Classic/Antique Car Repair: 67 Mustang reverse lights, throttle linkage, center shaft

Question
The reverse lights on my Mustang no longer work. I have traced the wires which go through a connector (under the hood)down to the automatic transmission. There is 12 volts on one line, heading down I assume. When I put it in reverse there is no power coming back up on the other line. The wires go into some sort of device on the side of the transmission. It has 2 bolts,a spring to the throttle linkage and a center shaft that rotates when changing gears. Do you know if this can be repaired?  Or should I try to find a replacement.  thank you

Answer
This is your back-up light switch. It has probably failed, and will have to be replaced - I doubt it can be repaired, and it should be pretty cheap to buy a new one.  NAPA probably stocks them.  If not, go to one of the Mustang parts dealers and pay 3X the price.

You can verify that it is the switch by temporarily connecting the two wires together at the switch, then checking to see that the back-up lights come one.  The key may have to be on for this to work.

Dick