'64 steering column back-up switch question

This is my first post after reading for quite a while. Great information! I'm the recent owner of a '64 long roof. Back up lights don't work. Traced power back to steering column. I noticed that the steering column has been replaced from a 3-speed to a power glide auto (different color column and firewall seal for clutch cable still there). The back up lights and ignition safety switch sits on top of the steering column near the firewall and has a plastic slider that catches the shifter tube through a cut-out on the column and enables the back-up switch when in Reverse. I've removed the switch and tested it -- it works fine (b/u lights come on).

The problem is that the metal 'catch' on the shifter tube is not protruding out enough into the groove on the switch. When I move the shift lever from Park to Drive (or Low) I loose the mechanical connection between the switch and the blade. Any ideas? This is kind of a strange one!

Thank you, Surfdog

welcome surfdog, this is a great site. Does it look like the tab coming out of the column is bent or broken? I haven't looked at mine in awhile, but I thought it comes out of the column at a 90 degree angle, the switch on top has a plastic groove it sits in, is that right? sometimes the plastic piece coming out of the switch gets broken, so it works one way but then not the other.

Thanks onewasnt_enuf. I pulled the mast tube and shift tube from the shaft yesterday. The shift tube does have the tab coming out at 90 degrees, it's possible that it may be damaged. I don't have anything to compare with. The switch also looks good. I'm going to visit a Nova parts specialst today and will get their opinion (Performance in City of Orange, CA). I'll let you know what I find out.

Yep, that was the problem. I replaced the powerglide shift tube, mast tube (column) and back-up/neutral safety switch. The replacement shift tube is now catching the switch properly. I also replaced the signal assembly, horn bushing, steering gear to frame bolts, firewall seal and mast tube seal. The hardest part was cleaning all the parts!! I also painted the mast tube (column) and associated parts. Horn, signal and back-up lights working great! I'm now street legal!! On to my next project :)

sounds like its back to brand new, cool! always more projects.