Reverse Backup Switch

I did a search and couldn't find anything on this. My Jeep has the kind of 3 speed trans that does not have a reverse or backup switch in it (I think it's a T18). Has anyone here added a switch using a bracket, sort of like this:

JEEP WILLYS 3 SPD REVERSE SWITCH KIT

That looks like it would work. I do not want to drill and tap any holes. I think I can make my own bracket out of what I have around the garage. All I'd need is a momentary switch.

 

Interesting idea. But if all you need is the switch....

https://www.amazon.com/SPST-BUTTON-SWITCH-MOMENTARY-NORMALLY/dp/B006M4ZGOI

 

That would work. Looks better than the one in the link I put in above.

 

If it is a T18 it is not a 3 speed. And my T18 has a backup light. But I thought about adding back up lights using LED lights and adding a switch on the dash. Maybe it is a T90?

 

+1

 

Wire in a backup alarm along with the lights? You would be unlikely to forget the lights with the alarm going.

 

In my state (NH) a manual switch isn't legal unless it has an indicator lamp.

 

When did they start having the factory reverse lights? And realistically how often do you really need the reverse light?

 

Not sure when first offered but the Daughter’s ‘69 had them and I know offered quite a bit earlier. In the winter time I use my backup lights every night when getting home from work.

 

They're great when it's dark outside and when backing up in unknown environs (like on a trail with low shoulders). I just wish they were super bright across every automobile platform and really illuminated the ground behind your vehicle.

My Saab 900, most thoughtfully designed car I've ever owned, has front reverse lights--a clear portion on the side parking lights that shines backwards when you're in reverse. Has rear fog lights too.

 

Could be a T90. I can never remember. It's a 3 speed with no reverse switch on it.

I already have a rear-mounted light and an illuminated switch for it mounted to the steering column. Had that on there for years. But it would be nice to have it come on when I go into reverse without having to switch it on/off manually.

 

Up here in the north, in the woods, in the long winter evenings.... a lot!

 

Borg-Warner 3-speed T-90 is the transmission, also used in some passenger cars of the era. Your transfer case is a Dana 18, sometimes called a D18 (though not by Dana-Spicer, AFAIK). There also exists a Borg-Warner T-18 4-speed truck transmission, which may lead to some confusion. The T-18 was offered in some Jeeps, but never in a '65 CJ-5.

From what I recall, backup lights were mandated by NHTSA by say 1968 or thereabouts, though some cars may have offered them earlier.

 

I used to work on a 1970 CJ5 (F134) that had factory backup lights. My very late model T90 has a factory switch on the shift housing, and A friend has has a T90 with a boss cast in for the switch, but never threaded to accept one.
I have never had backup lights on any of my early Jeeps, and only missed them on the Willys Wagons, never on a CJ.
-Donny

 

I just added a reverse switch. I had a t90. They look alike but you can drill out a port for the switch. NAPA has the switch I believe 69/71/etc had the switches. If you mess up on drilling a port I have an extra T90 cover and shifter cane