Interlock Switch

[Martin N.]

Does anyone have a source for a new one or someone who can recondition? a "Starter Interlock Override Switch" holding (orange) bracket that mounts to the firewall. I just had the "can" of the switch replated and the switch base cleaned up nicely, but the orange base that the wires plug into & the switch plugs into is a dingy / faded orange. Paint just isn't an option.

THANKS....Marty

[William C.]

Re: Interlock Switch

I take it you have a '74, I believe the part is common with GM pass car. At his point I doubt that NOS is an option.

[Joe L.]

Re: Interlock Switch

Marty-----

The switch, GM #1993495, is now being reproduced. I've seen it advertised recently, although I can't recall where. I'd check with Specialty Parts now located in Arkansas or Alabama.

The above-referenced switch is used for 1969-81 Corvettes with manual transmission. I cannot find any other applications for it, though.

[Martin N.]

Re: Interlock Switch

It's a 1974 L-48 with THM-400.

THNAKS Joe & Bill....Marty

[Joe L.]

Re: Interlock Switch

Marty-----

OK, that's different. That switch was GM #470108. It's long-since GM discontinued and I don't know if a reproduction/replacement is available, or not. As far as I can tell, this is a Corvette-only part, but it was used for 1974 through 1982.

[Don G.]

Re: Interlock Switch

I thought the switch and orange bracket were used on all 1974 and early 1975 GM cars and were eliminated when Congress repealed the no start requirement unless the seat belt is fastened due to great customer opposition. Our '74 has it and our late '75 does not. I have seen them on a'74 Pontiac and '74 Cadillac some time ago. It appears the bracket is molded in orange color so painting is not an option. A '74 or early '75 GM parts car is the most likely source.

[Joe L.]

Re: Interlock Switch

Don and Marty------

I COMPLETELY blew it. For some unknown reason, I was thinking that we were talking about the neutral safety switch and that's what I was referring to in both my posts. After re-reading the original post, I see that it says quite clearly that we're talking about the interlock over-ride switch. I have absolutely no idea how I mis-read that. My mind must be on other things, which today it is.

Anyway, that switch was GM #1243384. It was used on most other 1974 Chevrolet and GM models, too. It may also have been used on some very early 1975 models. However, if it was, it was not used for very long in the model year. As soon as the government mandate was lifted, I think that GM and other manufacturers VERY quickly dropped it. Almost lightening fast.

The GM #1243384 was discontinued in June, 1995. So, it's been gone for 12-1/2 years now. Until interest in restoration began, I doubt that GM sold very many of these switches, at all----most folks disabled the system and then had no need for an override. Disabling this system was easy; just disconnect the connectors for the underseat switches and it's over. I did this myself on a brand new 1974 Vega wagon I had at work once-upon-a-time.

There's one place where you're in luck here. The fact that this switch was used on so many other 1974 models means there's undoubtedly quite a few of them out there. Even when the system was disabled, I doubt that many folks decided to remove the switch from the firewall. So, if you can find a 1974 GM car in a wrecking yard, chances are you'll have the switch.

[Joe L.]

Re: Interlock Switch

Marty----

Make sure you check out my recent post before you buy any parts. I provided incorrect information in my earlier responses.