Reproduction Parts for 1916-1964 Chevrolet Passenger Cars & 1918-1987 Chevrolet & GMC Trucks


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#376550 10/07/16 09:06 AM
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Oil Can Mechanic
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Hello All,

Where's the best place to tap 6V power from to drive an aftermarket (vintage Western Auto) backup lamp? I was just planning on using a simple toggle switch. I'm tired of modern people not being smart enough to see a car backing up without a light.

Thanks,
-D


-Daryl Scott #45848
1947 Chevrolet Fleetline Sportmaster Sedan
1976 Chevrolet C20 Fleetside





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Instead of installing a backup light how about lightly tapping the horn a few times when backing up? That should get their attention even if they are not looking for a light.


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Oil Can Mechanic
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I may try that, it certainly is loud enough. I may still install the lamp though. The '47 already has a hole in the rear valence from a rusty old aftermarket lamp I removed, so I wouldn't have to drill any holes. I guess that's a plus.

Last edited by Daryl Scott; 10/07/16 09:35 AM.

-Daryl Scott #45848
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1976 Chevrolet C20 Fleetside





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Doing both horn and light should be better than either alone.


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Oil Can Mechanic
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Where's a good place to grab power without zapping something? A single momentary lamp shouldn't draw too much current, right?


-Daryl Scott #45848
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1976 Chevrolet C20 Fleetside





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The proper place to wire a back-up lamp to is the side of the ignition switch that is alive only when the ignition switch is in the "on" position.
I would use an inline fuse holder and a 10 amp fuse.


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Oil Can Mechanic
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Thanks Gene! I will someday find a nice NOS Guide unit when this car gets restored, but this may do for now.


-Daryl Scott #45848
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1976 Chevrolet C20 Fleetside





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I found a nice NOS Guide unit on ebay for about $85...With it, I found an after market switch that connects to the shifting linkage and works when I shift into reverse ( about $ 30 ), thus eliminating the need for a toggle switch...Problem I have is if I don't keep a finger on that toggle switch, I will forget I turned it on and drive around with the back-up light still on..! What can I say ? I'm easily distracted...lol

Last edited by kevin47; 10/08/16 01:17 PM.

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That is the trouble I have with the back-up light on my 1941. If you are lucky enough to score a light and an automatic switch-JUMP on it.

I had one of the back-up switch on my 1952 many years ago and other than having to constantly re-adjusting the switch it was a kick in the pants.


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Originally Posted by kevin47
toggle switch...Problem I have is if I don't keep a finger on that toggle switch, I will forget I turned it on and drive around with the back-up light still on..! What can I say ? I'm easily distracted...lol
If a toggle switch or any kind of manual switch is used you should use the type that lights up when activated & try to mount it so the light will be visible. Still no guarantee you will notice the light but.....

dick

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I have a spare switch but sorry not for sale...I will say though,they are very hard to adjust

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Adjustment can be a pain with the cable style linkage...Cable can stretch...I also have a different style, but forgot to look at it...I too am holding on to them, as they are NOS in the original box's...


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Kevin do you have one of those original switches hooked up???

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Nah...Future projects...I could email you photos of the two different types...The directions on how to adjust them are kind of interesting...


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Originally Posted by kevin47
Nah...Future projects...I could email you photos of the two different types...The directions on how to adjust them are kind of interesting...

Any chance you can send photos to me also. Never heard of the "cable" type.

Thanks; Dick

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Sure...Send me a PM w/email address and I can take some photos via my iPhone...Have to leave the "grid" in a couple of hours...will check back before I leave...Quitting civilization for the next week or so...


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The reason I asked about the correct switch is because I could never get mine adjusted properly???Another one of those shifter linkage rod things...I leave the switch disengaged except for the rare occasion I am going to be judged

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Here's the correct BU switch for the 48...Try to zoom in


[Linked Image from i563.photobucket.com]

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Any potential in using a simple spring operated universal brake light switch hooked onto the linkage such that it only operates when reverse is selected. Could be mounted underneath out of sight etc.and because of the spring it does not need adjustment once set.

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Makes sense ...Would love to get the original one working though

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Originally Posted by Rusty_Relic
Any potential in using a simple spring operated universal brake light switch hooked onto the linkage such that it only operates when reverse is selected. Could be mounted underneath out of sight etc.and because of the spring it does not need adjustment once set.

Yes, but it easier to accomplish with a momentary contact switch that's "normally open".

[Linked Image from img.photobucket.com]

Switch is mounted to column under the dash.


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I like yay

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I believe the original back up light switch has the same body as an original brake light switch. The lever arm and mounting bracket are different. With a little time and fabrication a brake light switch may be able to be converted to fit.[Linked Image from i1035.photobucket.com]
[Linked Image from i1035.photobucket.com]




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Inexpensive as well!!


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