[Brs75]

My '69 bird hasn't had a trans kickdown switch since I bought it. I was looking at ordering one, but there isn't an exact one in the catalogs and very few pictures of them. Also, the catalogs say to use existing bracket. I don't have that either. Can someone take a pic of their kickdown switch on their '69 bird and post it or send it to me? Also, can I use a switch from another year if necessary?

[jal]

Brs75,
See the below link, it probably has the info you're looking for.

~joe

http://forums.maxperformanceinc.com/...d.php?t=484884

[2QUICK4U]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/TH400...spagenameZWDVW

I think this is the OEM switch u r looking for. It mounts on the carb stud

[Brs75]

I was thinking that the switch was on the carbeurator. Since I have none at all, would it be best to get a gas pedal type? I do have access to some early 70's Oldsmobiles for parts scrounging.

[UKcat]

From reading this forum, I have realized that I don't have a kickdown switch either. I am not that mechanically inclined; I knew the kickdown did not work, but did not know why. I don't have the gas pedal switch/bracket or anything on the carb. either. Which would be the best way for me to go, and how do I hook it up? I have a '69 firebird, 350 engine, 4 barrel carb., TH400 transmission. The tranny has a wire that goes down to it and is attached on to it, but it is not plugged into anything, as far as I can tell. Thanks for your help. This forums are very informative!!!

[Bjorn]

UKcat, the TH400 has electronic kick dowmn ,the TH350 mechanical.... you`ll need a "switch" ,sometimes found on EBay, run pretty high for 'original' parts...like +_$150...might want to contact Terry aka 69Firebirdman see what he has or suggests...Terry `s ph no is (954) 721-1459 and his email....[email protected]

currently two on EBay , this one is complete with bracket...
item no 200010446420,
one more
item no 150013389708

[UKcat]

Thanks guys; the one on ebay is the one I need, I don't know if I need it that bad or not!!!! Could I make the after-market one from B & M or Lokar work as well???

[Karch]

Wow, is that one going for some $$.

Guess I may need to clean my up and see what it will bring. It's not as pretty as that one, but it does function.

[PLAY400]

Heck of a deal for the 1 on Ebay right now. Last time I seen 1 for sale it was over 4 hun. I use the B&M 1 ,modified my throttle cable bracket to retain it and mounted the switch under my cable. Works great and uses original wiring Alan

[2QUICK4U]

Thats my switch for sale on Ebay. I hate to sell OEM parts but I'm running out of money for my 67 bird. With a 2 month old baby at home, I don't have any money left for the car.

[UKcat]

I knew that it was your part for sale; I am just not willing to pay that for it; OEM dosen't mean much to me; I am not going to enter any concours contests; I did bid on it; more than I thought it was worth; we are going to try the B & M option instead!
Congratulations to you and yours on your new baby!!!

[UKcat]

Originally Posted by PLAY400

Heck of a deal for the 1 on Ebay right now. Last time I seen 1 for sale it was over 4 hun. I use the B&M 1 ,modified my throttle cable bracket to retain it and mounted the switch under my cable. Works great and uses original wiring Alan

I have the original wiring, I think. There is a wire that goes down to the tranny and is hooked to it. There are two wire connectors on the harness, in behind the carb. that are not hooked to anything. One is black, as is the wire on the tranny, the other is black with a yellow stripe. Would these be the correct terminals or are they for something else I don't have??

[2QUICK4U]

Originally Posted by UKcat

I have the original wiring, I think. There is a wire that goes down to the tranny and is hooked to it. There are two wire connectors on the harness, in behind the carb. that are not hooked to anything. One is black, as is the wire on the tranny, the other is black with a yellow stripe. Would these be the correct terminals or are they for something else I don't have??

Yes, those wires should be hooked up to your trans kickdown switch: one hot wire and the other to the trans. All the switch does is close a contact when you put the pedal to the floor and tells the trans to down shift

[Karch]

Originally Posted by UKcat

I knew that it was your part for sale; I am just not willing to pay that for it; OEM dosen't mean much to me; I am not going to enter any concours contests; I did bid on it; more than I thought it was worth; we are going to try the B & M option instead!
Congratulations to you and yours on your new baby!!!

That B&M unit is a POS, IMHO.

[jal]

Guys,
I think ( I don't do much of it) we're making this much harder than it really is.
I spent a total of about $10.00 and 1 hour of time on a small micro switch and relay for my TH400 kickdown. All that is needed is 12v to detent valve on the side of the tranny. Used the switch to trigger the relay.
My buddy made a small bracket that we screwed to the carb and is adjustable for when you want the kickdown to occur.
The link in my first post includes a pic of my carb with the switch attached to the carb.
Hope that helps a little.

--joe

[UKcat]

What a glorious day!!! A friend gave me a foot-feed kickdown switch from a .72 grand prix; said he didn't see why we couldn't adapt it to work on the carb. linkage. WELL............we did it!!! Mounted it to the accelerator cable bracket; hooked a spring to it to pull it on contact instead of pushing against it; hooked the wires up to it; took it for a spin down our road............it works.....it works!!!!! Something finally went right for us while working on our cars!!! Thanks for all your help and suggestions guys!!