Specifications

Back Up Lights!

Driving the OldSub isn't as fun as you might think, during the winter months. No I'm not complaining about the drafty floor or ineffective defroster, its this backing up in the dark that's been getting me down. Every morning leaving for work I worry that someone parked behind me. Every evening leaving work, I fear someone will pop up behind me because they didn't know I was backing.

Solving this problem is twofold. First you need some kind of lights. Second you need to be able to control those lights. On the control issue I've seen a backup light switch designed for my transmission, but have not found one for sale anywhere. I also hear they break easily, so it might be a poor solution. This is 'BEFORE' backup lights! -->>
Another truck guy, who I've only met online, described using the parking lights from a '47-'53 Chevy as backup lights. I liked the idea, those lights were designed to look right on the front of one of these trucks, why not the rear too? An added factor was that I already owned a set, and already had updated them with new 12 volt bulbs and lots of Rustoleum. 'Parking' lights borrowed from the '47-->>
I love my little cutoff tool. It made a couple of very nice holes in the rusty steel and did a great job of trimming everything to make it fit right. Of course two were required.
A couple hours work, and then there was light! I put a lighted switch in the dash instead of dealing with the shifter operated switch game. I may try to solve that problem later. How about using a reed switch and a magnet? It would require a relay and some careful placement, but seems a reasonable approach... And this is 'AFTER' backup lights! -->>

Last updated: December 31, 2006