Quest for Neutral Safety/Backup switch

1970 Jeepster Commando, 225/TH400:
We've looked just about everywhere to no avail. Checked with the various Jeepster specialists and generic parts suppliers. Been through the Napa parts books and looked at dozens that appeared close, but not close enough. All appeared to be configured for column shift. Went to the local Chevy and Buick dealers in the hope they may have something but both said they no longer have any active parts listings for the TH400. Chevy parts guy said he couldn't recall any GM with the TH400 and a floor shifter.

Even tried rebuilding the existing one. The plastic contact slider inside was broken and flips over when under torsion. I milled out a new one to match, but the sheet metal side of the casing has too much flex and the new slider worked through one or two passes of the shifter and then bound up and broke as well.

Unless there's one out there in a partster, I'm now thinking I'll try the closest column mount unit and see if I can modify the mounting bracket to fit.

Ideas?

David Wayrynen

 

I don't have a TH400, but have you seen this thread?

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=306577

 

I hadn't seen the thread, but have sketched out a similar fix with a bracket that holds roller switches to contact the side of the shifter in park and reverse. A bit too Rube Goldberg for my tastes (and for what will become a regular daily driver), unless it turns out there's no other option.

Thanks,
David

 

My dad found one a couple of years ago. It was from a AMC Rambler.
He had to change the bracket from the old one.

So you might try the AMC car guys.

Andrew

 

I remember doing this as well.
Seems there was another Jeep part number that the switch was the same switch, just had to swap the brackets.
been too long now
maybe it was off a postal unit

 

I am sure I have some used an one NOS left. Email me at justjeepsters@aol.com

 

I found and ordered one of the Rambler switches yesterday. Will follow up with a report with photos when we install it.

Thanks to all.

 

any luck with the Rambler switch? Do you have a part number and a where did you get it?
Thanks
Tim C