Back-up lights - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Goatnut · 12-14-2011, 04:34 PM

My '64 did not come with factory installed backup lights. Were these an option? I've seen them on other trtucks even earlier years. I'm curious to learn more about them.

I'm not sure it is all that important to me to have the correct lights especially beings I would probably have to put a toggle in to make them work (not sure if trans is equip'd with a backup/reverse switch to power the lights. I like the look of the single 4" spot as an alternative. I was wondering if anyone has examples or other suggestions.

**Clyde65** · 12-14-2011, 04:38 PM

I think they were an option, 1966 they were required. you have a nuetral saftey switch you probably have the reverse light switch.

corvettejim1968 · 12-14-2011, 04:42 PM

64 and 65 it was an option.in 66 it was manitory same with seat belts

jbgroby · 12-14-2011, 05:27 PM

I know they were an option on GMC trucks in 1960 and according to the sales catalog they could be fitted to all transmissions with a switch. see picture.

64fleetside · 12-14-2011, 05:40 PM

Reverse lights have been optional since the late 40s-I added them to both my 64s, I'm getting too old-- need them to back up w/o hitting things.

**dtkarst** · 12-14-2011, 06:22 PM

Does anyone know where you can get a new reverse light switch? mine went bad on me..

**aerotruk63** · 12-14-2011, 06:35 PM

Reverse switch for an automatic or 3 speed manual are the same on the steering colum for a truck or car. The 4 speed switch is hard to come buy. There was a kit from GM for reverse lights.

**MisterC** · 12-14-2011, 07:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dtkarst

Does anyone know where you can get a new reverse light switch? mine went bad on me..

I picked up an new column shift NOS one from Ebay a couple of weeks ago. Great deal on it!

**dtkarst** · 12-14-2011, 07:41 PM

I have a 3 on the tree. Ill have to look on ebay.

**aerotruk63** · 12-14-2011, 08:03 PM

Switch is right in the middle of this picture.

1963

4 speed installation

corvettejim1968 · 12-14-2011, 08:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aerotruk63

Switch is right in the middle of this picture.

1963

is this everything you need to add back up lights to a 65? i really want to do it right.

**aerotruk63** · 12-14-2011, 08:24 PM

There is an Accessory Installation Book you can buy which details the installation and shows you where everything goes and where to drill when necessary. These books are great when scrapyarding to get all the pieces needed. The rubber wedges in the picture are for 60-65 stepside. 66 had an embossment in the stepside fender.

corvettejim1968 · 12-14-2011, 08:28 PM

thanks im looking for the fleetside. i have that book for the 65 i will look. thanks again

markeb01 · 12-14-2011, 09:38 PM

And as shown in the literature above, it seems the ultra rare 4 speed switch is shown in the upper left corner of the next photo:

**dtkarst** · 12-14-2011, 09:50 PM

I wish i could pull stuff out of the picutre

Goatnut · 12-15-2011, 01:47 PM

WOW, Great stuff!

I will have to look for and purchase one of those acc. install books.

Aerotruck63, If it would not be to much to ask, in the meanwhile could you possibly scan the pages for the Auto trans switch install?

Thanks for the help everyone!

jbgroby · 12-15-2011, 03:10 PM

Goat, sent a PM.

Jake

corvettejim1968 · 12-15-2011, 04:22 PM

Str8axle · 12-15-2011, 10:55 PM

Is the locating template that is shown in the above pics from the accessory manual available? If not, someone should make them to assist in the installation.
Posted via Mobile Device

Goatnut · 12-16-2011, 02:24 PM

corvettejim1968, Thanks for posting the install info. I really appreciate it!

Goatnut · 12-21-2011, 12:28 PM

OK, I'm closer to having backup lights. I found a complete set of originals that I will be installing. I have searched around for a switch but all of the switches that I have found have four spade connectors.

Any help locating a two connector switch would be appreciated.

64fleetside · 12-22-2011, 10:52 AM

I put Wagner #795 bulbs in my back-up lights-they are designed for rotating beacons(like a firetruck light), 50 watts. The lens is glass, housing is metal & I have not noticed any issues. I thought I might add a relay, but so far the OE switch works fine, no longer than you usualy reverse-might be an issue if you back up more often(trailering), but adding a relay up under the column would be simple enough. I did rebuild the OE harness & used green 14ga wire, and grounded both lights using a wire to the frame.

