Topic: 74 manual trans neutral safety switch ?
in Forum: C3 Electrical
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Happy New Year new member here. I just swapped in a 454HO with a Hurst 5 speed and I loose the reverse lock out feature but the tranny has a neutral safety switch.
What I would like to verify is that the 74, manual trans vette has a reverse lock out and a clutch pedal safety switch and not a neutral safety switch. Requiering you to have the clutch pushed in and the trans in Rev to start. or at lease get the key key in and out. Ooh and also the seat belt interlock that everybody has bypassed.
In my research, from various sources, I believe that the reverse lights switch plug is being identified as the neutral safety switch plug by the style of plug and red and green wires.
I am debating weather or not to bypass the neutral safety switch or incorporate it. I will keep the clutch pedal safety switch. I don't want to create a habit of keeping the car in neutral. I will miss that reverse lock out feature for that reason.
Thanks
|UPDATED|1/17/2016 3:46:25 PM (AZT)|/UPDATED|
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Reverse lockout is mechanical. It's the small t-handle under the shift ball.
I'd just s-can the neutral saftey switch. Never had them before, don't need them now.
I'd just s-can the neutral saftey switch. Never had them before, don't need them now.

Moderator
Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20214
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/
Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight"
#2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto
Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
NO "neutral safety switch" on the manual trans. Only has the clutch safety switch. Clutch must be down to start.
Reverse "lock-out" requires the manual trans to be in Reverse to remove the key only. This is accomplished via a cable attached to the trans reverse linkage on one end, and the other end of the cable is attached to the lock lever on the steering column, under the brake master cylinder/booster. If you have removed the stock trans/reverse lock-out cable, you will need to tie the lever on the column UP, so you will be able to remove the key. If you do not somehow tie it up, it can move down on it's own.
I would leave the clutch safety switch intact...and make sure it is working. Last thing you want to do is forget to push the clutch in while starting, and drive thru the garage door....or over someone.
Reverse "lock-out" requires the manual trans to be in Reverse to remove the key only. This is accomplished via a cable attached to the trans reverse linkage on one end, and the other end of the cable is attached to the lock lever on the steering column, under the brake master cylinder/booster. If you have removed the stock trans/reverse lock-out cable, you will need to tie the lever on the column UP, so you will be able to remove the key. If you do not somehow tie it up, it can move down on it's own.
I would leave the clutch safety switch intact...and make sure it is working. Last thing you want to do is forget to push the clutch in while starting, and drive thru the garage door....or over someone.
Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56
My Link
(click for Texas-sized view!) NCRS
"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"

Moderator
Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20214
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/
Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight"
#2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto
Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
The original reverse light switch is on the trans. It has a light green wire, and a pink wire in the plug. Pink is hot from the fusebox, for the turn signals, lt green goes from the rev light switch back to the lights in the rear. That's easy enough to connect to the reverse light switch on the new trans. Doesn't matter which color wire goes to which terminal on the switch....it's just a simple contact/no contact switch. 

Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56
My Link
(click for Texas-sized view!) NCRS
"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"
Thanks for quick responses
My plan is to absolutely keep and make sure the Clutch pedal safety switch works for he preservation of garage doors, grand kids and the dog
However I was leaning towards bypassing the neutral safety switch. I have 35 years of starting and stopping the car in reverse and I do not want to develop a habit of leaving the car in neutral even though now my reverse is in a different location and the reverse lock out T handle is just a fake... it does go up and down though

Moderator
Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20214
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/
Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight"
#2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto
Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
The NSS on the trans would be a redundant backup....or just redundant, period. In keeping the clutch switch operating, it won't start unless the clutch is down, anyway.
As far as the '74 only ignition lock-out system, you can simply disconnect the seat switches and be done with it, or you can remove the starter override relay under the hood.
As far as the '74 only ignition lock-out system, you can simply disconnect the seat switches and be done with it, or you can remove the starter override relay under the hood.
Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56
My Link
(click for Texas-sized view!) NCRS
"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"
in Forum: C3 Electrical
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