying thing has gone out the window. Too expensive, too hard to find someone to sit in the stupid seat.
Especially now it's getting a 2L (but also ordered a new Quaife LSD today ) & a bodykit.

Doing more motorkhanas & circuit. The latter of which is why I still want the lights to work just in case, but also needs to be automatically activated in a hurry.

Got some spare switches so might even see what's involved in smashing off the top & using leads to a plug instead as it's only the electrical connection part that interferes.
Might then mean removing the mount to remove the switch, but how often do you need to remove the reverse light switch anyway.

[litldv8]

can't drill a hole in the steel mount bracket and put long wires on the switch rather than cutting the mount
neil

[wagonist]

I wish...
Unfortunately, the switch is right below where the side turns up from a bend & also where an internal gusset plate is welded on.

[litldv8]

photo?
neil

[convertableTA23]

break off plastic, solder on wire, paint exposed connections with liquid electrical tape then heat shrink, bend over tabs and hopefully have plenty of clearence