General Mcgregor
Member
- 980
- 24
- 18
- Location
- Dover, New Hampshire
Hey Fellas!
I've always wondered why the Deuce never had reverse lights. Or a reverse alarm for that matter. I know the obvious answer, in combat a loud alarm and bright lights tends to attract attention. But in the civy world they both have very practical uses.
That's not to say it hasn't been done; we have all had switched back up lights, I have also had people beep at me because I forgot they were on!
So it got me wondering, why does the deuce not have automatic back up lamps?
Last year when I was swapping transmissions I got to thinking about the funny little rod coming out the back of the trans cover. The little rod was once used for the sprag type transfer case, but now it is practically useless. Or is it?
Now heres my disclaimer; if this has been done before then I am in no way taking credit for it, I am just reporting my observations.
Today I built an automatic reverse light system using the old sprag rod. When the transmissin is shifted into reverse, the sprag rod is pushed towards the rear of the truck. It then activates a switch. This unique switch mounts to the bottom of the cab crossmember just behind the transmission.
The switch has two functions, it can be open when the lever is depressed or open when the lever is not depressed. In my case I used both. It has three knife terminals:
1. Power in
2. Switch pos#1 out
3. Switch pos #2 out
Obviously had to remove the floor panels above the transmission as well as the shifter.
When I mounted it I placed a piece of steel under it to protect it from grease and debris. I can't guarantee that it is waterproof but I guess I will find out.
I then got to work on the dash switches. The switch plate is just some old OD steel I had kicking around, with a little fresh paint it looked great.
I wanted to be able to select between AUTO (automatically on when placed in reverse) OFF (off at all times even in reverse) and ON (on at all times except in reverse, for use as a utility or work light). I also added a switch for a back up alarm wich has two positions AUTO and OFF. I placed an indicator light in the center to alert you if they have been left on by accedent (It is very bright).
Bought a cheapy dymo label maker to match the ones already on my dash.
The best part is that I wired the switch into the service drive switch so it is nearly impossible to leave them on accidentally or to turn them on in blackout drive.
Let me know what you think, or if anyone else has done a simmilar mod.
Here are some pics, I included the wiring diagram.
-GM
I've always wondered why the Deuce never had reverse lights. Or a reverse alarm for that matter. I know the obvious answer, in combat a loud alarm and bright lights tends to attract attention. But in the civy world they both have very practical uses.
That's not to say it hasn't been done; we have all had switched back up lights, I have also had people beep at me because I forgot they were on!
So it got me wondering, why does the deuce not have automatic back up lamps?
Last year when I was swapping transmissions I got to thinking about the funny little rod coming out the back of the trans cover. The little rod was once used for the sprag type transfer case, but now it is practically useless. Or is it?
Now heres my disclaimer; if this has been done before then I am in no way taking credit for it, I am just reporting my observations.
Today I built an automatic reverse light system using the old sprag rod. When the transmissin is shifted into reverse, the sprag rod is pushed towards the rear of the truck. It then activates a switch. This unique switch mounts to the bottom of the cab crossmember just behind the transmission.
The switch has two functions, it can be open when the lever is depressed or open when the lever is not depressed. In my case I used both. It has three knife terminals:
1. Power in
2. Switch pos#1 out
3. Switch pos #2 out
Obviously had to remove the floor panels above the transmission as well as the shifter.
When I mounted it I placed a piece of steel under it to protect it from grease and debris. I can't guarantee that it is waterproof but I guess I will find out.
I then got to work on the dash switches. The switch plate is just some old OD steel I had kicking around, with a little fresh paint it looked great.
I wanted to be able to select between AUTO (automatically on when placed in reverse) OFF (off at all times even in reverse) and ON (on at all times except in reverse, for use as a utility or work light). I also added a switch for a back up alarm wich has two positions AUTO and OFF. I placed an indicator light in the center to alert you if they have been left on by accedent (It is very bright).
Bought a cheapy dymo label maker to match the ones already on my dash.
The best part is that I wired the switch into the service drive switch so it is nearly impossible to leave them on accidentally or to turn them on in blackout drive.
Let me know what you think, or if anyone else has done a simmilar mod.
Here are some pics, I included the wiring diagram.
-GM
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