Light Question

[pmeyers]

I am finishing up on my electrical on my 1966 c10- it was kind of torn up. Have gotten my turn signals, brake lights working front and back and tail lights in the rear. Have a few questions.

1. In the front I was curious if the lights where the turn signals are located in the hood are supposed to come as running lights when the headlights are on.? Mine don't. Factory wiring doesn't seem to be there for that purpose but I could be missing something

2. Truck was originally a three speed, but 20 years ago I replaced it with a 4 speed. I have backup lights but don't know how to make them function. Is there is switch that will work with the 4 speed? Should these just be converted to running lights?

Thanks for your help- Paul

[Palf70Step]

No, those lights go out when the headlights come on.


Not sure about the backup light switch. I did a manual button on my dash to turn the backup lights on and off.

You can look in my build thread starting with post #173
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=627495&page=7

[Wrenchbender Ret]

The parking lights did not come on with the headlights until the 68 up models. You can change it by hooking the park lights up to the taillights.
The 4 speed SM420 did not have provisions for a backup light switch till about 66-67. The SM 465 came out in 68 & had a backup light switch on them.

[ChrisDollins]

Originally Posted by Palf70Step

Not sure about the backup light switch. I did a manual button on my dash to turn the backup lights on and off.

I did the same thing when I converted mine to floor shift. Although I have driven home with them on the entire way lol.

Chris

[robber grin]

Initially a feature meant to conserve power on generator set-ups changed over at some point for obvious safety concerns. I jumper-ed my headlight wiring at the switch to keep both on a the same time but I'm also running relays.

Back up lights are controlled by my column shift and neutral safety / back-up light switch on the early 70's GM van tilt column.

Common upgrades...

[63burban]

What type of 4 speed do you have? The Sm 420 type of transmissions have the switch on top of the trans, actually showing in the cab. I do have a bracket for a switch on one of those.

[pmeyers]

Interesting to read a little of the history of the backup lights and the running lights. Also good suggestions about how to use both. Lot of knowledge in this group. Think I'll add a momentary push button switch for the backup lights (so I'm not leaving them on accidentally) , and wire the running lights to the headlights as suggested.
Thanks for the help guys...
Paul

[damnyankee36]

Originally Posted by robber grin

I jumper-ed my headlight wiring at the switch to keep both on a the same time but I'm also running relays.

I'm curious as what terminals you jumped. Wouldn't the headlights come on as soon as the parking lights' position was selected? I just realized maybe it's the way you have the relays setup.

Not sure if the headlight-only function type switch is still available. AutoZone, as an example, sells the same switch for a 66 Chevy as a 69. Both headlights and park light come on at the same time with this switch. (SW141)

[Palf70Step]

I used a later headlight switch on my 64 (from a 74 C10). Now mine has a replacement Dash harness, but I believe you can do the same on factor harness. If you want the parks on all the time with headlights you just move the one wire on the plug and it will make it like the newer style trucks.

I went back to the original look as I like them off when headlights are on.