[1969GPSJ]

Thanks Joe. Yep, I knew that the switch on the column took care of both backup light and neutral safety switch functions. I also knew I would not be using the actual back drive linkage with the TKX. After thinking about it, I realized that it had been such a long time since I had pulled my 4-speed car apart that I forgot that the clutch start switch fills the same function as the "neutralizer" switch for automatic trans. cars, even though the wiring schematic is not crystal clear about things other than having an arrow pointing at a wire in the diagram routed to the "B" terminal in the ignition switch with the caption "except std car". Since the TKX has a neutral switch, I will probably put that in the start circuit with the clutch start switch, since most newer cars do that (clutch depressed and transmission in neutral). I will probably fabricate a small bracket to hold the back drive "lever" in the reverse position. I don't trust wire ties for something like that, and using either a wire tie or wire just wouldn't make for a clean install. After thinking about it a little more, I now see why GM had the '69 and later cars require the driver to put (most of) the manual transmission cars into reverse to remove the key, because that way it acted sort of like putting an automatic in "park". So, anyone towing the car would need the key or they would have to disconnect the reverse rod on the transmission or the driveshaft.