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Hi folks, I'm driving my '53 F-100 more and more and I really need to do something about providing some lighting to aid in backing up. I'm thinking of just putting in a small switch for it under the dash or in the glove box. I'm thinking of mounting it under the rear bumper. What have others done to provide backup lighting? I'd like something small...maybe about 2" in diameter. I wouldn't be adverse to drilling a hole in the bumper face to locate it, but then I'd like something even a bit smaller. Six volt, of course. Also, does anyone know about the legality of something like this? Someone told me once that this setup would be illegal..
You can mount the lamps anywhere that's practical. Personally, I wouldn't drill holes in my bumper face, but that's your call. Not sure what your back bumper looks like, but under the truck where they aren't too obvious so they shine on the ground behind the truck shouldn't be too difficult to figure out. Next to the tail lights would be fairly simple, too, if you'd prefer them exposed.
The toggle switch would work, but would be best to have a lighted one as driving with white lights on at the rear is illegal, and it's easy to forget they're on. It's also fairly simple to set up a switch on the shifter to actuate the lamps when shifting into reverse. That way there's no worries.
I’m with you it’s something I wanted to add when the truck was being rewired. I back up into spots a lot and back down a long dark driveway with other cars.
So I added a pair of Hall lamps, which are a factory correct accessory from the forties. They’re stamped FORD on the top. They were made for other auto makers as well. You usually see them on tricked out woody wagons. A fellow truck friend has the same set up so he sold me a pair of brackets he makes that attaches to the bumper brackets, so no drilling! Then I found a nice lighted switch that I mounted along with the fog light switch that both match each other on a plain bracket. You could probably switch them so that they turn on when in reverse. But for me as long as it was a lighted switch I was happier with that.
I refurbished the lights had them rewired, re-chromed and powder coated the bases stone black along with the brackets.
Standard disclaimer: As for legality - it varys jurisdiction to jurisdiction. Technically, it isn't factory. Many jurisdictions would consider these non-factory auxiliary light fixtures (even if the aftermarket unit was legal then) and require physical covers (black out bags) while on the road that blocks any light in the event of an errant illumination. Pease don't kill the messenger....
Now, getting creative, the Ford cars of the era used 51A-15520-A switches for their reverse lights. You could pair that with something like these giving a stock-like appearance, and as long as you don't leave them inadvertently illuminated, the chances any enforcement is going to bother you is very minimal.
I don’t know about the legality I’m not an attorney or an actor portraying one, but I even have auxiliary back up lights on my 2007 f-150. I see them all over on other trucks here in ny, nj, ct, vt, me, ma and pa. I don’t think your allowed to turn them on while in forward gear, naturally but they seem to be standard fare for trucks I’ve seen. Plus antique cars and trucks can get away with all kinds of little stuff- I don’t think you should have any issues.
52flthd, I like your back up lights but I can tell you that in at least a half dozen states where I have checked, the blue dots are illegal, including New Jersey, I just read the NJ law on lighting and only red or amber to the rear there. I do love blue dots though. And you auxiliary rear lights are legal as long as your not moving forward per their law. JFI, no attorney either but retired SO Sgt.
To the original poster if you care, check your state vehicle code law, otherwise run them and make sure to turn them off.
52flthd, I like your back up lights but I can tell you that in at least a half dozen states where I have checked, the blue dots are illegal, including New Jersey, I just read the NJ law on lighting and only red or amber to the rear there. I do love blue dots though. And you auxiliary rear lights are legal as long as your not moving forward per their law. JFI, no attorney either but retired SO Sgt.
To the original poster if you care, check your state vehicle code law, otherwise run them and make sure to turn them off.
thanks! Lots of things are on the books illegal if you start looking. Just use your common sense and be a gracious host no matter who shows up to the party! That last part is a direct quote by Mr. Peanut. God rest his soul..
I was just pointing out that it seemed absurd to me to presume legality from observing others... I wasn't suggesting anyone gets all in anyone else's business, but @DieselDog409 does call out that the what the public does in public can entangle others...
here's mine.... cheap led 'driving' lights... wired into harness on brake light circuit...gives adequate light for backing into parking spaces, etc... mounted to the lower side of the roll pan
Well I need backup lites.so I installed that red looking LED strip lite between the tail gate and my rear bumper.it provides plenty of white lighting and it covers the entire rear. View.I did not hook up the turn signals or brake lites.just running lites and the white back up lites. My truck is a dark blue and you don’t notice that LED bar. Not to offend just what I didAJ
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