[takid455]

where is the reverse back up switch located on a 74 stick t/a? my back up lights stay on at all times and I want to check the switch but don't recall where it is located.

[superdutybob]

Do you have your backdrive linkage connected? Rotate the steering column down near the dash and see if the reverse lights go off. They should! When your car was new it needed to be in reverse to get the key out. When you disconnect the backdrive linkage you lose the ability to do that. If you don't rotate the column the reverse light stay on all the time. The column thinks the transmission is in reverse.

If the car has or had headers the rod is gone because it doesn't work with them.

[takid455]

man do I feel dumb. I never hooked that back up because I did not like that feature. I also installed headers to better utilize the cam. I did however, save the rod. I'll see where the column is rotated and hope I can fix the problem. thanks bob.

y'know bob, I have been pretty happy with this 74 so far. If I feel confident with the car to make the trek (600 miles one way), there may be 2 AB / blue/white SD's at the nats this year. Your of course would be way nicer, but it could be a before and after thing.

[johnta1]

If you have headers you probably can't use the back drive rod.

[formula kid]

I have had 2 sets of headers on my Formula and never had a problem with the reverse lock out switch. Never saw the need to make it not work. It is possibe to make your car work with this factory function.

[johnta1]

What brand/type of header were they?

Made for a stick shift?

[takid455]

I'll check, but I think it interfered with the Hooker super comps.

[formula kid]

The brand is Appliance Headers with 4 bolt collectors no problem to mount or oil changes. Still have the second set on and it must be about 15 years. Oh and they are D-port 4 into one not try-y

[johnta1]

formula kid, that's probably the only brand of header I've never used.

All of the other ones I've used the rod would hit the header tube/collector.
It would be fine in Park or with the lever up in a stick car.
When the collar rotated down it would hit the header.

Do they still make those headers?

(haven't bought headers in years)

[Rack776]

Originally Posted by johnta1

If you have headers you probably can't use the back drive rod.

Some Headders can use the rod, I installed my back drive rod 180 degrees upside down to make the Bend clear the collector, if fit good and causes no other problems.
I have D port Headdmans on a 75 455 T/A with a Factory 4 speed

Some round bar stock could also be used for a custom back drive if needed