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| | | Forums66 Topics128,042 Posts1,055,518 Members48,424 | | Most Online14,466 Apr 26th, 2026 | | AD Chevy Trucks Over 6,000 pictures Brad Allen has an awesome collection of Chevrolet factory pictures that he has set up from film strips. Check them out!
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on the Internet for over 30 years! and not clogged down with Ads! Again, thanks! | | | | Joined: Apr 2015 Posts: 113 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Apr 2015 Posts: 113 | Anyway to use one pair of lights for stop, tail, and turn signal on a 59 2.5 ton. Based on what I can determine, the answer is "no". It seems you must have separate turn and brakes lights. Just checking before I go buy another pair for turn signals. Maybe someone here figured out a work- around GJ
1959 Chevy 8500 - Spartan 80 366 BBC
| | | | | Joined: Nov 2005 Posts: 6,100 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Nov 2005 Posts: 6,100 | Hy Gene_Spartan80, yes there is a way to do it, if your truck has the factory turn signal switch, or a good aftermarket switch which takes the output of the brake light switch into the turn signal switch where the brake light signal can be distributed to whichever (or both) brake light filaments are not being flashed to indicate you are making a turn. The factory wiring harness should have been set up that way, do you have a maintenance manual or at least a wiring diagram? Hope that helps. | | | | | Joined: Apr 2015 Posts: 113 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Apr 2015 Posts: 113 | I have 2 pairs of wires running to the back. One pair is tail lights and brakes. The other pair is right and left turn lights.
The lights I have 2 wires. If I put both the turn signal wire and the brake wire to the bright bulb the brake light overides the turn signal and it does not flash. I have the factory 3 wire turn signal switch that connects under the dash to a 3 wire plug. I will look for a wiring diagram. I don't think the shop manual has it but I will check it out.
1959 Chevy 8500 - Spartan 80 366 BBC
| | | | | Joined: Jan 2015 Posts: 914 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jan 2015 Posts: 914 | You could use one pair though you would have to change the sockets in the housing so you can use two filament bulbs. Such as a 1157 bulb if you have 12v system, or 1154 6v.
I am sure you can find the correct bulb number.
I would find it easier to buy a set of correct repro tail light assemblies that match what your truck has and mount two on each side.
More lights better you are seen.
Also if your truck has a running light at each corner of the bed you can use the two rear ones as brake, tail, and stop lights by updating the socket in those lights.
Though if those running light lenses are not deep enough to fit over a 1157 sized bulb you will have to find lenses that will fit the running light base and be deep enough. | | | | | Joined: Apr 2015 Posts: 113 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Apr 2015 Posts: 113 | My truck currently has no platform bed. I am trying to get legal so I can drive it. I agree more lights is good. I was just trying to rig something. I have to take it to the dmv to let them check its road- worthiness so they will issue a title. Thanks for the help. I will just go with two lights per side. I am sure whatever bed I go with will have two per side. Bed manufacturers definitely follow the more lights is better rule.
1959 Chevy 8500 - Spartan 80 366 BBC
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