Adding back up lights to a '51 Special. Possible? Wise?

[Julien Abrahams]

Last time I drove the Buick I needed to back up, and noticed that other oncoming traffic was not really aware that I was backing up. I thought that the back-up lights were standard, but apparantly they were an option. 
With regard to safety I was wondering if it is possible to add back-up lights. I think that it would have been easier if the car had the Dynaflow (and therefore a NSS). 

Can it be done to a manual car as well? Any thoughts? 

[EmTee]

Sure, it can be done.  My GP has backup lights and a manual transmission.  You'll need to find a suitable switch (e.g., a normally open, plunger-type) and then fabricate a bracket to hold it beside the transmission linkage so that the shift rod or lever pushes the plunger when the shifter is put into the Reverse position.  Then you'll need to select some appropriate lights that can be mounted to the car and look period correct.  The last step is wiring the switch to provide fused power to one side and switched output to the lights.  It will be a 'project', but is do-able if you're really serious about it.

[JohnD1956]

You coukd just wire in a switch, although it may be advantageous to include a led light with the switch so you remember to turn them off when finished. 

[EmTee]

Here's an example switch:  https://www.amesperf.com/parts/7328/

 

[Sidemount33]

On 11/22/2024 at 6:22 AM, Julien Abrahams said:

Last time I drove the Buick I needed to back up, and noticed that other oncoming traffic was not really aware that I was backing up. I thought that the back-up lights were standard, but apparantly they were an option. 
With regard to safety I was wondering if it is possible to add back-up lights. I think that it would have been easier if the car had the Dynaflow (and therefore a NSS). 

Can it be done to a manual car as well? Any thoughts? 

Julien:

 

I owned two '53 Buicks (one manual shift and one Dynaflow), and had the same thought as you - my Special didn't have backup lights, and looked at wiring a pair up. 
 

As it was an option for the Special, just had to track down a GM reverse lamp switch - they're not terribly expensive or too hard to find, and come supplied with the correct mounting bracket. Just did a quick online search and there are a few for sale.
 

If I remember rightly, the backup light itself was a Guide (think the model was B-10?) but it was used by Buick and I think Cadillac for a few years and models, and also not hard to find. Specials (for '53) had the reversing lights just below the bottom lip of the trunk. 
 

Suggest you may want to check the part number and try that route first, as it may be easier than fabbing up a bracket, etc. 

 

 

Edited November 23 by Sidemount33 (see edit history)

[Rusty Heaps]

Proof positive that it can be done, and was done when the cars were new, ‘53, and ‘52 respectively 

[ted sweet]

wewnt rquired on cars until 1966

[rocketraider]

Extra-cost profitable option before then.

 

These units were also used on other GM carlines, so beehive backup lamps from a Cadillac, Pontiac or Chevrolet could probably be used. The dealer installed kit would have included a division-specific template to locate and drill holes for the socket and mounting screws. The lamps may have had division-specific mounting gaskets.

[Barney Eaton]

Just my thoughts........... I would mount two LED (lots of design choices) to the underside of the bracket around your license

plate.   You could probably mount them without drilling any holes......fabricate a "U" bracket that would clamp to the underside

of that upper cross plate.   They would be high enough to give good light, would hardly be noticed, and no holes would need to be

drilled in the body  

[Julien Abrahams]

Thanks for the suggestions. I think it can be a nice winter project after the fuel pump (see other post) is finally sorted. 

[NailheadBob]

Manual transmission group #2.698 part #1997825 switch back up lamp (without Dynaflow)

 

 

Bob

Edited Sunday at 10:38 PM by NailheadBob (see edit history)