Tail light rear turn signal for AD trucks

[gigamanx]

I thought this would be an easy thing to find, but I am not sure I understand how turn signals work on the back of an AD truck. I currently have the stock square rear ones on a bracket.

I've seen a few builds using the puck light in the bed rail or embedding lights in a custom bumper. I guess I'm looking for that classic farm truck style rear light. What have others used to keep that stock look?

https://www.classicparts.com/Taillamps/products/41/

[joedoh]

I like the stock look too, I will either use the stainless LED 47-53 set from bowtie bits

IMG_4945 by Joe Doh, on Flickr
http://www.bowtiebits.com/store/stor...Category_ID=33

or the stainless LED 54-59 set from bowtie bits
IMG_0871_zps7crny6c4 by Joe Doh, on Flickr
IMG_6943 by Joe Doh, on Flickr
http://www.bowtiebits.com/store/store_product_detail.cfm?Product_ID=1002&Category_ID=2&Sub_Category_ID=33



keep in mind that the 54-59 set does not have a white tag light so you will need to add one. but they sure look nice.

and its cheaper to buy the LED assemblies complete than it is to buy new chrome housings (which will RUST) and separate LED bulbs, unless you buy the LED 1057 replacement bulbs which are a very poor substitute for the LED panels, you can see how bright they are in my first picture and that is the PARK LIGHT, no one will run into you when you are stepping on the brake.

[gigamanx]

Originally Posted by joedoh

I like the stock look too, I will either use the stainless LED 47-53 set from bowtie bits

keep in mind that the 54-59 set does not have a white tag light so you will need to add one. but they sure look nice.

and its cheaper to buy the LED assemblies complete than it is to buy new chrome housings (which will RUST) and separate LED bulbs, unless you buy the LED 1057 replacement bulbs which are a very poor substitute for the LED panels, you can see how bright they are in my first picture and that is the PARK LIGHT, no one will run into you when you are stepping on the brake.

I'm trying to figure out turn signals actually. They are required for PA inspection and I noticed I can find brake lights, but not sure how turn signals work. I did find one that had a "blue dot" lens. Maybe that's supposed to be for the turn?

[mongocanfly]

your gonna need lights that have both brake and tail light features...the blinker system uses the brake light side of the bulb for the blinkers...the blinker controller turns brake light into a blinker..each side of truck will have a separate wire from the blinker control to each light...taillights use a common wire for both sides....do you have a blinker control in the truck?

[gigamanx]

Originally Posted by mongocanfly

your gonna need lights that have both brake and tail light features...the blinker system uses the brake light side of the bulb for the blinkers...the blinker controller turns brake light into a blinker..each side of truck will have a separate wire from the blinker control to each light...taillights use a common wire for both sides....do you have a blinker control in the truck?

I do. I have an aftermarket steering column with the turn signal wiring and lever. I have a turn signal in my JEGS universal wiring harness tail wiring group. So I really just need a light fixture that has two inputs. Just odd to me that I can't find a stock looking one with that feature. What have people been driving all these years haha

[mongocanfly]

all tail lights that have brake and taillight features have 2 input wires...one for brake and one for tail....and most conventional lights use a dual element bulb like a 1157...
I've got a set of 30s chevy car tails for mine and they have both brake and tail

[Divine 59]

Make sure the tail lights you purchase have double contacts in the "bucket" for the light. That way yuo can use an 1157 or similar double contact bulb. I am fairly certain the truck parts vendors sell these tail lights with double contacts for brake/turn function.

[gigamanx]

Originally Posted by Divine 59

Make sure the tail lights you purchase have double contacts in the "bucket" for the light. That way yuo can use an 1157 or similar double contact bulb. I am fairly certain the truck parts vendors sell these tail lights with double contacts for brake/turn function.

That might be what I'm missing. All these products I see a single red lens. So you're saying that single lense has multiple functions like turn or stop. So I should also expect to see two live wires (assuming ground is internal)

Speedway looks like they had the best explanation as part of the install guide.
https://www.speedwaymotors.com/1940-...sku=91137013-R

[joedoh]

Originally Posted by gigamanx

That might be what I'm missing. All these products I see a single red lens. So you're saying that single lense has multiple functions like turn or stop. So I should also expect to see two live wires (assuming ground is internal)

1157 bulb has two filaments and a socket with two connectors, and two wires. one bulb, both functions park and stop/turn (which are combined, and the brake light will flash when turning).

most aftermarket lights have one 1157 socket and one lens. most stock/original DRIVERS SIDE lights have two sockets and two bulbs, a small 5w for parking (and tag light) and a larger bulb for stop, there was no "turn" without an accessory turn switch and there was no passenger side light without buying the optional one. if you are getting 47-53 housings, be sure to buy a left and a right, the right wont have a tag light lens.

the LED lights I showed have two wires and two intensities, low intensity for park light and high intensity for stop/turn. two wires. ground through the chassis.