'63 Powerglide Neutral Safety Switch

[Rick B.]

Hi, I am trying to finish the installation of a Powerglide transmission in my 250HP '63 coupe and I have been struggling with adjusting the neutral safety switch. I believe I have the appropriate switch, at least it resembles the cartoon illustration in the '63 AIM and shop manual, but I have never seen a photo of an actual installation. The neutral switch that came with the transmission package showed evidence of being overheated (melted purple wire insulation near the switch cover) and was extremely difficult to rotate due to several inward dents in the sheet metal housing. I will mention that this switch had a pair of 14 gage purple wires for the starter circuit and a pair of 16 gage lt. & dk. green wires which I believe are for backup lights. I have disassembled this switch and have made repairs, but was fortunate to find a new (identical) switch at Carlisle this year. I have installed the new switch with the correct linkage and now I'm trying to get it adjusted. The AIM adjustment instructions start by placing the gear selector in neutral, then to use a .090" pin to lock the switch and finally to adust the length of the rod (with the swivel) to allow the rod assembly to slip into both the trans shift lever and the switch lever. OK, following this procedure I have switch continuity in neutral, but not park. The '63 automatic should be able to start in both park & neutral, correct? My '63 does not have backup lights, but by following the AIM procedure the lt.& dk. green wires have continuity in reverse. Just what you would want if you had backup lights. As I mentioned, I have not been able to find actual photos of the '63 or '64 park/neutral safety switch in Noland's book or in the '63 shop manual. The '63 shop manual says to adjust the switch, but does not outline a procedure. Any help would be greatly appreciated, thank you very much.

[John D.]

Re: '63 Powerglide Neutral Safety Switch

Rick, Back in 1963 in my area I do recall a phone operator (remember those) at the local Bell Telephone bought a new 63 white convertible automatic car. That was the only one I ever saw around these parts.
Now Pappy here has one that he shows extensively. Maybe he will chirp in. JD

[Arnold P.]

Re: '63 Powerglide Neutral Safety Switch

hi,rick.i recently replaced my neutral safety switch. the p/n for the safety sw is 1993617 and the b/u light sw is 1993663 or possibly 1993636. the b/u lamp sw would simply be an "on/off" sw. the safety sw would be on/off/on/off sw to correspond to the shift pattern p/r/n/d. the nos sw i have has yellow and brown wires that plug in to the purple connectors of the harness. 'hope this helps,pappy 44540

[Bob R.]

Re: '63 Powerglide Neutral Safety Switch

Just curious but where did you find a switch. I have been looking for one for some time now. I have seen them on ebay twice but they went for big bucks. Nnone of the repro people sell that part.

[Arnold P.]

Re: '63 Powerglide Neutral Safety Switch

hi, bob. actually i've had the switch for about thirty years. i've seen one on e-bay about a year ago that sold for about $250. i've also seen one go for $500. they are scarce!! pappy

[John L.]

Re: '63 Powerglide Neutral Safety Switch

Rick,

I found this vendor, whom I know nothing about:

http://www.btobeta.com/about.shtml

They claim to have "Shifter kits for the stock Powerglide shifter 1958 to 1964 Corvettes with built in park / neutral safety switch." I am not affilaited with this company in any way, but am curious about the subject because i have a 64 coupe with Powerglide.


"While doing these custom installations; we, like anyone doing custom installs, had to fabricate many custom parts and pieces to get these units installed and working correctly. As we found good solutions to these installations and set up problems, we became motivated to start manufacturing special products to help others with their custom installations. Bow Tie Overdrives now makes an extensive line of products:
* Our U.S. patent pending "TV MADE EZ" system.
* Our extensive line of direct, no drilling or welding custom tubular crossmembers for most popular cars and pick ups.
* Our new simple to install, "LINES MADE EZ", stainless steel cooling lines that are very simple to install.
* Throttle cable kits.
* Shifter kits for the stock Powerglide shifter 1958 to 1964 Corvettes with built in park / neutral safety switch.
* Pressure gauges for testing and set up.
* Wiring harnesses and related items.

We have found suppliers that make certain items we feel solve difficult issues and now stock their products as well. There are always unique situations during any one of our installations. If you have any questions our tech service is available to help you solve these individual challenges."



John Luongo