steering column back up light switch

[tidybowl]

My 1970 F-250 back up lights quit working. After searching all the electrical basics, I wound up at the steering column neutral safety/ backup light switch. The small arm that sticks out of the steering column, that is attached to the gear selector shaft tube has broken off.The parts diagram shows what appears to be a separate part at this location. (7B097) Any ideas short of removing the entire steering column to fix this? I've bypassed the switch, SSSOOOO no neutral safety.

[dj_trucks]

You don't need to take apart the column at all, the little arm is just clipped on. Fabricate another, buy it new, or carefully pry one off a junked truck.

[tmcalavy]

you can get that spring arm from LMC or dennis carpenter for not much $$$...they're a pain to install cause you're up under the dash. good luck.

[tidybowl]

I was hoping for that answer. After doing the pretzel thing with a mirror and flashlight I got a look at the broken piece. I can see where it snaps in. My ARA aftermarket A/C was blocking the view of the opening.Thanks for the help.

[tidybowl]

can you tell me how to get in contact with LMC? I got the clip off the column but it fell down the steering column tube surrounding the sifter. I'll need to purchase a new one. Due to some physical limitations I won't be going to the wrecking yard anytime soon.

[tidybowl]

Dennis Carpenter Parts are awesome. They had what I needed. Thanks tmcalavy.

[tidybowl]

Here are some pics of the 2 hour process of installing a $6.00 part on the backup light/neutral safety start switch. I wound up removing the steering column to get the job done. In all the excitement I forgot to take a picture of the pin we installed.