63 powerglide safety switch

[John S.]

Anyone know where I could find an NOS safety switch for a 63 split window powerglide car? The last thing needed after full body off resto to full original specs.

[Joe L.]

Re: 63 powerglide safety switch

Anyone know where I could find an NOS safety switch for a 63 split window powerglide car? The last thing needed after full body off resto to full original specs.

John-----


As, you may know, this is one of the most difficult of C2 parts to find. As far as I know, it's not reproduced, so that's not even an option.

There were actually TWO switches. For cars without back-up lights, the GM part number was GM #1993617. In the unlikely event you have a 1963 with back-up lights, it was GM #1993637. The GM #1993617 was discontinued without supercession in October, 1979. The GM #1993637 was discontinued without supercession in April, 1974. So, this means that even the most used of the two switches was discontinued almost 31 years ago. That's a LONG time for NOS inventory existent at the time of the discontinuation to "dry up".

You might want to contact a source like Piper's Corvette Specialties in Vermillion, IL. If anyone has this part, it would likely be them. The bad news is that if they have it, the reason is only because they have it priced so high that no one in the last 31 years, or so, would buy it. You see, high prices work both for and against one. They work for one in the sense that they "preserve" rare parts for sale long after they are discontinued or otherwise available. They work against one when one has to "shell out" to buy that rare part, assuming one finds the part.

[Bob R.]

Re: 63 powerglide safety switch

As Joe said they are very hard to find. I have been looking for one for my car for several years now. I have seen them on ebay a few times but as you can guess they go for a lot of money. I saw a broken one on ebay that went for several hundred dollars. I just have to make sure the car is in park when I start it because it will start in any gear. I once started the car in drive thinking I was in neutral now I make sure I'm in park.

[Richard M.]

Re: 63 powerglide safety switch

I found a nos NS switch for our 63 about a year or so ago. Yes it was very expensive, I think I paid about $300 for it.

Before I found it I was thinking of making a safety switch tied into the brake light switch circuit, much like the safety for today's cars before putting into gear. We weren't going for judging, etc as the car had too many modifications like aftermarket air and 67 style front discs.

This is what I thought of doing....again strictly for safety, and until a real NS switch is acquired.

Wire a single pole relay off of the brake light switch to connect feed wires to the starter solenoid. The relay contacts must be able to carry the current of the solenoid, I'd think a 40 amp relay would suffice. The relay coil is fairly low current so it shouldn't be a problem tying it to the brake light circuit. There is the purple wire harness with a male and female connector near the wiper motor where the NS switch normally connects. With the 2 contact poles of the relay connected to these 2 terminals, once the brake pedal is pressed, it would activate the relay, connecting the purple feed wires to complete the circuit to the starter solenoid. You cannot start the engine without your foot on the brake. Even if the car was in gear, at least your foot would be on the brake to hold it from moving.

The only caveat is every time you step on the brake while driving you activate the relay, but not a problem. It could actually prevent you from trying to start the engine if it's already running too.

Rich

[John S.]

Re: 63 powerglide safety switch

My 63 coupe has only 39,000 original miles and I have done every item back to total stock. 63 horns cost me $600 as well as seat belts for the same. Only item I have left is the safety switch.
If anyone knows of one, please advise, can't stop now when this is the last item, then will have judged again. Scored 98.2 prior to the resto, so don't want a ding for the neutral switch.
I will pay the big price to get one!

[Lynn H.]

Re: 63 powerglide safety switch

John-----


As, you may know, this is one of the most difficult of C2 parts to find. As far as I know, it's not reproduced, so that's not even an option.

There were actually TWO switches. For cars without back-up lights, the GM part number was GM #1993617. In the unlikely event you have a 1963 with back-up lights, it was GM #1993637. The GM #1993617 was discontinued without supercession in October, 1979. The GM #1993637 was discontinued without supercession in April, 1974. So, this means that even the most used of the two switches was discontinued almost 31 years ago. That's a LONG time for NOS inventory existent at the time of the discontinuation to "dry up".

You might want to contact a source like Piper's Corvette Specialties in Vermillion, IL. If anyone has this part, it would likely be them. The bad news is that if they have it, the reason is only because they have it priced so high that no one in the last 31 years, or so, would buy it. You see, high prices work both for and against one. They work for one in the sense that they "preserve" rare parts for sale long after they are discontinued or otherwise available. They work against one when one has to "shell out" to buy that rare part, assuming one finds the part.

Does anyone have a photo of this part(s) they could post? If I remember correctly I have an older nuetral safety switch from a Corvette in the archives, I will try to dig out tomorrow if I can, and would like to compare it to something to see if this is what it is. I guess I could crawl under my 63 (which has back up lights), and look at that one, but then my question would be: Do the 1993617 and 1993637 look the same with only internal differences?
Lynn

[Todd B.]

Re: 63 powerglide safety switch

Here's a photo of an NOS 1993617 switch:

[Richard M.]

Re: 63 powerglide safety switch

John, Pipers page here shows they have them. I've haggled with them a bit on some stuff but they know these are rare. Give a try tomorrow.

FYI, you'll also need the mount kit and actuating lever. Most suppliers have them. I got mine from Zip. Here and Here.

Good Hunting.....
Rich

[Cecil L.]

Re: 63 powerglide safety switch

The 637 switch is the same except for an added purple wire for the backup lights. My 63 is too early for backups, but I have a 637 switch that I would be willing to trade (not for sale) for a 617.

[John S.]

Re: 63 powerglide safety switch

John, Pipers page here shows they have them. I've haggled with them a bit on some stuff but they know these are rare. Give a try tomorrow.

FYI, you'll also need the mount kit and actuating lever. Most suppliers have them. I got mine from Zip. Here and Here.

Good Hunting.....
Rich

Richard,
I know they have the switch, so will have to see what I can do on it. Asking $650!!! Seems like all little 63 minor/rare stuff is in the $600 range!

Thanks very much for the info on the rod and parts too, I need those to complete the package.
It is great everyone has provided the info,
thanks very much,
Jonk

[Lynn H.]

Re: 63 powerglide safety switch

Here's a photo of an NOS 1993617 switch:

Thanks for the photo Todd, now I will have to do some digging.
Lynn