[East]

Hello to all.

A long time ago, I swapped out the TH350 with a TH400. One thing that I did was omit the linkage to the steering column [lock].

I just recently replaced the generic B&M cable with a reproduction and noticed that I have the flat lever bracket.

I want to install the linkage to column.

Is the bracket lever in the picture close to what is needed? It is the only thing that I can imagine that would work with the linkage I have saved. Is this a part that can be obtained from parts store, or is it one of those "special" restoration parts?

Could anyone post a picture of what a 1969 Firebird with a TH400 would look like with attached column linkage - Please?

[Schurkey]

It should be illustrated in the Genuine GM service manual for your vehicle.

[East]

Originally Posted by Schurkey

It should be illustrated in the Genuine GM service manual for your vehicle.

It was in a manual like you said.

The illustration is helpful enough to show that the picture I presented shows a different part. I will try to match the illustration to a picture of a part.

The illustration of the lever bracket looks like it has three attachment points: one for attaching to transmission, one for the shifter cable, and one for the linkage assembly.

[East]

I think this is it.

Thank for the response, Schurkey.

I forgave you for the tongue lashing that you gave me several years ago regarding Holley carb tuning. I agree with the response that gave back then.

[East]

Can anyone with a 1969 Firebird factory equipped TH400 tell me where the location of the kick-down switch is located. I obviously don't have one because the car was originally equipped with TH350.

I mentioned additional linkage that attaches the steering column to the range lever bracket on the transmission in previous post. In addition to rotating part of the column in the car to lock from starting, does the linkage also control reverse lights?

[Schurkey]

Originally Posted by East

Can anyone with a 1969 Firebird factory equipped TH400 tell me where the location of the kick-down switch is located.

The "A-bodies" were using a gas-pedal-bracket mounted switch starting in '68. Really-slick system, and once the switch was initialized, self-adjusting by whacking the gas pedal to the floor. The problem being that folks don't initialize the switch, and therefore the self-adjusting part doesn't work right. Then they wrap rubber hose around the thing to make it activate sooner.

But I don't know about the F-bodies.

Again, I'd expect that to be in the service manual.

Originally Posted by East

In addition to rotating part of the column in the car to lock from starting, does the linkage also control reverse lights?

I was gonna say that the switch would be with the shifter assembly...but your posted illustration shows no switch there. So I guess it does activate the backup lights via the column.

[East]

I have been having great results with your suggestions and information.

Thank you for your help.

[69FIREBIRD76MM]

I believe the switch is right on the the intake, activate by the throttle bracket.

[69FIREBIRD76MM]

Location

[East]

Thank you for posting the pictures of the switch.

Much needed help received.

Nice car!

[East]

I will install this weekend. I hope that it will work with the linkage that controls the steering column lock mechanism and reverse lights.

Thanks for all of the help

[East]

Originally Posted by Schurkey

The "A-bodies" were using a gas-pedal-bracket mounted switch starting in '68. Really-slick system, and once the switch was initialized, self-adjusting by whacking the gas pedal to the floor. The problem being that folks don't initialize the switch, and therefore the self-adjusting part doesn't work right. Then they wrap rubber hose around the thing to make it activate sooner.

But I don't know about the F-bodies.

Again, I'd expect that to be in the service manual.


I was gonna say that the switch would be with the shifter assembly...but your posted illustration shows no switch there. So I guess it does activate the backup lights via the column.

Finding the exact original switch is going to be a big task.

I ordered a Chevy carb mount bracket that looks like it will have more flexibility to use functionally similar switches. It was around $10 so I ordered it.

I could work on the readily available switches that are mounted at the gas pedal. I would have to find that bracket. That may be a better route.

Thank you for your information and direction. Service manual, who would of thought that would help?

[East]

I have been on a bracket shopping frenzy. I am replacing the throttle cable bracket because not only is it from an A body engine, I also hacked off the end that bolts to the intake manifold.

I am installing the correct coil bracket that attaches to the correct throttle cable bracket to get the coil off the firewall to where it belongs.

I am going to use a brake switch mounted in the kickdown switch bracket. It should work. There are other switches that are available that are built more robust and water resistant, but I will start off simple and dial in the brake switch first.

Thank you all for the assistance.

[Schurkey]

Originally Posted by East

I am going to use a brake switch mounted in the kickdown switch bracket. It should work.

Unlikely.

What makes the kickdown switch "special" is that it has considerable travel AFTER the switch closes to engage the kickdown. That means the transmission kicks-down BEFORE you get to WFO. It is normally-open, closes with throttle travel when the throttle linkage pushes the switch plunger.

A typical brake switch is normally-closed, opens when the pedal arm pushes on the plunger.

[East]

I reread your post and deleted my questions.

Thanks for breaking it down.

[East]

Shurkey said:
A typical brake switch is normally-closed, opens when the pedal arm pushes on the plunger.



I need a momentary switch that is open and becomes closed while being pressed and held. Like a door bell? I must make certain that the switch is open until pressed

It escaped me that the brake pedal at rest depresses the switch. I probably would have rediscovered that fact after I bought and installed it without successful results.

Thank you for saving me from wasted money, wasted time, and wasted effort.