I have a friend who is restoring a 1981. He asked me about the backup lights. I seem to remember a multi purpose switch on the column on the automatics. Can anyone verify this? Anyone have a source for this part?

Thanks in advance.

 

that's where it is , but the other function is igniton cylinder lock from the linkage from the tranny. most guys toosted out that rod when they put headers as it required modifing the pipe or linkage.
the switch might be easy thing on the list to find for sale

 

I thought if it had a console shifter the switch was inside the console? Is your friend's Camaro a column shift, or console shift? I've got a spare switch for the console version.

 

i don't know what year they upgraded to the column shifter ... lol
but for sure not going that whay was what many guys did.
i used to just grasp the column lower than the cylinder and turn to have my reverse lights come on or off.
but i was always getting told my reverse lights where on or just came on when driving.
putting a switch in the console would be much better

 

Wasn't the column shift available every year from 1967 on?

 

I don't know what year they started doing it, but there's a cable that moves the piece on the steering column that would be the column shift assembly, so I'm betting that on your friend's 81 it's not a shifter actuated switch. It'll be on the column. Just my .02...should be an easy junkyard find, camaro/firebird/trans am

 

they did it like that so that the shifter coukld not be moved from park with the key on lock or removed.
1981 state of the art anti-theft! lol
the hole to put the shifter on the column was just smoothed round but it still moved the same.
all the monte carlo and grand prix where like that too.
i've done several mods to the linkage from the tranny to the frame, for the dual exhaust to pass un hindered and still get low gear.

when i was 18 and had my 81 still on the road ... i had the exhaust done for me and they just hammered down the pipe for it to clear. very non sufficient!!! lol