Protecting My Backside

[Jeff Balazs]

Reg;

Thanks for posting that picture. I have been wondering what a second light above the standard height tail lamp would look like? Now I know......and I like what you did. I was thinking about running an amber lamp in that upper position as a combo turn signal & running light.

 

Thanks again, Jeff

[Merle Coggins]

Hey Reg... What's holding the lens on that tail/brake light? There's no screws in the bezel.

[Reg Evans]

Good eye Merle !  The buckets are modern black plastic and the mounting holes were in a different spot than the original tail light lenses I wanted to use so I drilled a small hole through the top and bottom of the bezel and into the bucket and installed the screws there.  It's been over 15 years since I did that and I'd forgotten all about it. The bulbs are still burning bright......knock on wood.

[wallytoo]

I have been wondering what a second light above the standard height tail lamp would look like? Now I know......and I like what you did.

another version, as it is on my dad's '52 (3/4 ton) reflector in between the two lights.

wally

[Young Ed]

Jeff you could consider that a vintage modification. It was very common to add turn signals with a second set of lights in the back.

[Jeff Balazs]

Ed;

That makes sense. I will try to keep it looking period correct. Part of protecting your backside around here at least ........ is certainly plenty of good lighting.

 

I once got rear ended while sitting at a stoplight in my old Jimmy. The guy really slammed into me. Totaled his Honda. "Damage" to the Jimmy was limited to his coolant on the HD trailer hitch which I always left on. I don't know if more lighting would have prevented this........but I will take all the protection I can get.

 

Jeff

[Dave]

This the rear bumbler I have on my 57. It is mounted with 3" channel iron that bolts on the outsides of the rails.

[48Dodger]

Paul....how many licence plates came with your truck?

 

Homemade plate..... PH-1952

 

Classic Ca plate....... WX 777

 

New plate................. 4TCV278

 

New plate................. 93384H1

 

48D

[JBNeal]

I've seen some aftermarket Frd and ChvyGMC taillights that fit into the bed side roll, above the tailgate.  From what I've heard, the problem with those is that they get water in them and crp out, but those are the incandescent versions.  I've seen some round LEDs that might could be adapted for this location...yet another idea to try out on the wish list. 

 

I've also seen period correct aftermarket bumpers (some with checkerboard tread plate!) that have a brace that bolts to the rear stake pocket and the bumper, with cutouts for taillights and turn signals.  Even then, these lights are lower than current light locations, and inattentive drivers might not get the hint that these things are trying to express when they are illuminated.  I'm all for period correctness, but safety trumps accuracy in my book...hence, the planned installation of seat belts, extra tail lights, radial tires...

[pflaming]

48 D: One but I'm not sure which anymore. Since the truck was out of the system I had to get a new plate. Where I got the old yellow one I do not recall. I keep it for picture taking, the PH 1952 obviously I rigged.