NONHOG · 10-08-2013, 01:56 PM

Would anybody have the measurements of these back up lamps?
I'm still searching for what to use on a custom job for a O.T. vehicle.
Close up pics would be great too!

Thanks!

LostMy65 · 07-25-2014, 09:27 PM

Here's a thread on topic for chad64chevy.
I typed in the Google box above;
backup lights template

LostMy65 · 07-25-2014, 09:30 PM

I guess I'll have to make one in CAD

12-14-2011, 04:34 PM	#1
Goatnut Registered User Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Orting, Wa Posts: 84	Back-up lights My '64 did not come with factory installed backup lights. Were these an option? I've seen them on other trtucks even earlier years. I'm curious to learn more about them. I'm not sure it is all that important to me to have the correct lights especially beings I would probably have to put a toggle in to make them work (not sure if trans is equip'd with a backup/reverse switch to power the lights. I like the look of the single 4" spot as an alternative. I was wondering if anyone has examples or other suggestions. __________________ 1947 Art Deco Chevy truck 1964 C20 Custom cab 1965 Tempest Wagon 1967 GTO 1972 Luxury Lemans http://www.cardomain.com/id/a67goatnut

12-14-2011, 04:38 PM	#2
Clyde65 1965 Chevy C10, 2005 4.8L/4l60 Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: DFW Texas Posts: 8,546	Re: Back-up lights I think they were an option, 1966 they were required. you have a nuetral saftey switch you probably have the reverse light switch. __________________ Clyde65 Rebuild of Clyde http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...84#post8338184 69 Aristocrat Lo Liner build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...84#post7561684 *support our troops!*

12-14-2011, 04:42 PM	#3
corvettejim1968 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Phoenix,AZ Posts: 946	Re: Back-up lights 64 and 65 it was an option.in 66 it was manitory same with seat belts __________________ Hand Made Factory reproduction A/C vents text or call 602-361-6421 Website for A/C vents https://coolc10.com/

12-14-2011, 05:27 PM	#4
jbgroby Registered User Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Lacombe, LA Posts: 2,772	Re: Back-up lights I know they were an option on GMC trucks in 1960 and according to the sales catalog they could be fitted to all transmissions with a switch. see picture. Attached Images __________________ http://s1299.photobucket.com/user/jb...23904108567829

12-14-2011, 05:40 PM	#5
64fleetside Registered User Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: arkieland Posts: 1,070	Re: Back-up lights Reverse lights have been optional since the late 40s-I added them to both my 64s, I'm getting too old-- need them to back up w/o hitting things.

12-14-2011, 06:22 PM	#6
dtkarst Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Hays, KS Posts: 2,490	Re: Back-up lights Does anyone know where you can get a new reverse light switch? mine went bad on me..

12-14-2011, 06:35 PM	#7
aerotruk63 Check The Champ, Demonstrator Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Montreal,Quebec Posts: 6,627	Re: Back-up lights Reverse switch for an automatic or 3 speed manual are the same on the steering colum for a truck or car. The 4 speed switch is hard to come buy. There was a kit from GM for reverse lights.

12-14-2011, 07:41 PM	#9
dtkarst Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Hays, KS Posts: 2,490	Re: Back-up lights I have a 3 on the tree. Ill have to look on ebay.

12-14-2011, 08:03 PM	#10
aerotruk63 Check The Champ, Demonstrator Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Montreal,Quebec Posts: 6,627	Re: Back-up lights Switch is right in the middle of this picture. 1963 4 speed installation Last edited by aerotruk63; 12-14-2011 at 08:12 PM.

12-14-2011, 08:24 PM	#12
aerotruk63 Check The Champ, Demonstrator Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Montreal,Quebec Posts: 6,627	Re: Back-up lights There is an Accessory Installation Book you can buy which details the installation and shows you where everything goes and where to drill when necessary. These books are great when scrapyarding to get all the pieces needed. The rubber wedges in the picture are for 60-65 stepside. 66 had an embossment in the stepside fender.

