Hello all,

I am swapping in a power/auto column into a manual/manual truck. The power column is out of a 73. I have the diagrams to hook up the turn signals and such but I would like to use the flasher switch on the column. This will add to discussion from prior posts but my 68 had AC from the factory and had the flasher switch in the glove box. At least that is what it looks like. No actual switch but a 4-prong connector with colored wires that match a flasher requirements. Nothing on the right side of the dash. Does anyone know if I find the required flasher wires closer to the column, could I use the flasher switch on the newer column? Anyone done this before? Also, what about the neutral back up light switch down the column? how will I make that work? Obivoiusly bring the wires in from engine compartment for the back up lights but what about the neutral safety switch? Do I even need neutral safety switch? Any answers to these questions would be appreciated, Thanks

Ken
74 Bronco
73 F100
68 F100

 

Ken. You need the neutral saftey switch. Connection is easy. Find the start wire from the ignition out to the start on the starter relay, splice in the neutral start switch on the column. Back up lights work the same way off an ignition on hot source. The switch is adjustable (a little) and be careful you don't break the metal actuating finger that is on the shift tube. As for using the 4 way switch on the column, wiring that up will be trial and error but it is just a simple on off switch working through the 4 way flasher. Wish I could be more specific but wire colors change from time to time so you will have to sort it out. The good news is that these switches are available at parts stores for not much money. The older switches with the button on the dash or in the glove box are much more expensive. There is a tool designed for removing the wires from the connectors (I forget the name)! Its a small flat tip screwdriver (about the size of an ink pen) with a tube that slides down the shaft and relases the retaining tabs on the wire connectors. Please post back with specifics others will need this info.
William in Atlanta

 

Thanks William,

I let you know how it goes, Ken

 

 

William,

Okay, I'm finally digging into this wiring. I have the motor done and the 73 front end with discs in my 68. The column is in and I started on this wiring today. I think I am lucky because I found a neutral safety switch/backup connection with a jumper in my 68 truck tucked up under the dash. Perfect match for my new 73 auto column? So everybody, check before you cut. I didn't get the tool for the connectors but I was able to get them out with a small scewdriver and needlenose pliers. I took the emergency flasher clicker box with the connection from the 73 and I am going to splice it into the 68 and bypass the glove box switch. I am hoping that this will give a good connection and allow me to use the switch on the 73 column. I will let you know in the next few weeks if it works. The only other wires that don't match are the red on blue which are the wires that light the column auto shifter. I will just wire these into the lights. Anyway, I will let you know how it goes and post any new findings. I am hoping to find a jumped connection for the shifter light on the column. Must be one. The neutral safety switch connection was there?
Thanks for all your help.

Ken
68 F100 390
74 Bronco 351W

 

Ken for what its worth, I cut the wires out of the column 4way switch and stayed with the dash switch when I did my conversion.

 

John,

Good to hear from you. How is it going? Still in the garage you had? I have got to get back up to NC one of these days. The wife's family has just been coming down here to SC. The switch on my truck is in my glove box and the actual switch is gone. The last owner spliced in his towing gear as well. The new switches are spendy and if I can use the one I have on the column, so be it. Just having fun anyway. I just want to have them in case I have to help a broken down Ch*@% owner.
Just to let you know, you have been a big help in the rebuild of this truck. Thanks,

Ken
68 F100 390
74 Bronco 351W

 

Hi Ken, Making it work shouldn't be a problem, I just chose not to. I made all of the wires work with trial & error (really not hard at all).

I have lost my shop space to the widening of I-85, and have to have everything out by the 20th. A real pisser.

 

Ken, I'd like to hear a bit more about all the updates that you're doing to your '68. They sound a lot like what I've got loose plans for doing to my '68. I'm stripping out a donor '73 right now, so if you've got any input on extra things that I should get out of it before I scrap it, let me know. Thanks.

 

Sure thing Bigric,

My donor is gone because I didn't have the option of keeping it around. Home owners association. I took everthing I had room for. Sold the frame, body, and things I didn't need. I took out the complete wiring harness. All of it! Lucky too. Today I found out the wiring I thought was towing wiring was a re wire of the back up lights because the fuse box is rusted and shot. Now I will be able to use the fuse box from the 73. If you can. Keep that 73 around until you have your 68 done. Once I get this all figured out, I will write it down and send it too you.

Ken

 

Ric, grab the two speed wiper motor, you can put a delay switch on it later.