1964 Fleetside reverse lights?

[Gianyveedub]

Hey everyone, About two weeks ago I bought this 1964 c10 longbed from someone in Morgan Hill, Ca. I noticed that where the reverse lights would be on a 1966 there is a reflector for either side. One of them was broken and I decided to take both out, but when I removed the driver's side, there is a hole that looks like it is for reverse lights, but it is only on the drivers side. The passenger's side does not have such a hole. Should there only be one hole? Thanks.

[Stepside65]

If they are for reverse lights they always come in a pair. Somewhere along the line someone might have switched out one of the bedsides on you

[Woogeroo]

reverse lights were an option only on trucks until 1966, when they became standard.

The federal law mandating reverse lights(as well as other standardizations) on all cars went into effect in 1968 or so, so GM just started adding them to cars & trucks early.

-W

[jocko]

interesting thread - I agree with Woogeroo, but here's a pic of a 65 that I almost bought, has something like Gianyveedub mentions above. I just assumed these things were something someone threw on there (i.e. reflectors where a 66 would have back-up lights) to make it look kinda like what a 66 would have.

veedub - did the reflectors look anything like these? Maybe some SUPER RARE TWO-OF-A-KIND 1965 MODEL YEAR ONLY UNPUBLSIHED DEALER INSTALLED REFLECTOR OPTION.... Probably worth $50K... and I let this one get away.

(this was a great little truck, by the way, but it sold before I could get my mits on it...)

[Blue Heeler]

I only have one light on my drivers side 65 swb and it has a little knob on the dash that you turn kinda funky but it's kool.

[KVB]

Originally Posted by Woogeroo

reverse lights were an option only on trucks until 1966, when they became standard.

The federal law mandating reverse lights(as well as other standardizations) on all cars went into effect in 1968 or so, so GM just started adding them to cars & trucks early.

-W

Does this mean that reverse lights are not required on a truck prior to 1966. I am in Canada (Quebec) and am wondering about the legality of not having backup lights.

The other question I have is, how are they activated?. I have a 4 speed transmission, that was put in by the previous owner.

Thanks

Ken

[Clyde65]

They were activated by the nuetral safety switch and they were not required by US federal law until 1966 model year, that doesnt mean some didnt have them, just wasnt required. Kinda like seat belt werent required by law in trucks until 1968 model year.

[66 lwb cs]

Maybe you could use the hole as a fuel filler opening for an underbed tank? Not sure how big the hole is but maybe

[Captainfab]

Whether or not reverse lights are required, depends on what your province or city requires. Does Quebec have vehicle inspections?

The reverse lights were activated with a switch that was mounted on top of the trans at the base of the shift lever.

Originally Posted by KVB

Does this mean that reverse lights are not required on a truck prior to 1966. I am in Canada (Quebec) and am wondering about the legality of not having backup lights.

The other question I have is, how are they activated?. I have a 4 speed transmission, that was put in by the previous owner.

Thanks

Ken

[aerotruk63]

Originally Posted by KVB

Does this mean that reverse lights are not required on a truck prior to 1966. I am in Canada (Quebec) and am wondering about the legality of not having backup lights.

The other question I have is, how are they activated?. I have a 4 speed transmission, that was put in by the previous owner.

Thanks

Ken

I believe the law in Quebec states, as long as the vehicule has not been modified, it does not require the safety items.

The original four speed reverse light system was activated by a "finger" on the shifter arm.
https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/phot...eat=directlink

[Clyde65]

I stand corrected, I neglected that it was a 4speed and not a column shift.