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1965 Valiant Back-Up lights
https://slantsix.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=66828		 Page 1 of 1
Author:  valiant_200 [ Wed Oct 12, 2022 9:30 am ]
Post subject:  1965 Valiant Back-Up lights
My 65 Valiant did not come with the optional back-up lights. The wiring to the back was there from the factory, so all I had to do was install a couple of sockets and bulbs. The problem is under the dash. The back-up lights are controlled by a switch mounted on the steering column. It seems that if you didn't get the back-up lights, you didn't get the lever that actuates the lights installed on the column, and that is where my problem comes in.

Does anyone know what I might use to replace this missing part. All there is in the steering column is a small, square hole where the lever should be mounted.

I have included an image from the service manual that will hopefully clarify what I am talking about.

Attachments:
1965 plymouth valiant Back-up light switch and lever.png
1965 plymouth valiant Back-up light switch and lever.png [ 61.51 KiB | Viewed 2110 times ]
Author:  valiant_200 [ Mon Nov 14, 2022 11:17 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: 1965 Valiant Back-Up lights
When I posted this, I never thought it would go a whole month unanswered. Nevertheless, 77 views later and it seems like we have a real stumper on our hands.

There has to be someone out there in Slant Six Land that has a 65 Valiant or Dart with optional reverse lights and a column shifted 904 automatic. Preferably someone with a column out of a car, which they could post some pictures of, or maybe someone with a part number. Any clue that can help figure out how to make the reverse lights work for the first time ever on this car is welcome.
Author:  SlantSixDan [ Tue Nov 15, 2022 12:59 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: 1965 Valiant Back-Up lights
Valiants are held in higher esteem in Australia than up here, and so there are many reproduction parts available down under that are unheard-of up here. Looks as if the clip-in actuator you need is such an item; buy it here. I've verified the part number in the '65 factory parts cattledog; this is the right one. You're on your own for the (nylon, I think maybe?) washer, but that shouldn't be too difficult.
Author:  valiant_200 [ Fri Nov 18, 2022 8:21 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: 1965 Valiant Back-Up lights
Thanks for the find, Dan. But, wow... pricey!
Author:  Rick Covalt [ Sat Nov 19, 2022 3:16 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: 1965 Valiant Back-Up lights
If you have room, you may be able to drop a thread insert into the hole and crimp it fast. Then screw a short stud in place and lock it down. Or just spend $30 for the easy /right thing. Good luck
Author:  SlantSixDan [ Sat Nov 19, 2022 4:49 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: 1965 Valiant Back-Up lights
Quote:
Thanks for the find, Dan. But, wow... pricey!
You're welcome, but, wow…you cannot possibly be serious!
Author:  SlantSixDan [ Mon Nov 21, 2022 11:42 am ]
Post subject:  Re: 1965 Valiant Back-Up lights
(I mean: your car is most of six decades old. You are looking for an obscure part, most examples of which no longer exist. You will only ever need one of this part, so pay the golldurn thirty whole entire dollars and be glad someone went to the enormous trouble and expense to reproduce it…!)
Author:  Dart270 [ Mon Nov 21, 2022 12:13 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: 1965 Valiant Back-Up lights
IMHO, Dan's time and expertise to look this up and find the right part was probably worth $30. I agree it is very fortunate that someone is making this part. If you have a well equipped garage and nice tools, I would think it would realistically take at least an hour or three to build something custom, and you will probably spend $5 on hardware/materials.

My 2 cents...

Lou
Author:  valiant_200 [ Fri Dec 30, 2022 8:17 am ]
Post subject:  Re: 1965 Valiant Back-Up lights
The part is actually about $50 with shipping, not $30, as has been repeated several times in this thread. You all are not wrong about the rarity of the piece, or Dan's effort to find it, but $50 for a small piece of steel is still a lot of money where I am from.

Fortunately, the lecture I got from you all was free of charge. :)

Update: Between the price of the part, the shipping from Oz, and Oz sales tax, the total cost for this tiny piece of steel was $55. I stand by my comment from earlier.
Author:  valiant_200 [ Fri Dec 30, 2022 9:18 am ]
Post subject:  Re: 1965 Valiant Back-Up lights
Dan, thanks for finding the piece. I didn't even know where to start.

The piece has been ordered. I will keep you updated.
Author:  SlantSixDan [ Fri Dec 30, 2022 3:39 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: 1965 Valiant Back-Up lights
You're welcome.

You will be pleasantly surprised to learn that non-Australians do not pay Australian sales tax. If the vendor forgets (or 'forgets') not to charge the tax for this export sale, remind them.
Author:  valiant_200 [ Fri Dec 30, 2022 9:51 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: 1965 Valiant Back-Up lights
Thanks for the tip. This is the first time in my life that I have bought anything from Australia.

Judging from the large number of surviving early A's they have there, I should probably get used to it.
Author:  valiant_200 [ Fri Dec 30, 2022 9:57 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: 1965 Valiant Back-Up lights
Looking at the illustration from the shop manual, it appears that this steel clip is wearing some sort of sleeve.

I hope this doesn't become important because the item I have on the way is the metal part alone.
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