Backup Lights - 3 on tree to 4 on floor - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

hawaiianblue72 · 03-25-2007, 08:00 PM

I'm sure this has been talked about before, but I need help figuring out how to make my backup lights work. My truck has been converted from a three on the tree to a four on the floor and my backup light have never worked. My mechanic suggest a toggle switch set up (not sure about that fix.). Is it possible to get the switch that goes on the tranny and make it work somehow? How hard would it be to rewire one that worked only when it's in reverse? Has anyone else had this problem? How did you fix it?

BurnoutNova · 03-25-2007, 09:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hawaiianblue72

My mechanic suggest a toggle switch set up

thats the easiest way to do it... thats what i would do, for what its worth

piecesparts · 03-25-2007, 09:21 PM

Does the four speed tranny have a switch mounted on it somewhere? A lot of them did over the years. Otherwise look for a place that you can install a momentary pressure switch that the gear shift or a shift pin will actuate.

msgross · 03-25-2007, 09:26 PM

My 4 speed has a switch mounted just left and forward of the shifter, under the floor. I think that it's for the lights...

JimKshortstep4x4 · 03-26-2007, 05:33 AM

I hooked up the backup lights on my son's 4 speed and it is very straight forward. I ran the two wires from the switch on the transmission to the bulkhead connector to get the wiring through the firewall. Once the wiring was connected, I picked up the circuits on the inside by using two made up jumper wires. The jumper wires were made with male terminals so it was just a matter of plugging them in to the existing female terminal.

If you want to route the wires directly through the firewall to the existing connector, then that will be easier yet.

His truck was an automatic originally but your three speed should have the female connector as you originally had back up lights as I understand.

Jim

hawaiianblue72 · 03-28-2007, 08:45 PM

Hey thanks for the info. Can I get a ticket for not having backup lights?

68caliRat · 03-28-2007, 09:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hawaiianblue72

Hey thanks for the info. Can I get a ticket for not having backup lights?

I hope not, my switch has been broken for ten years!

Fred T · 03-28-2007, 10:45 PM

You could get a ticket, but most cops have better things to do. Only place I would worry was if there's a mandatory safety inspection.

pissonNOS · 03-28-2007, 11:54 PM

i had/have the same problem i just left it

cbbs02 · 03-29-2007, 12:11 PM

you could also use a brake light switch an make a mount that sits between the tranny and the floor pan so that the shift lever hits it when reverse is slected.

davidh · 03-29-2007, 01:28 PM

What color are the wires that run the back up lights or what does the plug look like? I'd be intrested in getting mine going for my 67 too.

67ChevyRedneck · 03-29-2007, 01:32 PM

On a stock truck, they are green (both are green, one has a black stripe), they're two wires that are side by side (like how speaker wire looks.) and has a plug with a rubber cover over it that goes to the switch on the tranny. Thats what they looked like on the '72 I recently took the whole underhood harness out of.

davidh · 03-29-2007, 01:50 PM

Does it come out of the firewall with the rear harness plug then?

67ChevyRedneck · 03-29-2007, 01:59 PM

On the one I took off, it was part of the underhood harness (not taillight). The one that bolts to the firewall to the fuse block.

davidh · 03-29-2007, 02:12 PM

What i'm talking about is that plug that runs thte tail lights not at the back of the fuse box where the junction is at. David

Orange · 03-29-2007, 04:34 PM

I have a question related to this. I'll start a new thread if necessary (don't want to threadjack).

My reverse lights work, but when I am in neutral. So what's up there?

DLB

hawaiianblue72 · 03-29-2007, 09:22 PM

Wow In Neutral. Is it auto or manual. I would think Auto Right?

jimfulco · 03-29-2007, 11:21 PM

http://www.parts123.com/parts123/yb....dbf~1EW118OL6~ is a ball switch that you can attach to a bracket and activate with the linkage.

piecesparts · 03-30-2007, 06:51 PM

Yeah; Neutral---no gear engaged....

Kurt L · 03-30-2007, 06:58 PM

i have mine hooked up to a toogle switch on my 70.works great.especially when theres someone behind you with their brites on.[scares the heck outa them]

Orange · 03-30-2007, 09:07 PM

Yup - neutral.
It is an auto.

DLB

FLEET72 · 03-30-2007, 11:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Orange

Yup - neutral.
It is an auto.

DLB

There is a switch assembly on the column just above the floor, it needs to be adjusted.

