The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The Electrical Bay stock back up light switch options?

Hi Stovebolters...

I have a 1953 Chevy 1 ton with a stock 4 speed on the floor transmission. I have no means to do back up lights....gotta have back up lights in this day and age I believe...I got a quote from Novak adapters and they can add a backup light switch like on the later model trucks for about $195.00. I have to get the cover off and packaged and shipped off to them where ever they might be located...

Is that a good price???....I am dumb as dirt when it comes to this type of stuff...

So what do you guys do for backup lights on these old trucks???

Any insight would be wonderful...

MikeC

MikeC,

Most likely, you are referring to an SM420 4-speed transmission.
Novak is a reputable company.
Most likely, you would not be able to find someone to do it reliably for less $$.

I'll have back-up lights on my 54/55 GMC COE (SM420 transmission).
I'll use a manual on/off switch under the dash.

I was thinking about this same subject tonight as I was backing in my drive. The toggle switch will be my choice, but uncertain on appropriate lights that won't look like the WallyWorld trailer lights my 51 had when I bought it.John

A setup like this would be easier. This is how the factory setup was done on the '55-'59. The switch itself is the same as the 3 speed and Hydramatic, only difference is the mounting bracket and the activation lever.

It would be interesting to see how the switch attaches to the shift linkage levers on the steering column.
So it could be adapted to fit a 1954 Chevrolet panel truck.
Just have to figure out where to put the back-up light.

This would be a good place to put the Panel Truck Tail Light back-up light.
Would have to change the lens from red to clear though.

I'm with Tim. Just put a manual switch under the dash. The first backup lights Chevy used were that way. In '38 it was a simple pull/push switch.

The light in the JC article is a Guide B-31, they were used on almost every GM division at one time or another. There were also versions for Harley-Davidson and Indian products. You will find a variety of lenses, housing mounts and chrome or painted bodies. As an example this very rare 1948 Panel Truck compartment light accessory with the, painted body, diffused lens rather than the common back-up light with clear focussed lens.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/advance-design_parts_co/13957534323/in/album-72157631868452754/
Novak is based out of Logan, Utah. I have sold them several SM420 cores over the years. They enjoy a stellar reputation in the off-road community. They have an excellent knowledge gateway on many transmissions located here.
https://www.novak-adapt.com/knowledge/transmission_gateway.htm

I believe I remember the floor type switch on my dads 1963 Chevy p/u was like the one shown for the floor shifter, but I think you could put a lever type switch on the column mounted shifter at the reverse linkage to get back up lites. Pat

Isn't the Guide B-31 also used for the AD Panel and Suburban trucks rear side directional lamps?
Also, were did they normally mount the 1948 Panel Truck compartment light?

The B-31 is not as long as the panel-body rear side lamps.
And, the B-31 has a different, flat, clear-glass lens.
B-31 has a different base style/shape/size.

47-55 panel-body rear side lamp
2-stud base

B-31 photo 1 and B-31 photo 2

Jorb,

It mounts up in the rear corner and shines down into the interior. I am out of the country now but when I get home I will scan and post the instructions.

Just to clarify, in this Thread there are two JC (Jim Carter) website links:

Link 1---I believe shows a B-31 lamp mounted on the right side of a Suburban end gate tail lamp.

Link 2---Is about a safety issue on AD panel trucks.
The issue was corrected by mounting a lamp on the rear roof top panel. Picture
What I wanted to know,
Is the LAMP that they put on the rear top roof panel,
the same lamp used for the AD Panel and Suburban trucks rear side directional LAMPS ?

The article states it is used only as a tail lamp, therefore is only ON when the headlights are ON.
(Under instructions #5)
It does come with a 2 filament bulb, but to cut one lead wire off.
The remaining lead wire connects to the door switch.

It would be interesting if the rear roof top lamp could be used both ways.
Half the lens clear, used as a back-up light.
The other half red, used as a tail light.

Only the switch itself is the same, the mounting bracket and lever are different. The switch bracket clamps to the steering column, and the lever clamps around the shifter rod, and is adjusted so it only closes the switch when reverse is selected, as it can catch it in 2nd if out of adjustment. I'll see if I can get a good picture of the one in mine. It's slightly altered from how it is supposed to mount, as the column clamp had a bad weld on it. I had to attach it a little different, but the operation principle is the same.

I just mounted very bright halogen "fog" lights on the underside of my frame rails and pointed at my trailer hitch. Then I rigged the switch onto the shifter itself so when I grab the shifter knob I stretch my finger down and flip the switch on. Looks like a two speed rear end switch.

Tim