Adding Cargo light to a 69 C-10

[mnunn454]

Looking at LMC's catalogue, it appears cargo/3rd brake lights (at the top of the cab above the back glass) didn't appear as optional on Chevy/GMC trucks until 1970. I sure would like to add one to my 69 C-10 while I've got it torn apart upgrading the interior.

Four Questions:
1) What should I buy?
2) Since the cabs are the same shape, is it as simple as sawing a correctly sized and placed hole in my 69 cab and mounting/wiring a 70 light in it?
3) Anyone done this before?
4) Anyone got a picture of a 70-72 with the light factory removed so I can see the hole's shape and size?



Thanks,
Mike

[JimKshortstep4x4]

I have installed a cargo light in a cab that did not have one. It is easy and there are instructions in the Assembly manual if you have one. When I installed mine I set up a separate toggle switch under the dash instead of installing the factory switch. I wanted t be able to turn the light on at any time, not only when the courtesy light was on.

I can photo and post the assembly manual instructions if you need them.

Jim

[Longhorn Man]

LMC is full of inacuracys, and that is one of them... Mid 69 was when they were introduced.
Some one on here was offering a template at one point as to where and what size to cut the hole... hopefully some one can chime in if they remember who it was?

[mnunn454]

Originally Posted by JimKshortstep4x4

I have installed a cargo light in a cab that did not have one. It is easy and there are instructions in the Assembly manual if you have one. When I installed mine I set up a separate toggle switch under the dash instead of installing the factory switch. I wanted t be able to turn the light on at any time, not only when the courtesy light was on.

I can photo and post the assembly manual instructions if you need them.

Jim

Thanks Jim. Yes, that'd be great.
Post the info for all, or e-mail me directly at mnunn454@cox.net

Thanks.
Mike

[CG]

Page 12 of Rokcrln Project Penicillin build up shows his cut out for the cargo light. Click the link below and go to page 12 ( I think it was 12, lol )

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=188993

[sdkid]

Originally Posted by Longhorn Man

LMC is full of inacuracys, and that is one of them... Mid 69 was when they were introduced.
Some one on here was offering a template at one point as to where and what size to cut the hole... hopefully some one can chime in if they remember who it was?

That was Lakewood90712. He was supposed to send me one, but I never got it. Maybe a comm error. Anyway, his profile shows last visit of nov something. Maybe someone else could make a template. I know I would still like one.

[FarmTruk]

As another option...
Another boardmember, 68gmcdually, added a late model HCM brake light/cargo light combo to his 68 Extend-a-cab. I'm sure this entails a BUNCH of fab work, but it sure looks cool as all get out.

Linky to his build thread...http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=149156

Also, here's a couple of pics of the mod from his buildup thread...

Hope he doesn't mind me posting his pics, but I do want to give him props for a job well done.

[Mudder]

My 67 had one when I got it and it was wired into the courtesy lamp. I added one to this cab and it's just a small oblong hole.

[MisterMan]

you crazy... im patcing mine. i hate it.... but.. take demintions of the bottom of your read window... devide by 2. this is your 0..... measure your light, devide by 2. this is your other 0.... line up marks.

[68gmcdually]

Originally Posted by FarmTruk

As another option...
Another boardmember, 68gmcdually, added a late model HCM brake light/cargo light combo to his 68 Extend-a-cab. I'm sure this entails a BUNCH of fab work, but it sure looks cool as all get out.

Linky to his build thread...http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=149156

Also, here's a couple of pics of the mod from his buildup thread...

Hope he doesn't mind me posting his pics, but I do want to give him props for a job well done.

Fine by me, it wasn't that bad in the fabricating end of it. Cut the panel out of the donor '01 silverdo and welded it into mine, just need to actually hook it up now.

[67chevemall]

Went a little nutty and put one under the hood.
Lights the whole bay up.

[Longhorn Man]

shoulda put that sucker on the hood so it shines on the engine instead of in your eyes.

[67chevemall]

Originally Posted by Longhorn Man

shoulda put that sucker on the hood so it shines on the engine instead of in your eyes.

good call. I had a hole all ready there in the fender. needed to fill it with a bolt.

[FarmTruk]

Originally Posted by 67chevemall

good call. I had a hole all ready there in the fender. needed to fill it with a bolt.

Any pics of that light on at night with the hood CLOSED...bet it'd be a kewl effect.

(hmmm... mood lighting?)

[QKENUF4U]

Originally Posted by FarmTruk

As another option...
Another boardmember, 68gmcdually, added a late model HCM brake light/cargo light combo to his 68 Extend-a-cab. I'm sure this entails a BUNCH of fab work, but it sure looks cool as all get out.

Linky to his build thread...http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=149156

Also, here's a couple of pics of the mod from his buildup thread...

Hope he doesn't mind me posting his pics, but I do want to give him props for a job well done.

now thats a good idea. if ya hooked it up to the brakes also then thats cool as he!! !!!

[Longhorn Man]

just remember to wire it to the brake light switch... and not to one of the brake lamps. You'd look like an idiot with that sucker blinking with a turn signal.

[68gmcdually]

It will be hooked up to the stop light switch. The hitch cover light is wired into the right signal light, didn't want to have to have the trailer brakes energizing every time I hit the brakes just to light up a bulb.

[mnunn454]

Should have mentioned initially that I don't want to repaint the exterior, so welding in late model sheet metal is a no-go. Jim K. was kind enough to send me exact measurements for cutting in the hole. I'll order the light assembly soon. Anyone know if I'll be able to find a custom one with brake light included? Thanks for the underhood light idea. I may wire an underhood light in along with the cargo light. That way my battery can run down twice as fast when I forget to turn it off!!!

[68jimmy]

Don't know if they came on gmc's but I liked the look and tackled the project on my 68 gmc. I had a 72 c-10 that had the cargo light so I removed it took some measurements and broke out the angle grinder. Unfortunately I don't have my measurements but here a couple of pics...

[FarmTruk]

Originally Posted by mnunn454

That way my battery can run down twice as fast when I forget to turn it off!!!

Mnunn...Yep, guess you don't want to mess up that paint. Well, there's a few good ideas here for you as well as others (including me ) to use if/when we may want to install such a light.

BTW...is there any way to post the dims that Jim K. supplied, just to increase the knowledge base?

[mnunn454]

Originally Posted by FarmTruk

Mnunn............

..is there any way to post the dims that Jim K. supplied, just to increase the knowledge base?

Here it is. Thanks again Jim.

Mike

[mnunn454]

68jimmy,

Nice Job!!!

[badpeanut]

What is the best path to route the wires, and what is the easiest way to get them in place?

[FarmTruk]

Originally Posted by mnunn454

Here it is. Thanks again Jim.

Mike

Yes, thanks Jim K. and mnunn. Is that from the Service Manual or the Assembly Manual? Man, I gotta get one of those.

[mnunn454]

Originally Posted by FarmTruk

Yes, thanks Jim K. and mnunn. Is that from the Service Manual or the Assembly Manual? Man, I gotta get one of those.

FarmTruk,
Jim's email to me referenced the assembly manual.