The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The Electrical Bay Backup lights for SM420?

On doing my research, I've found that there was an option for reverse lights kit. Squeeze even posted the part number "bu light is RPO 987454" for a 57 version. Unfortunately, the link posted is dead. Anybody know where I can find one of these? Come on, help a hick back his truck safely

Have done a search for this. We covered this about a year or so ago. There was an switch that attached to the top of the trany. MT was it you that had pics of this?

Yes, I'm aware it was done a year ago. Squeeze put out a part # with a link (to a pic?)which is now dead. I'm doing a search amongst the different vendors to locate the part, and was looking for any info, or leads.

I think the switch was only offered in 1967. I've seen one on eBay, and you might watch there for one. I've been told they are not real robust.

I bought an alarm type magnetic reed switch thinking I'd use that to operate the backup lights on my '55.

I see the switch mounted on a short piece of plastic pipe dropped over the top of the transmission. Then the magnet somehow attached to the shifter itself. I've only gone so far as to experiment with how close the pieces need to be to close the switch, and how far apart before it opens again.

I'm assuming I'll use a relay to actually operate the lights.

Meanwhile I'm using a dash mounted switch that has a light in it. The light is supposed to remind me if I've left them on...

If you poke around on my web site you'll find some pictures on putting the backup lights in. When I sort out the switch I'll have some pictures and description of that too.

Put SM420 or Muncie 420 in your search engine and one of the hits will be for a Jeep parts place they have a page the details how and where to drill & tap a hole in the tranny cover so you can then install a standard BU light switch , when you
shift into reverse the rail comes forward and depresses the ball in the switch and closes the circut .

I'm sorry I lost the link and don't have the time allowed to re-find it .

Well, I've had no luck on finding a backup kit from the 55-59 era. I really would have preffered to use the "easy" option of the add-on kit.
VW: I think you've hit on the option of last resort. I'll go get the top from a SM420 at the junk yard, rebuild the fork assembly, and tap in the "jeep solution". This is gonna take some time before I can get to it (moving soon). Heck, maybe I'll just get a whole tranny and save the lower half for a slow winter project .
I'll make sure to take good pics and measurements so others can use that option on their old 4 spds.

I put backup lights on my 55 2nd. I bought the kit off of ebay. I believe it is a kit for 55-59 trucks.

It has a collar that goes around the steering column and a bracket that fits on the shift rod (I have the three speed on the column). When the truck is shifted into reverse the bracket mashes down on a plunger on the collar around the steering column and turns on the back up lights. It also came with all necessary for a floor shifter.

When I bought the kit it was missing a lense, bezel, and screws. The screws were barrel screws which were extremely hard to find.

I have pictures but do not know how to post them.

Yesterday I searched the internet for overdrive parts and a classic chevy parts place sold the steering collumn part for somewhere around $12-15. Unfortunately, I don't remember the site. I will check my search history and look for it if anyone is interested.

Best of luck,

Here's a couple sites talking about this subject. If one has an extra 420 tower, the 2nd site's idea might be worth trying out.

http://www.kinzers.com/don/landcruiser/sm420rev_switch/

http://www.kinzers.com/don/landcruiser/sm420rev_switch/sm420_sender.jpg

http://members.aol.com/toy4x4s/hole.htm

Sounds like a good project.

I may have found a low tech solution. It's a switch that hooks to the speedo cable. When you start backwards, the switch turn on. Normally used for a back up alarm, I believe it can be wired to the lights. The bad news, takes about 18" of rolling to engage the switch. More to follow.

Yes Pal ;

That's the easiest way to go , Grote part # 44210 will get you a nifty reverse lamp switch , you unscrew the speedo cable , screw this switch into
the speedo drive then re-connect the speedo cable

So.Cal. suppliers of Grote products include NAPA ,
The Lighthouse , Lu's Lighthouse , Parts Pacific , PTO Sales and Warren Distributing among others .

Have fun ! .

well, I priced it out. Would you believe $250 for that part from Napa? :o :o :o