The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The Electrical Bay Back up lights for an AD

I have a narrow 80 foot driveway which is hedge lined. Backing out in the dark can be fun. I was thinking of adding some very discreet back up lights which could be turned on manually when needed. Anyone have any ideas about wiring? I would think they could be wired to the tail lights with a switch hidden under the dash. I would like to keep my wires as short as possible. Thanks.

What about adding a spot light that can swivel 180 degree to the rear? Just and idea?

Somebody on here has done this before. I think that it was Horvath. He used stock front parking lights with clear lenses and a clear bulb mounted below the tailgate. It looks factory. Do a search for a thread on back up lights. This has been discussed before.

Here is the page on his website that addresses this: http://www.alanhorvath.com/54chevy/backups.php

Alan's set-up is nice. I'm going with '57 truck front running lites for my reverse lites. I like the round look and the lenses have a slight bullet shape. I'll be using the turn signal portion of the filament as it is brighter. Or maybe both filaments for max brightness. Sorry no pics though as I haven't installed them yet.

Run a hot wire to a fuse than to a switch.
Run a wire off the switch back to the back
up lights. For 6 volt systems you need 10-12
gauge wire for two lights. 12 volts you can use
14 gauge.

This is something I've thought alot about doing to my truck but haven't gotten that far. I did see this setup on a truck at a show the other day. This guy just added a momentary switch on a bracket to his 3 speed shiftbox to kick his on when he was in reverse, can't think of why I didn't think of that.
[img]http://www.mongosgarage.com/tech/mongo/backuplights/100_2219s.jpg[/img]

Course now I don't have the 3 speed anymore and my new tranny has a hookup for it and I still haven't done it.

Here his backup lights.
[img]http://www.mongosgarage.com/tech/mongo/backuplights/100_2220s.jpg[/img]

Good luck let us know how it turns out.
MONGO

MONGO - is that momentary switch spring loaded or something similar so that when he shifts out of reverse it goes off? Really neat installation - brilliant!

olblu, a momentary switch is spring loaded to return to either the on or off position, depending on the switch. That's why they're "momentary."

I have a set of late '40s/early '50s Guide B50 backup lights from a GM car that will go on the panel when I get to that point. They are round with glass "beehive" lenses. Look around on eBay for early backup lights - some of my favorites were old Studebaker lights with "beehive" lenses and four littel rocket fins molded into the lens, but they were always expensive. The oval backup lights from an early '50s Pontiac would probably look nice, too.

I used both filiments on my backups and they're nice and bright!
[img]http://www.alanhorvath.com/54chevy/chevypics/backup8.jpg[/img]

As phil mentioned above, you can see my entire install Here

All the tips have been very helpful. I like AH's installation and might do mine the same. I have spare glass and frames. However is therte something I should know about the wiring? I am a rookie electrical guy!

Wiring is simple and direct ... I just sent 12 volts through an on/off switch at my dash to the backups ... wired BOTH wires from each bulb to power, make sure your units are grounded well, and you're in business.

I'm going to put a lighted switch on mine so it's obvious when they're on and I don't forget to shut them off. I was forgetting to shut them off the first couple of weeks after I installed them, but now I'm in the habit and I don't forget anymore. They're sure do the job nicely, too!

Oldblu,
What tranny are you using. I drilled, tapped and installed a swith in my SM420 as noted here:

http://www.stovebolt.com/bboard/cgi-bin//ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=3;t=001139#000011

Alan,

Where did you find that rear bumper? That is a cool looking deal!

Thanks for sharing some great ideas.

cmayna - my 3 speed is stock 1949 Chev.

Hey, Jake

The bumper was done by the PO ... I'm glad to have it -- I like it, too!

Looks like something from the 70s to me.