While it's true that legally you may only need the factory lights on the truck, you might want to consider the safety factor of turn signals.

My truck came to me without lights. When I rewired the truck, I decided to add turn signals, and so the right tail/brake light. I don't know what your intentions are for the truck in the future, but driving with hand signals today will probably confuse or annoy other drivers. Just my $.02.

 

I'd add to Joe's concerns also, you start throwing out hand signals you're bound to get some back. I hate following behind people hauling trailers that are to lazy to check if the lights are working. Two lights are much easier to see than one and that third brake light is even a better idea. If you are going to wire it with original looking wires why are you going to try hiding them?? I'd go something simple like EZwire, has everything you need and cheap.

 

Well, I definitely appreciate the tips! I don't want to put turn signals on it for several reasons. The first being that I hate the aftermarket switch on the column! I think that is the tackiest thing that I have ever seen. I know that it doesn't bother many people, but it is just one of those things that I can't stand. I know I could wire a hidden switch, but I don't think it is worth it. I guess it would help to let you know that I live in a very small town, and the roads aren't exactly busy. I still want to keep dual tail/stop lights, but I don't even use my turn signals much on my everyday driver. Great to hear some other opinions anyway. Thanks guys!

 

I for one am glad that your keeping the truck. Id hate for you to be one of those people that come up to me in the parking lots, saying, I used to have a truck like that! You have a nice truck, with a solid Flat Head, keep it till your to old to drive it.

 

If your truck had been ordered with optional turn signals, that switch stuck on the side of the column would have been what came with them. At least on a 51, that's the case. Of course this is your truck, and you can fix it up any way you choose. I only mention turn signals for the safety factor.

 

Thanks for all the replies! I am happy that it worked out the way it did. I am going to keep this truck until I rust away, not it. It is really a labor of love...blood, sweat and beers! My wife always reminds me that I have another $500 in beer in this truck. Between me and my buddies, we go through some. She always reminds me of that when I am calculating costs!