Reverse lights what are you using?
 

I need reverse lights for my 39 truck. I have to ride the brakes to have light at the back when backing out in the dark which is hard up hill with 3 pedals and only 2 feet so I guess it’s time to put some reversing light back there. I need something old looking and sort of period correct. Any suggestions?
Thanks

Re: Reverse lights what are you using?
 

Ford offered accessory back up lamps in 46 - 48. I see them occasionally on ebay. They are not sold at huge dollars and work quite well.
Would be easy enough to wire a switch in near the gear shift lever so when pushed to reverse would actuate the switch.

Re: Reverse lights what are you using?
 

A pair of ford factory approved accessory FORD engraved Hall back up lamps from the late 40’s mounted with custom made brackets attached to the frame rear bumper mounts.

If you have a spotlight you could always turn that around towards the back as it was marketed with that in mind although I never thought of using it like that .

Re: Reverse lights what are you using?
 

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...5&d=1761264201

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...9&d=1761264201

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...6&d=1761264201

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...7&d=1761264201

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...8&d=1761264201

Re: Reverse lights what are you using?
 

To switch on the reversing lamps I fitted to my 35, I fitted a switch into the back of the shifter tower, so that when I engage reverse gear, the 1st/rev shifter rod contacts said switch and rev lites come on automatically. I knocked out the little plug in the end of the gearbox shifter housing that is fitted, and tapped the hole to suit the switch I used, which I sourced at a wreckers yard; it came out of the gearbox of some little Suzuki. I think in order to make it all work, I had to shorten the rod 1/4" or so.....Get creative, interesting little project for you. Enjoy the exercise....

Re: Reverse lights what are you using?
 

Great looking lights

Re: Reverse lights what are you using?
 

I like how you have them mounted on the bumper brackets.

Re: Reverse lights what are you using?
 

You can find the early 60's VW rectangle backup lights pretty easy AND they are 6V

Re: Reverse lights what are you using?
 

Thanks here’s the brackets which someone made for me as he did the same thing with his truck.

Re: Reverse lights what are you using?
 

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...6&d=1761452443


https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...7&d=1761452443

Re: Reverse lights what are you using?
 

Don't put on a backup camera like I did; you'll get used to it and be stuck with it.

Re: Reverse lights what are you using?
 

Re: Reverse lights what are you using?
 

Great stuff. I will make some brackets and find some VW style lights in 12v. I plan on using a brake light plunger style switch to activate the lights using a relay wired for ground switching like a horn relay. Putting the shifter in reverse pushes the switch in and closes the ground circuit activating the relay and turning the lights on.

Re: Reverse lights what are you using?
 

What I did on my '39 p/u. Yard sale find light. Didn't want to take the time/effort to fab up a switch that worked off the shifter so I added a push pull switch by the shift knob. I get questions all the time asking if the switch is for a 2 speed rear end.

Re: Reverse lights what are you using?
 

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...1&d=1761489241

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...2&d=1761489241

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...3&d=1761489241

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...4&d=1761489241

Re: Reverse lights what are you using?
 

On Ebay I bought a period-correct used vintage chrome 4 inch round spot lamp that bolted thru the bumper pan of my '47. It has a two wire connenctor. lI also bought a switch with mounting bracket that (in th engine compartment) attaches on top of the steering colume where the shift levers are located. From inside trunk out thru base of fender (with rubber water-tight gromet) connected a power wire from adjacent parking light circuit wiring to backup lamp and used second wire of lamp to ran a ground wire, thru car frame up to the switch on the steering colume. So its all automatic if your parking/head lights are in use. Optionally, some use a toggle switch at dash borard. Works fine although I might wish it were little brighter. Willl send photos if I can find them.