Classic/Antique Car Repair: Backup lights, good luck jack, shift linkage


Question
My backup lights stay on in park, complete new wiring and new paint, 1956 Chevy. Please tell me how to get them to go off and come on when it's in reverse.
Thanks

Answer
I don't think I can help you.  I know Model A's and they did not have fancy back up lights.  The switch must be either on the trans, or inside it.  Look around the linkage and check to see if there is a switch there that is activated by the linkage.  Since park and reverse are next to each other, an adjustment should solve your problem.  If the switch is internal to the trans., then play with the adjustment of the shift linkage.  Maybe you just have to move it a little to get it corrected.  I doubt that the switch is defective.  Adjust the linkage toward park and see if that fixes it.  Since it goes off when you are in neutral, move the adjustment in that direction.  If you go too far, the lights will go on in neutral.  Find the right spot and it should work.  That's about the only thing I can suggest since I am not familiar with your car.  Find a chevy car club and join it.  They will have all the answers and you will have more fun with your car.
Good luck.
jack