Backup Lights in your Bumper

SarasotaSpeeder · Posted: Tue Nov 30, 2004 12:03 am Post subject: Backup Lights in your Bumper

All of the 3rd gen el Caminos have the backup lights in the tailgate. I have had that removed and moved into the bumper next to the tag. Pilot has a set of backup light in a kit with a wiring harness included for trailer hitches application. Gottem at AutoZone they fit perfectly in the marker openings on both sides of the tag and look original. I had to make 2 small brackets per light, working with the gate down gives you access ans makes it ez. What a difference 55 watts make when your backing up. The wiring harness was a snap to install and jumper into the old connection.
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Daily Driver 1971 Elky, 350/375, MSD6AL, 700R4, 4 w/disc, 12:1 quick ratio steering box, Hotchkis & Helwig & Airride Suspension, Flex-a-lite Dual Fans, R134 AC, Rhino lining, Viper Alarm w/autostart, Alpine tunes, Gotta Love it!

2-Elkys · Posted: Tue Nov 30, 2004 4:02 pm Post subject:

Not all 3rd generation Elky's have the backup lights in the tailgate.

In 1968 they were in the bumper and then the other 4 years they were in the tailgate.

JFYI
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71-Elky

Works in progress.. Me and my ElkY!
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SarasotaSpeeder · Posted: Tue Nov 30, 2004 8:47 pm Post subject: backup lights

Thanks, I stand correted on the 68's , but still is a great upgrade for a custom look and better rear vision!
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Daily Driver 1971 Elky, 350/375, MSD6AL, 700R4, 4 w/disc, 12:1 quick ratio steering box, Hotchkis & Helwig & Airride Suspension, Flex-a-lite Dual Fans, R134 AC, Rhino lining, Viper Alarm w/autostart, Alpine tunes, Gotta Love it!

vrooom3440 · Posted: Sun Dec 05, 2004 5:11 pm Post subject:

Might also be really good info for any 68's out there with rusted and corroded up backup lights that need to be replaced...

Not that I personally would know anybody like that Wink

What model number lights did you use?

Steve
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Project: '68 El Camino SS 396 clone w/4spd
Daily driver: 2001 Mustang Bullitt

SarasotaSpeeder · Posted: Mon Dec 06, 2004 2:05 am Post subject: Backup Lights in your Bumper

Hey Steve

Pilot NV-803 or NV-110

http://www.expressdistributing.com/cart/cgi-bin/Html/Products/truck_drive_lites.htm

I think these are the ones check the measurement of your bumper opening I had 1/4 inch on each side.

To make the bracets I used a wire closet shelf to shelf side connector because of the offset and thickness. Drilled and tapped the end attached to bummer and nut & bolted to light bracket.

Good Luck Joe
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Daily Driver 1971 Elky, 350/375, MSD6AL, 700R4, 4 w/disc, 12:1 quick ratio steering box, Hotchkis & Helwig & Airride Suspension, Flex-a-lite Dual Fans, R134 AC, Rhino lining, Viper Alarm w/autostart, Alpine tunes, Gotta Love it!

vrooom3440 · Posted: Mon Dec 06, 2004 9:45 pm Post subject:

Thanks, I was looking at something like that at Kragen today but did not have measurements with me. I am going to start carrying a backup light lens around with me for comparison.

The mounting should not be a big deal since the originals, at least in '68 when they mounted the bu lights in the bumper, are nothing more than 2 screws at the top.

Steve
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Project: '68 El Camino SS 396 clone w/4spd
Daily driver: 2001 Mustang Bullitt

vrooom3440 · Posted: Wed Dec 08, 2004 2:10 am Post subject:

My Autozone had a different product number but it sounds like the same parts. They are Pilot "Back up lights for mounting on trailer hitch" with a number of PL-250. Took an original lense with me and they look to be almost exactly the same size.

These are pretty close to overkill since they have a 55w halogen bulb in each light. I figure we are looking at close to 8.5 amps of current draw and GM only ran 18 guage wire to the back. It should handle it ok for momentary usage I guess. Note that these run off of the turn signal fuse... so either watch out for using backup lights with a turn signal or try it out to see if the fuse blows so you know not to do that again Smile

At $25 they sure do compare favorably with restoration parts at $80.

Steve
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Project: '68 El Camino SS 396 clone w/4spd
Daily driver: 2001 Mustang Bullitt

SarasotaSpeeder · Posted: Wed Dec 08, 2004 10:07 am Post subject: Back up lights for Bumper

Overkill hmm Shocked

I don't know with any window tint it hard to see backwards anyway, but I haven't used my turn signals in reverse, I might get confused

and have not had any fuses go.

You'll appreciate them the first time you use'm! Cool

Joe
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Daily Driver 1971 Elky, 350/375, MSD6AL, 700R4, 4 w/disc, 12:1 quick ratio steering box, Hotchkis & Helwig & Airride Suspension, Flex-a-lite Dual Fans, R134 AC, Rhino lining, Viper Alarm w/autostart, Alpine tunes, Gotta Love it!