Automatic Shifter | Center Console Lighting

[Mopar Virgin]

We're getting down to the final loose-ends on what will end up being a 4yr build and it assembling the interior, it became apparent that the center console likely/should have a small lightbulb assembly mounted within it to illuminate the automatic shifting label. We never had that when we received the "project car" as I kept all the parts and never saw a wire running to the area either.

Anyone able to explain what that assembly/bracket looks like and where it should attach? Ideally, a picture of what it should look like unassembled to the underside of the console or tunnel would be appreciated.

 

[4spdragtop]

 

[autopar3000]

I'm pretty sure I used one of these:
Dorman 85814 Electrical Sockets - 2-Wire License, Side Marker, Frames - Amazon Canada

The bulb end is rubber so it can be stuffed into the hole pretty easily.

I think I spiced it into the radio light wiring and used a green LED 194 style lamp.

 

[autopar3000]

Slight correction, I used something more like this. Exact same idea, though:
https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B073WVRDVY?tag=fabo03-20

I don't have the carpet on my console right now so I was able to get a pic:

Never mind all that extra wiring in there, I have cruise control buttons and an OD button hiding in the ash tray. For the light, yellow is grounded and red is wired to power.

 

[Mopar Virgin]

Slight correction, I used something more like this. Exact same idea, though:
https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B073WVRDVY?tag=fabo03-20

I don't have the carpet on my console right now so I was able to get a pic:
View attachment 1716474930

Never mind all that extra wiring in there, I have cruise control buttons and an OD button hiding in the ash tray. For the light, yellow is grounded and red is wired to power.

So is that black plug/escutcheon with the red and yellow wires the actual light assembly? If so, then I think we are missing that metal cover it is plugged into. Please let me know ... thx, DUANE

 

[autopar3000]

The black plug is just the bulb holder. It sounds like you might be missing that metal piece. Here's a pic from an eBay listing that shows what it would look like:

1967-76 Mopar A Body Console & Shifter Trim Plate Automatic Floor Shift Bracket | eBay

 

[Mopar Virgin]

Slight correction, I used something more like this. Exact same idea, though:
https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B073WVRDVY?tag=fabo03-20

I don't have the carpet on my console right now so I was able to get a pic:
View attachment 1716474930

Never mind all that extra wiring in there, I have cruise control buttons and an OD button hiding in the ash tray. For the light, yellow is grounded and red is wired to power.

Totally awesome and helpful ... The build shop sent me a picture of the console underside this morning and we do have the metal housing, so just needed the wiring harness!!!

Just for sanity-sake, do you know where the wire/switch is located to trigger the reverse lights (in my case a light on top of the license plate frame)? I saw that B-body wiring harnesses have them in the center console, but the shop "thinks" it is located on the transmission.

 

[4spdragtop]

 

[RedFish]

Automatic transmission builds had their reverse lamp switch inside the cabin whether column shift or floor shift until 1968 model. All manual trans builds have reverse lamp switch at the trans. Floor shifters for automatics retained the 2 bolts holes for the reverse lamp switch long after that switch was moved to the trans.
Because you said build, later model automatic trans will have a 3 wire switch on it. The 2 outer terminals are reverse lamps. We can route the 2 wires there in pre 68 model builds if we choose.

 

[Mopar Virgin]

Automatic transmission builds had their reverse lamp switch inside the cabin whether column shift or floor shift until 1968 model. All manual trans builds have reverse lamp switch at the trans. Floor shifters for automatics retained the 2 bolts holes for the reverse lamp switch long after that switch was moved to the trans.
Because you said build, later model automatic trans will have a 3 wire switch on it. The 2 outer terminals are reverse lamps. We can route the 2 wires there in pre 68 model builds if we choose.

Man-oh-man this is complicated for a guy like me that knows nothing about electrical matters.

To possibly complicate matters, the engine/transmission came from a '74 Duster. The body is a '68 Bcuda. That said, I have no idea of the integrity of the car, as it came as a 3-on-the-tree, but had a manual shift cut-out on the tunnel. Bought it from a guy that pieced it together and flipped it as a project car. Does anything in the change perspectives as-to what you shared?

I'm just playing intermediary to the shop doing he build, whose owner has never used email and refuses to.

 

[RedFish]

Man-oh-man this is complicated for a guy like me that knows nothing about electrical matters.

To possibly complicate matters, the engine/transmission came from a '74 Duster. The body is a '68 Bcuda. That said, I have no idea of the integrity of the car, as it came as a 3-on-the-tree, but had a manual shift cut-out on the tunnel. Bought it from a guy that pieced it together and flipped it as a project car. Does anything in the change perspectives as-to what you shared?

I'm just playing intermediary to the shop doing he build, whose owner has never used email and refuses to.

OK, A 1968 model with manual trans did have reverse lamp switch at the transmission. 2 wires went to the trans for that.
Many of will refer to one of the 3 bulkhead connectors as the wiper connector since it sometimes had no other wires in it.
Unused ports of this connector is where they put reverse lamp wires.You may find the reverse lamp wires there.
A 1974 automatic transmission soes have a 3 wire dual purpose switch. Reverse lamp wires go to its outer or left and right terminals.
A single brown wire goes to the center terminal of that switch but,,, this brown wire wasn't in a wire harness. It went from a terminal on a neutral safety switch that you may not have yet. Brown wire did join the other 2 wires sort of behind the distributer continuing on down to the trans.
Someone with a 68 manual trans example might offer pics and/or clearer details.

 

[Mopar Virgin]

OK, A 1968 model with manual trans did have reverse lamp switch at the transmission. 2 wires went to the trans for that.
Many of will refer to one of the 3 bulkhead connectors as the wiper connector since it sometimes had no other wires in it.
Unused ports of this connector is where they put reverse lamp wires.You may find the reverse lamp wires there.
A 1974 automatic transmission soes have a 3 wire dual purpose switch. Reverse lamp wires go to its outer or left and right terminals.
A single brown wire goes to the center terminal of that switch but,,, this brown wire wasn't in a wire harness. It went from a terminal on a neutral safety switch that you may not have yet. Brown wire did join the other 2 wires sort of behind the distributer continuing on down to the trans.
Someone with a 68 manual trans example might offer pics and/or clearer details.

Oops ... Left out one key detail (I think) ... The '74 duster was a console automatic ... That change anything?

 

[RedFish]

Oops ... Left out one key detail (I think) ... The '74 duster was a console automatic ... That change anything?

Nothing more electrically I can think of concerning reverse lamps except for a reverse indicator lamp on the dash. That your manual build may have it. It wasn't found in the automatic builds but you could keep it.