FLEET72 · 03-30-2007, 11:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hawaiianblue72

I'm sure this has been talked about before, but I need help figuring out how to make my backup lights work. My truck has been converted from a three on the tree to a four on the floor and my backup light have never worked. My mechanic suggest a toggle switch set up (not sure about that fix.). Is it possible to get the switch that goes on the tranny and make it work somehow? How hard would it be to rewire one that worked only when it's in reverse? Has anyone else had this problem? How did you fix it?

Looks like an SM465 tranny in your truck, switch should be here:

03-25-2007, 08:00 PM	#1
hawaiianblue72 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Cuba, IL Posts: 68	Backup Lights - 3 on tree to 4 on floor I'm sure this has been talked about before, but I need help figuring out how to make my backup lights work. My truck has been converted from a three on the tree to a four on the floor and my backup light have never worked. My mechanic suggest a toggle switch set up (not sure about that fix.). Is it possible to get the switch that goes on the tranny and make it work somehow? How hard would it be to rewire one that worked only when it's in reverse? Has anyone else had this problem? How did you fix it? Attached Images

03-25-2007, 09:21 PM	#3
piecesparts Parts and more parts Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Lebo, Kansas (middle of nowhere Posts: 6,821	Re: Backup Lights - 3 on tree to 4 on floor Does the four speed tranny have a switch mounted on it somewhere? A lot of them did over the years. Otherwise look for a place that you can install a momentary pressure switch that the gear shift or a shift pin will actuate.

03-25-2007, 09:26 PM	#4
msgross Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Central PA Posts: 12,201	Re: Backup Lights - 3 on tree to 4 on floor My 4 speed has a switch mounted just left and forward of the shifter, under the floor. I think that it's for the lights... __________________ The Garage: 1968 K-10 SWB - "Project Money Pit" 1996 Z-71 - "huntin rig" 1969 C-10 LWB (SOLD) "Project flip that truck or else" 1993 Passport, F@rd 1-ton (SOLD)"Project Cousin Eddie" My Garage Build "The 1,000 footer"

03-26-2007, 05:33 AM	#5
JimKshortstep4x4 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Muskegon,MI,USA Posts: 6,026	Re: Backup Lights - 3 on tree to 4 on floor I hooked up the backup lights on my son's 4 speed and it is very straight forward. I ran the two wires from the switch on the transmission to the bulkhead connector to get the wiring through the firewall. Once the wiring was connected, I picked up the circuits on the inside by using two made up jumper wires. The jumper wires were made with male terminals so it was just a matter of plugging them in to the existing female terminal. If you want to route the wires directly through the firewall to the existing connector, then that will be easier yet. His truck was an automatic originally but your three speed should have the female connector as you originally had back up lights as I understand. Jim __________________ 1971 Shortbox step side 4x4, 350 sbc, 3:07 rear end 1965 Impala SS 400 sbc, Muncie rock crusher 1966 Impala SS 396 bbc, TH 400 1969 El Camino, 350 sbc, TH 350 1971 Snowplow built on a Blazer frame 1972 GMC Short bed, stepside, TH 400, 427 BBC

03-28-2007, 08:45 PM	#6
hawaiianblue72 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Cuba, IL Posts: 68	Re: Backup Lights - 3 on tree to 4 on floor Hey thanks for the info. Can I get a ticket for not having backup lights?

03-28-2007, 10:45 PM	#8
Fred T Cantankerous Geezer Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Bel Aire, KS Posts: 6,264	Re: Backup Lights - 3 on tree to 4 on floor You could get a ticket, but most cops have better things to do. Only place I would worry was if there's a mandatory safety inspection. __________________ Fred There is no such thing as too much cam...just not enough engine.

03-28-2007, 11:54 PM	#9
pissonNOS senior member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: fort macleod alberta Posts: 2,770	Re: Backup Lights - 3 on tree to 4 on floor i had/have the same problem i just left it __________________ 69 GMC bagged

03-29-2007, 12:11 PM	#10
cbbs02 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: arizona Posts: 15	Re: Backup Lights - 3 on tree to 4 on floor you could also use a brake light switch an make a mount that sits between the tranny and the floor pan so that the shift lever hits it when reverse is slected.

03-29-2007, 01:28 PM	#11
davidh Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Ponca city now kingfisher Oklahoma Posts: 1,221	Re: Backup Lights - 3 on tree to 4 on floor What color are the wires that run the back up lights or what does the plug look like? I'd be intrested in getting mine going for my 67 too. __________________ Even the nicest dodge-chrysler is only 2years away from being parked outside of Section 8 housing.

