The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The Electrical Bay Reverses lights

hello i have a 54 3100 4 on the floor i want to add reverse lights does any one know a cheap easy way to do it


thanks

Just a suggestion, install light run to toggle at dash.

Yup, thats what I did. Cheap and fast.
Dan

That's the way the early vehicles were wired, a separate switch.

The toggle-switch seems to be the easiest method.

There was a back-up switch made for SM420 transmissions (available in 1967) and there was/is a back-up switch that could be used on the shifter-pivot inside the engine compartment for 54/55 Hydra-Matic transmissions.

Supposedly earlier SM420s could be adapted to use the 1967 switch; but, the one for the H-M was/is a bolt-on. Sorry, I do not know part numbers for either switch.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/showthread.php?t=181306
http://www.advanceadapters.com/tech-vault/gm-sm420/
http://www.jeepshots.com/shots/projects/sm420/
http://talk.classicparts.com/showthread.php?t=7345

omegaone1954...hope you dont mind me jumping in here.

I was just curious where, on the AD trucks are the guys who add reverse light mounting them? under bed... stake side?
What size/type fixture are being used?
Anybody have a pic?

I would like to add them on my 50 also. Backing up in the desert the other night made me realize this would be a good Idea.

Toggle switch would work for me, with indicator light.

Thanks

thanks toggle switch will work, not a prob i'm going to hide mine under the roll pan

4 speed should have a seperate shift rod for reverse. What about mounting a pushbutton switch to where it tripped when the reverse shift rod tripped it when in reverse position.

Hi Dads50. I have used backup lights from a early 50s chevy. I made plates and mounted them on the rear bed pocket. I liked them. They lit up behind the truck.

Actually, there was a backup switch available for the SM420 in 1955 on the 2nd Series trucks. It consisted of a collar with a tab for the switch that mounts to the shift tower, then a cast aluminum peice the mounts to the shifter to activate the switch. It is all external of the transmission. The same swithc was also used with the 3 speed manuals, as well as the Hydramatics. If I can remember where i put the instruction sheet that came with the NOS backup lamp kit I used on mine, I'll scan it and post.

Thanks

Ill look around for a fixture. maybe a 4inch would work.

I mounted a set of chrome Guide B-31 backup lights w/ brackets on the rear bumper brackets. A fellow Stovebolter sold me a nice set of lights! I ran wire along the frame into engine bay, then in behind dashboard. Bought + installed a vintage illuminated light switch. I'd share pictures, but have yet learned how to do that here.

I would like to see a pic of that set up. I have my spare under the bed.

Thanks

sent you pm--do not know how to post pictures to the Forum

Check the IT Short Bus forum. There are a couple of stickies there to guide you. They are at the top of the threads in the forum.

Bill I'd really like to see a scan of those instructions.

Denny G

I was fortunate enough to have a spare 4-speed trans., with the reverse switch set up attached. I want to put it on my truck, but the depression switch is bad. Can't seem to find a replacement so far, that is affordable.

Tiny, Thats a sweet ride hence the name Sweetie

Thank you. The bank account is considerably smaller now.