Reverse light Switch - Success!

[Matt Elan]

I think I've found a source for the Plus 2's reversing light switch. After I bought a couple of wrong 'uns including an Intermotor 54660 for a TR7 which was almost there but had a 3/8 UNC thread - my box has a 3/8 UNF thread for the switch.
I eventually found that Auto Electrical Spares (autoelectricalspares.co.uk) carried a Lucas SMB420 brake light switch which was 3/8 x 24 UNF fitting. So for the sake of a tenner I bought it. Now I expected it to be a 'release the plunger to turn on' mechanism but to my surprise it was a 'push the plunger in to turn on', so it works perfectly in my Ford three rail box. As no one seems to advertise these I thought I'd post this up for the hordes of you guys who have a unf bolt in the reverse light switch hole!

[Europatc]

Good post Matt thank you

[pharriso]

As the gearbox is the same in the "baby" elan as the Plus2 I assume that the switch is the same?

Anyway here is a link to the switch to save everyone time searching - http://www.autoelectricalspares.co.uk/lucas-smb420-brake-light-switch-38-x-24-unf-241-p.asp

[john.p.clegg]

and for the 5-speed box.. also

http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/Switches-/174 ... nkw=smb420

John

[KevJ+2]

Would this switch also be correct for the handbrake? Mine's been put somewhere so safe, even I can't find it

[john.p.clegg]

EDIT
Sorry read this as Pedal brake switch

This is what you need...

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Lucas-SMB479- ... uPNy7A6Nww


John

P.S.
I've got something like this in my pedal/box,it's a tight fit,needs the spade connectors "flattening " but does the job..

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/CLASSIC-MINI- ... xy5QtSApeU

[KevJ+2]

Thanks John...might have another search for it....I know it's somewhere
Kev.

[johnd]

Hi Matt

Just wanted to say thank you for your post - I've been searching for the reverse switch for my 3 rail gearbox for ages to no avail (mine was physically damaged and plugs the hole but is u/s)

all the best

john (perth WA)

[Matt Elan]

Hi John - glad to be of help, it's what this board is good at
Reds Matt

[Jamiezt190]

Guys .... Great trail. Where is your switch located on the box please?
James

[Matt Elan]

On the four speed the switch is screwed into a vertical hole on the top right hand side of the casing, just in front of the alloy cover on the top of the gearbox case.

[Jamiezt190]

Thanks Matt

[Quart Meg Miles]

I wish I'd known this a few decades ago, thank you Matt!

I fitted an oil-proof microswitch inside the gearbox, drilled a hole for the wires and sealed it with instant gasket. Many years later a short-circuit welded the switch closed, so now I have a microswitch next to the gear lever itself. FIT A FUSE, GUYS!

[Jamiezt190]

Many thanks for the idea!!