4 posters
Adding reverse lights
Chevboner- Number of posts : 209
Location : Skokie, IL
Age : 35
Registration date : 2012-09-15
- Post n°1
Adding reverse lights
sandyvan- Number of posts : 526
Location : San Diego, CA
Registration date : 2011-03-13
- Post n°2
Re: Adding reverse lights
Chevboner- Number of posts : 209
Location : Skokie, IL
Age : 35
Registration date : 2012-09-15
- Post n°3
Re: Adding reverse lights
SandyVan I believe 1966 was the first year on all trims that reverse lights were added, like yours. I'd like to have the stock appearance of the light rather than aftermarket ones in a different location.
Scotty Jones has the what I call "c10" reverse lights. They are more slim then what came factory on the van, I'm not to keen on them sticking out like gum drop nipples lol.
Scotty Jones has the what I call "c10" reverse lights. They are more slim then what came factory on the van, I'm not to keen on them sticking out like gum drop nipples lol.
savage- Number of posts : 2625
Location : Where Rust Never Sleeps in Ft Wayne IN
Registration date : 2008-05-15
- Post n°4
Re: Adding reverse lights
sandyvan- Number of posts : 526
Location : San Diego, CA
Registration date : 2011-03-13
- Post n°5
Re: Adding reverse lights
who doesn't like gum drops?? ;-)
I think you can get some stock tail lights that have a clear bulb back up light integrated into them? I know I've seen ones with blue dots in the middle.
I think you can get some stock tail lights that have a clear bulb back up light integrated into them? I know I've seen ones with blue dots in the middle.
Vantasia- Number of posts : 1412
Location : New Jersey
Age : 69
Registration date : 2013-08-18
- Post n°6
Re: Adding reverse lights
I used a pair of modern trailer backup lights for my '64, easy to find eBay or any trailer shop. They have an old school look and are about the same size as the original '66 ones. The base isn't beveled so you need to use a hard foam gasket to seal the gap on the outside, I just used the gaskets that came with them for a template and cut up an old mouse pad if I recall. As for the switch, its easy to add to the tranny if you have a 3-speed, NOS switches can be found, they bolt right onto the side cover on the 6-bolt trans. If your '65 has the earlier 4-bolt like mine, I had to make a simple L bracket to get the switch in the right position. Check your 1st-Rev shift lever for a small 1/8" diameter hole on the arm, that's where the actuating wire rod attaches to throw the switch. Easy to wire, send power to the switch and then back to lights and ground them to the body. Some pics:
The Switch:
The rod goes into the hole on the lever, if its not there, add it with a drill. I used small grommets to keep it smooth...I made the rod from a piece of drop ceiling hanger wire, perfect size and strong, a coat hanger won't work!
Link to the lights I used:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Pair-of-Petersen-PM392Clear-Marker-Utility-Backup-Light-Car-Truck-Trailer-Ratrod/142528455256?hash=item212f5ba258:g:sbEAAOSw8FRZrcyS&vxp=mtr
I found you really need backup lights in a modern world, everyone looks for them when you are backing these days and without them they are surprised like you didn't warn them you were backing....I also replaced one of the bulbs with a combination beeper and bulb for even added safety since my van has no rear windows at all.....good luck with adding them, not too hard.
The Switch:
The rod goes into the hole on the lever, if its not there, add it with a drill. I used small grommets to keep it smooth...I made the rod from a piece of drop ceiling hanger wire, perfect size and strong, a coat hanger won't work!
Link to the lights I used:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Pair-of-Petersen-PM392Clear-Marker-Utility-Backup-Light-Car-Truck-Trailer-Ratrod/142528455256?hash=item212f5ba258:g:sbEAAOSw8FRZrcyS&vxp=mtr
I found you really need backup lights in a modern world, everyone looks for them when you are backing these days and without them they are surprised like you didn't warn them you were backing....I also replaced one of the bulbs with a combination beeper and bulb for even added safety since my van has no rear windows at all.....good luck with adding them, not too hard.
brewaza likes this post
Chevboner- Number of posts : 209
Location : Skokie, IL
Age : 35
Registration date : 2012-09-15
- Post n°7
Re: Adding reverse lights
Vantasia those look almost identical to stock ones, nice job. You're absolutely right about having them now a days, people just don't pay attention or care any more. Anyone know where I can get a reverse light transmission switch for a power glide?
Vantasia- Number of posts : 1412
Location : New Jersey
Age : 69
Registration date : 2013-08-18
- Post n°8
Re: Adding reverse lights
Thanks, yeah, those trailer lights look and work great and do look just like the original '66 style....Search eBay? I've seen NOS manual switches there all the the time, auto switches should be there? Wasn't the auto on the steering column or combined with the neutral safety switch? maybe can adapt one from a GM auto from similar years. You should be able to rig up a similar switch to the linkage somewhere underneath using a bracket. Here's one from a '63 Impala on eBay, pricey but would be similar to a set up for a 1st gen van with auto??chevbone64 wrote:Vantasia those look almost identical to stock ones, nice job. You're absolutely right about having them now a days, people just don't pay attention or care any more. Anyone know where I can get a reverse light transmission switch for a power glide?
https://www.ebay.com/itm/1963-Impala-Super-Sport-Powerglide-Backup-Neutral-Safety-Switch/322859220997?hash=item4b2be8c005:g:xZYAAOSwPzhZ6kVX&vxp=mtr
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