I have a 69 Cutlass and it originally had a column shift and i converted it to a B&M floor shifter, what do i need to do in order to make my reverse light work with that b&m floor shifter when i put it in reverse? Any info would be helpful.

 

If you have a neutral safety switch, it should work off one of those switch-powered reverse connector wires on the switch (may be a solid green if it's like the later model auto wiring colors).

I did a console shift swap recently but to an OEM auto floor shift set up - however even before then, I installed an old Mopar reverse lamp unit under my dash and that's how I powered it to work with my automatic - power lead piggybacked into the green switched reverse connection and a ground to the dash.

Required no change in setup when I did the floor shift swap but to reinstall same as before into the new NS switch on the floor column.

 

Pretty sure every B&M shifter has provisions for the backup light switch. It bolts in similarly to the way the neutral safety switch is installed.

You do have a NSS, correct??

If not, I’d be willing to bet you can buy the switches from summit. To connect it, you will need to find and disconnect the original switch harness at the base of the steering column, and connect the new switch to the existing harness.

 

I did have the steering column replaced. The person that did it I’m just not 100% sure he installed everything correctly, but I will be confirming that real soon.

 

Look for a connector with 2 wires, one purple, the other purple with a yellow tracer. The other connector will have a blue (I think) wire, and dark green. That’s the wires you need for reverse lights, the purple are for the starter.

 

This thread is a bit seasoned, but thought I would add some pics. We all like pics, right. The B&M shifters have provisions for micro switches for the Neutral Safety and Reverse connections. Summitt sells the NSS and Reverse Switch kits for over $40 each. Amazon sells the micro switches 6 for $6.99!
https://a.co/d/8ZmshjP
Add a couple relays for current capacity and safety fuses at 5 for $10.79,
https://a.co/d/1JJX3jU
and you can install the switches for less than $3 each.
There are small bumps on the side of the shifter plate to activate the switches and a small mounting plate to hold them.





As you move the shifter from PARK to REVERSE, NEUTRAL, and DRIVE (forward gears), the bumps activate the proper switch to either enable the starter or the reverse lights. The switches activate the relays which are wired as NO (normally open) so they will only engage the starter or lights while the shifter is in the correct position.

PARK


REVERSE


NEUTRAL


The switches have mounting holes that line up with the holes on the shifter mounting plate. There are screws that can be used, but small zip ties or cotter pins work just as well, and you won't lose the nuts or washers.


For simplicity, the switches are used to connect the 12v neg. side of the relays and the ign switch provides the 12v pos.