how to...reverse lights on a '48

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Sep 22, 2005 | 08:49 PM

reamer

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From: Connecticut

how to...reverse lights on a '48

Has anyone installed reverse lights on a tranny that did not have a R-light switch on it?
I have an early T-98, any way to rig some up?

Reamer

Sep 22, 2005 | 09:59 PM

mtflat

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From: Kalispell, MT

I can't think of a way it's possible without an internal trigger.

Alternative might be to rig up a toggle switch under the dash, or as I do - just flip on your spotlight and swing it out to the side.......lol

Sep 22, 2005 | 10:22 PM

bobj49f2

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From: SE Wisc. (the Rust Belt)

You coluld position an external momentary contact pushbutton on the floor of your truck. Locate it in position where the shifter would come in contact with it when you shift it into reverse. If you built a sturdy housing for the switch it should hold up. I think they had this kind of switch on the old VW bugs back in the '60s.

Sep 22, 2005 | 10:37 PM

AXracer

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From: Durham NC

Not familiar with the configuration of a T-98 is it a top or side shift box? In any case a microswitch should be able to be rigged like bobj said, use it to trip a relay to turn on the lights. Easier yet, just use a manual (dash?) on-off switch to turn them on and off when you need light to back up.

Sep 22, 2005 | 11:47 PM

WillyB

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From: Near Fresno, California

Please, don't use a manual switch unless you also wire in a red light nearby to remind yourself that your back up lights are on. Your fellow drivers will appreaciate it. The cargo light on later Ford trucks had such an arrangement, and would work.

I have seen back up lights that had a mechanism mounted on the transmission that engage a momitary switch when the gear shift was in the reverse position and the key was on, or when the parking or headlights were on. Just like bobj said, except that I think it was on an older grain truck.

Sep 23, 2005 | 06:44 PM

51dueller

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From: Saskatoon SK Canada

I wonder if you could mount the switch where one of the shift rail plugs are on the top cover? It would have a clean installation.

Sep 23, 2005 | 07:12 PM

cbfomoco

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try this link http://www.parts123.com/parts123/yb.dll?parta~partsort~2 and click on the picture
if not go to macs antique auto parts and do a search

ok sorry link no worrkie ok thry this
http://www.macsautoparts.com/
then go to the truck cataloge and type in backup light switch might try for like a mustang and such too till you can find a pic i thought this one would work maybe D2ZZ-15520-A but can not seem to be able to get a link to it for yah

also go to ebay motors and type in backup light switch and back up light switch one with the space one with out and you can look at what you might be able to get there and maybe local if you know an application or let them let you look at there books

Last edited by cbfomoco; Sep 23, 2005 at 07:24 PM.