12-14-2011, 08:28 PM	#13
corvettejim1968 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Phoenix,AZ Posts: 946	Re: Back-up lights thanks im looking for the fleetside. i have that book for the 65 i will look. thanks again __________________ Hand Made Factory reproduction A/C vents text or call 602-361-6421 Website for A/C vents https://coolc10.com/ Last edited by corvettejim1968; 12-14-2011 at 08:30 PM. Reason: add

12-14-2011, 09:38 PM	#14
markeb01 Senior Enthusiast Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Spokane Valley, WA Posts: 8,356	Re: Back-up lights And as shown in the literature above, it seems the ultra rare 4 speed switch is shown in the upper left corner of the next photo:

12-14-2011, 09:50 PM	#15
dtkarst Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Hays, KS Posts: 2,490	Re: Back-up lights I wish i could pull stuff out of the picutre

12-15-2011, 01:47 PM	#16
Goatnut Registered User Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Orting, Wa Posts: 84	Re: Back-up lights WOW, Great stuff! I will have to look for and purchase one of those acc. install books. Aerotruck63, If it would not be to much to ask, in the meanwhile could you possibly scan the pages for the Auto trans switch install? Thanks for the help everyone! __________________ 1947 Art Deco Chevy truck 1964 C20 Custom cab 1965 Tempest Wagon 1967 GTO 1972 Luxury Lemans http://www.cardomain.com/id/a67goatnut

12-15-2011, 03:10 PM	#17
jbgroby Registered User Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Lacombe, LA Posts: 2,772	Re: Back-up lights Goat, sent a PM. Jake __________________ http://s1299.photobucket.com/user/jb...23904108567829



Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.

12-15-2011, 04:22 PM	#18
corvettejim1968 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Phoenix,AZ Posts: 946	Re: Back-up lights __________________ Hand Made Factory reproduction A/C vents text or call 602-361-6421 Website for A/C vents https://coolc10.com/

12-15-2011, 10:55 PM	#19
Str8axle Registered User Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: South Jersey Posts: 234	Re: Back-up lights Is the locating template that is shown in the above pics from the accessory manual available? If not, someone should make them to assist in the installation. Posted via Mobile Device __________________ _____________________________________________ Ray All my life, I've been told I'm a "Bad Influence"

12-16-2011, 02:24 PM	#20
Goatnut Registered User Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Orting, Wa Posts: 84	Re: Back-up lights corvettejim1968, Thanks for posting the install info. I really appreciate it! __________________ 1947 Art Deco Chevy truck 1964 C20 Custom cab 1965 Tempest Wagon 1967 GTO 1972 Luxury Lemans http://www.cardomain.com/id/a67goatnut

12-21-2011, 12:28 PM	#21
Goatnut Registered User Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Orting, Wa Posts: 84	Re: Back-up lights OK, I'm closer to having backup lights. I found a complete set of originals that I will be installing. I have searched around for a switch but all of the switches that I have found have four spade connectors. Any help locating a two connector switch would be appreciated. __________________ 1947 Art Deco Chevy truck 1964 C20 Custom cab 1965 Tempest Wagon 1967 GTO 1972 Luxury Lemans http://www.cardomain.com/id/a67goatnut

12-22-2011, 10:52 AM	#22
64fleetside Registered User Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: arkieland Posts: 1,070	Re: Back-up lights I put Wagner #795 bulbs in my back-up lights-they are designed for rotating beacons(like a firetruck light), 50 watts. The lens is glass, housing is metal & I have not noticed any issues. I thought I might add a relay, but so far the OE switch works fine, no longer than you usualy reverse-might be an issue if you back up more often(trailering), but adding a relay up under the column would be simple enough. I did rebuild the OE harness & used green 14ga wire, and grounded both lights using a wire to the frame.

10-08-2013, 01:56 PM	#23
NONHOG Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Marana, Arizona Posts: 3,457	Re: Back-up lights Would anybody have the measurements of these back up lamps? I'm still searching for what to use on a custom job for a O.T. vehicle. Close up pics would be great too! Thanks! __________________ "I feel the need for speed!"... as soon as I am done with my nap.

07-25-2014, 09:27 PM	#24
LostMy65 But Found Her 25yrs Later! Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Oregon City, Oregon Posts: 10,530	Re: Back-up lights Here's a thread on topic for chad64chevy. I typed in the Google box above; backup lights template __________________ I lost my 65 - Found it 25 years later: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=426650 66 C20 Service Truck: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=428035

07-25-2014, 09:30 PM	#25
LostMy65 But Found Her 25yrs Later! Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Oregon City, Oregon Posts: 10,530	Re: Back-up lights I guess I'll have to make one in CAD __________________ I lost my 65 - Found it 25 years later: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=426650 66 C20 Service Truck: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=428035

Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.