Neutral safety switch

[402 Impala]

I’m going through the process of replacing my neutral safety switch, easy enough right? (I bypassed the old one to ensure it was bad and the car started when I did that)

I went to a local Napa store and bought the only option available for my 61 which has a 283 powerglide. Issue I’m having is the old switch compared to the new one are not the same as far as the prong plug ins my old one has the power (straight prongs) to the very left of the switch and the reverse (diagonal prongs more to the middle) the new one is reversed.

I tried to install it thinking maybe the design changed with time but the car would not start. I left the switch loose after to slide it around to see if maybe it was not in “park” on the switch but still no success.

My question is has anyone had to deal with this and if I’m overlooking something or do I need to find the exact replacement? I attached photos to help understand what I’m trying to explain any help would be
appreciated thanks

 

[La Hot Rods]

Loos like the nub that fits into the slot on the shift tube is not correct.

 

[IMBVSUR?]

Cut the first nub off

 

[blkblk63ss]

I can't find any new ones like the old one with the spade orientation. Try spraying old one with electric clean. Or is the nub broken ???

 

[402 Impala]

I can't find any new ones like the old one with the spade orientation. Try spraying old one with electric clean. Or is the nub broken ???

I believe that nub is broken which is why I’m having the issue

 

[La Hot Rods]

Looking at the old one the it does look like one nub is broken.
Make sure when you install it that the tab on the shift tube seats proper. It looks like it would fit between the nubs.

 

[402 Impala]

Looking at the old one the it does look like one nub is broken.
Make sure when you install it that the tab on the shift tube seats proper. It looks like it would fit between the nubs.

I did try to make it point to do that but I will give it another shot tomorrow I was curious if anyone was familiar with the plug ins and if they’d matter bc they’re not placed in the same areas

 

[blkblk63ss]

Are the plug in harness plugs separate to tabs or are they together ,like a l shape two wire and a two wire next to each other . In other words can they be plugged in on spades different ways.

 

[402 Impala]

Are the plug in harness plugs separate to tabs or are they together ,like a l shape two wire and a two wire next to each other .

They’re both different separate wires the power ones that are straight are purple the two that are angled are black and I believe the reverse light wires

 

[blkblk63ss]

Just plug in old one like it was and check as you move nub from park to reverse to neutral copy how it powers on each wire. You have backup lights to check too. The nub is a two nub with split in middle that clip goes in middle of nub.

 

[402 Impala]

They’re both different separate wires the power ones that are straight are purple the two that are angled are black and I believe the reverse light wires

 

[blkblk63ss]

They must have changed the spade locations?? Is this column original to car?

 

[402 Impala]

They must have changed the spade locations?? Is this column original to car?

As far as I know it is yes

 

[blkblk63ss]

Since parts suppliers show from 1957 to 1972 all the same ,you might run a used part wanted here. I know la hot rods here has a 62 bel air that they converted to race car so that might have a good used one that could be cleaned and lubed. You could check with him to see if it matches your old one.

 

[402 Impala]

Since parts suppliers show from 1957 to 1972 all the same ,you might run a used part wanted here. I know la hot rods here has a 62 bel air that they converted to race car so that might have a good used one that could be cleaned and lubed. You could check with him to see if it matches your old one.

Thanks for the idea I might do that next, I think I’m going to try and mess with the one I have again to see if I missed something

 

[402 Impala]

*Update I just hooked up power to the new switch and manually moved the nubs to where I thought park would be and the car turned over so thank you everyone for the help and suggestions I just need to install it and it should be good to go!

 

[327]

 

[Temp2c]

I would get a small piece of sheet metal and cut it to fit into the plug that goes into the switch. Then tape it up and push it back into the dash.

Those things are like resisters in the starting circuit. You will be amazed at how quickly your stock starter starts the engine.

Another nice feature is say you get stuck on railroad tracks or one a busy highway with nowhere to park and it stalls and refuses to start, you will be able to move the car on the starter motor.