Turns out you can remove gear remote through the cabin..

[gizzardio]

After hours of battling seized bolts, tight access, creative tool assembling and scraped hands I managed to get gear level remote unbolted and out. Now I can pull out the snapped end of the reverse light switch and fit a new set of bushes to hold the thing back in place. Weird how each one of the four mounting bolts had one of the two bushes missing, presumed perished or broken and fallen out. Hopefully it'll mean a super tight and direct gear shift once again.

Just one last thing , i found this reverse light on a linked topic and wanted to double check that it's right before ordering.

http://www.rimmerbros.co.uk/Item--i-PRC2911P

Finally, does anyone know how the reverse light is fitted? I imagine you have to judge the right depth its screwed in so that the end is in exactly the right place to be depressed upon selecting reverse gear but not too far that the switch body prevents the gear lever being able to move far enough over? I'd probably put the gear in reverse and then screw the switch down until you feel the switch end being pressed in. But any further ideas welcome.

Thanks all

[Alan461]

Not had to do this for a type 9 but usually the depth is adjusted with shim washers until the switch operates when fully tight.

[zombeh]

Pretty sure anything that looks like that is the right thread, the various BL cars of the time all used slightly different lengths though. I'm 99% certain I used an SD1 switch when I replaced mine (all the triumph ones I had were broken and that was what was sensibly priced on ebay).

I believe the gear lever housing on our cars is actually series 3 xj6 which should make this the right part. http://www.scparts.co.uk/sc_en/english-cars/jaguar...

[Barkychoc]

Hasn't it got a lock nut on it to secure it when the depth is set?

[gizzardio]

Hi

Sorry for late reply. Been away with work.

Yes it's got a lock nut so I guess I ts a case of sticking in reverse gear and screwing it down til switch is enabled and then maybe turn a slight bit more and lock it off.

I bought one of the switches recommended so hopefully should be a straight forward job.

Cheers