I've got '68 Charger R/T with a 4-speed manual and a build date of 5/23. It has a new 2-prong reverse light switch, but it doesn't work. It's clear that actuator in the transmission does not contact the switch, it remains separated by 1/4"+.

If I lookup a part number for a switch in a '68 (Charger, Coronet, etc), nothing is listed. For '70+, the new switch I already have is listed. This is the same part number listed here on Moparts (and other places) as fitting all years.

I've considered machining down the metal housing to allow more penetration into the transmission, but there's not enough material to remove and make it function. I've also considered welding some kind of extension onto the ball in the switch, but this doesn't seem like a good idea for many reasons.

Was there a special switch in '68? Is the transmission the problem?

I don't know of any different switches. Are you sure the lever is going all the way into reverse?

If it is going all the way into reverse and still not working, you can machine the shoulder on the switch to move it deeper. I have only done this on the new style switches that take a 15/16" wrench.

The reverse arm must be the problem. I have seen several over the years that were machined wrong. Only other thing that could keep the arm from going all the way back would be a rev idler gear installed backwards? Or the ball under the detent spring missing?