Back Up Lights
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Elder User
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 572
Likes: 0
From: Sacramento area
Old f1
You may be on to something here. Trouble is, I`m not familiar with this item.
Any one know where can they be purchased? And what they are called? I`ll
google license plate retractor and see what happens. Thanks. Sound like a great idea.
Gary
You may be on to something here. Trouble is, I`m not familiar with this item.
Any one know where can they be purchased? And what they are called? I`ll
google license plate retractor and see what happens. Thanks. Sound like a great idea.
Gary
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 15,882
Likes: 88
From: Durham NC
I would first look at the function/reason for having back up lights in making a buying decision. Primary function: to provide illumination behind the vehicle when backing up. Secondary function: warning to other drivers that you are/about to back up. No function: I've added a doodadd just to say I did.
Too small a light will not provide any useful illumination.
Too hidden a light will not be seen by other drivers, they will not be looking for lights installed under the truck.
Both above cases together = doodadd IMHO why bother?
The small oval bullet shaped driving lights mounted on the bottom of the frame rails would provide ample light, and could be painted frame color to nearly disappear.
My panel has a rolled pan so I could not easily use the driving lights, and since I will be towing with it I wanted plenty of illumination for backing up as well as hitching the trailer and warning others due to limited rear visibility in a panel, I decided to go with 2 3/4" round ultrabright LED lamps minimally frenched into the rolled pan.
I use SUPER BRIGHT LEDS home for my LED needs.
Too small a light will not provide any useful illumination.
Too hidden a light will not be seen by other drivers, they will not be looking for lights installed under the truck.
Both above cases together = doodadd IMHO why bother?
The small oval bullet shaped driving lights mounted on the bottom of the frame rails would provide ample light, and could be painted frame color to nearly disappear.
My panel has a rolled pan so I could not easily use the driving lights, and since I will be towing with it I wanted plenty of illumination for backing up as well as hitching the trailer and warning others due to limited rear visibility in a panel, I decided to go with 2 3/4" round ultrabright LED lamps minimally frenched into the rolled pan.
I use SUPER BRIGHT LEDS home for my LED needs.
Cargo Master
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 2,795
Likes: 129
From: Windermere Valley,B.C. Ca
It would take much engineering, (just because you can if you want to
), but Plan “c” or is it “d” could a LINEAR ACTUATOR (electric worm screw) that is used to raise trunk lids.
), but Plan “c” or is it “d” could a LINEAR ACTUATOR (electric worm screw) that is used to raise trunk lids.
Roast em' if you got 'em
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 22,014
Likes: 9,958
From: Rio Rancho, NM
There's plenty of small electric and/or vacuum actuators that could probably be adapted to work. I think that basically what the retractable license plate mechanisms are.
I think AX may be onto something here with a small driving light, painted frame color and mounted forward of the rear of the truck a little bit, maybe next to the spring hangers. To me that sounds like the simplest solution. There's tons of small lights available from the street rod and custom motorcyle markets
Bobby
I think AX may be onto something here with a small driving light, painted frame color and mounted forward of the rear of the truck a little bit, maybe next to the spring hangers. To me that sounds like the simplest solution. There's tons of small lights available from the street rod and custom motorcyle markets
Bobby
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 1,236
Likes: 2
From: Vancouver Island
There's those little halogen sealed-beam units like you see on track lighting, with various wattages at 12V. The problem is finding a weatherproof housing for them, but maybe some of the mini driving lights use that style of lamp, and used as is or be frenched into a bumper or roll pan.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,527
Likes: 2
From: Grande Prairie, Alberta
Bobby ,
I like Kusto`s idea also. What I`m toying with is some sort of light that, with a press of a button, will gear down 90 degrees, and light up. I`m sure they are made. Its just a matter of finding a source. Anyway, Bobby, Keep those icy pops close by. Oh, and by the way,
copy anything. I consider it a great compliment.
Thanks for the input.
Gary
I like Kusto`s idea also. What I`m toying with is some sort of light that, with a press of a button, will gear down 90 degrees, and light up. I`m sure they are made. Its just a matter of finding a source. Anyway, Bobby, Keep those icy pops close by. Oh, and by the way,
copy anything. I consider it a great compliment.
Thanks for the input.
Gary
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Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,527
Likes: 2
From: Grande Prairie, Alberta
Yeah, I think they're pretty sweet little lights and would certainly blind anyone behind you. On another note, if someone is walking behind you while you are backing up, the light would just vaporize them so you won't need you worry about scratching your paint.
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