03-29-2007, 01:32 PM	#12
67ChevyRedneck Hittin E-Z Street on Mud Tires Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Greenville, SC Posts: 23,090	Re: Backup Lights - 3 on tree to 4 on floor On a stock truck, they are green (both are green, one has a black stripe), they're two wires that are side by side (like how speaker wire looks.) and has a plug with a rubber cover over it that goes to the switch on the tranny. Thats what they looked like on the '72 I recently took the whole underhood harness out of. __________________ Jesse James 1967 C10 SWB Stepside: 350/700R4/3.73 1965 Ford Mustang: 289/T5-5spd/3.25 Trac-Loc 1968 Pontiac Firebird: Project Fire Chicken! 2015 Silverado Double Cab 5.3L Z71 2001 Jeep Wrangler Sport 4.0L 5spd 2020 Chevrolet Equinox Premium 2.0L Turbo 2011 Mustang V6 ~ Wife's ride American Born, Country by the Grace of God 1967 CST Shop Truck Rebuild! My 1967 C-10 Build Thread My Vintage Air A/C Install Project "On a Dime" Trying my hand at Home Renovation! 1965 Mustang Modifications! Last edited by 67ChevyRedneck; 03-29-2007 at 01:33 PM.

03-29-2007, 01:50 PM	#13
davidh Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Ponca city now kingfisher Oklahoma Posts: 1,221	Re: Backup Lights - 3 on tree to 4 on floor Does it come out of the firewall with the rear harness plug then? __________________ Even the nicest dodge-chrysler is only 2years away from being parked outside of Section 8 housing.

03-29-2007, 01:59 PM	#14
67ChevyRedneck Hittin E-Z Street on Mud Tires Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Greenville, SC Posts: 23,090	Re: Backup Lights - 3 on tree to 4 on floor On the one I took off, it was part of the underhood harness (not taillight). The one that bolts to the firewall to the fuse block. __________________ Jesse James 1967 C10 SWB Stepside: 350/700R4/3.73 1965 Ford Mustang: 289/T5-5spd/3.25 Trac-Loc 1968 Pontiac Firebird: Project Fire Chicken! 2015 Silverado Double Cab 5.3L Z71 2001 Jeep Wrangler Sport 4.0L 5spd 2020 Chevrolet Equinox Premium 2.0L Turbo 2011 Mustang V6 ~ Wife's ride American Born, Country by the Grace of God 1967 CST Shop Truck Rebuild! My 1967 C-10 Build Thread My Vintage Air A/C Install Project "On a Dime" Trying my hand at Home Renovation! 1965 Mustang Modifications!

03-29-2007, 02:12 PM	#15
davidh Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Ponca city now kingfisher Oklahoma Posts: 1,221	Re: Backup Lights - 3 on tree to 4 on floor What i'm talking about is that plug that runs thte tail lights not at the back of the fuse box where the junction is at. David __________________ Even the nicest dodge-chrysler is only 2years away from being parked outside of Section 8 housing.

03-29-2007, 04:34 PM	#16
Orange Licensed to Thrill! Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Northwest, GA Posts: 1,673	Re: Backup Lights - 3 on tree to 4 on floor I have a question related to this. I'll start a new thread if necessary (don't want to threadjack). My reverse lights work, but when I am in neutral. So what's up there? DLB __________________ 1971 GMC.Lowered. Overdrive. Orange. Krue's excellent FAQ Index.

03-29-2007, 09:22 PM	#17
hawaiianblue72 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Cuba, IL Posts: 68	Re: Backup Lights - 3 on tree to 4 on floor Wow In Neutral. Is it auto or manual. I would think Auto Right?



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03-29-2007, 11:21 PM	#18
jimfulco Registered User Join Date: May 2003 Location: Shreveport LA Posts: 3,170	Re: Backup Lights - 3 on tree to 4 on floor http://www.parts123.com/parts123/yb....dbf~1EW118OL6~ is a ball switch that you can attach to a bracket and activate with the linkage.

03-30-2007, 06:51 PM	#19
piecesparts Parts and more parts Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Lebo, Kansas (middle of nowhere Posts: 6,821	Re: Backup Lights - 3 on tree to 4 on floor Yeah; Neutral---no gear engaged....

03-30-2007, 06:58 PM	#20
Kurt L Senior Member Join Date: May 2003 Location: ne florida Posts: 2,665	Re: Backup Lights - 3 on tree to 4 on floor i have mine hooked up to a toogle switch on my 70.works great.especially when theres someone behind you with their brites on.[scares the heck outa them]

03-30-2007, 09:07 PM	#21
Orange Licensed to Thrill! Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Northwest, GA Posts: 1,673	Re: Backup Lights - 3 on tree to 4 on floor Yup - neutral. It is an auto. DLB __________________ 1971 GMC.Lowered. Overdrive. Orange. Krue's excellent FAQ Index.

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