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'89 R3500 Crew Cab 2wd to 4wd conversion & beyond

Started out with 2wd TBI350 with SM465 to current 4wd with 454, 700r4, NP241
Anyone have a cool suggestion for the taillights? I kinda would like to do something other than the typical round or oval. I like having amber for the turn signals. The area for the tail lights is about 10" square, so not a huge space. Could be surface mount or recessed.

I kinda like these but they are too big.

81VqrgvNJiL._AC_SL1500_.jpg

I really don't need backup lights as I have LED pods for the bumper.
 
I noticed newer Heeps have a smaller version of the ones you like. Factory ones are probably pricey but there should be an aftermarket equivalent.
 
Anyone have a cool suggestion for the taillights? I kinda would like to do something other than the typical round or oval. I like having amber for the turn signals. The area for the tail lights is about 10" square, so not a huge space. Could be surface mount or recessed.

I kinda like these but they are too big.

View attachment 380403

I really don't need backup lights as I have LED pods for the bumper.
I've got some 4" or 5" round flush mount led with backup you can have. If I can find them I'll shoot a pic for you when I get home.
 
Anyone have a cool suggestion for the taillights? I kinda would like to do something other than the typical round or oval. I like having amber for the turn signals. The area for the tail lights is about 10" square, so not a huge space. Could be surface mount or recessed.

I kinda like these but they are too big.

View attachment 380403

I really don't need backup lights as I have LED pods for the bumper.
Just remember when you switch to amber setup you need a conversion harness so all the rear lights work properly
 
The smaller the better, anything to keep the chances of them getting smashed low. Also if you can make it so they are not the first thing that would hit a tree or rock when backing up that helps alot. Statute max height for rear tailights is pretty damn high. Something like 72" so don't worry about that.

Could you put them on the vertical tube, and have the bumper area protrude further rearward?

There is a CO statute about lighting wrapping around the side of the vehicle, but that's one that I did not abide by and have never been hassled for it. I think its way safer with these bright led aftermarket style lights than our old dim taillights anyways. The height I checked and plate light etc..
 
Welding beds are always good inspiration for unique or different tail light setups. I was kinda thinking something recessed like this with the strip lights and you would only need a red one and maybe an amber one if you wanted them separate.
1623331834586.png
 
Welding beds are always good inspiration for unique or different tail light setups. I was kinda thinking something recessed like this with the strip lights and you would only need a red one and maybe an amber one if you wanted them separate.
View attachment 380440
Those are what u have on my DD.
 
I've got some 4" or 5" round flush mount led with backup you can have. If I can find them I'll shoot a pic for you when I get home.
I kinda wanted to stay away from the standard round and oval lights, but I will keep yours in mind if I change my mind. :thumb:


You must put 3/4" amber chicken lights every 6" down both sides on those main fender pieces you built.
I actually was kinda thinking about some round amber dots on the sides. But just 2 maybe.


Just remember when you switch to amber setup you need a conversion harness so all the rear lights work properly
I was wondering about that. One of the lights I was looking at mentioned there may be a need to re-wire some vehicles.


I noticed newer Heeps have a smaller version of the ones you like. Factory ones are probably pricey but there should be an aftermarket equivalent.
I was thinking about looking at Jeep lights. I was afraid because of the "Jeep" designation it would make them expensive, even aftermarket. I think there would be a funny kind of irony about using Jeep tail lights. :D


Seen a few newer flatbeds doing them led strips like you put under your tailgate .
I think this is what I'm leaning towards because it would be easy to protect. I really think the hazard flashers on those look cool. I've seen a truck on the side of the road running them 1 time and they really get your attention.


The smaller the better, anything to keep the chances of them getting smashed low. Also if you can make it so they are not the first thing that would hit a tree or rock when backing up that helps alot. Statute max height for rear tailights is pretty damn high. Something like 72" so don't worry about that.

Could you put them on the vertical tube, and have the bumper area protrude further rearward?

There is a CO statute about lighting wrapping around the side of the vehicle, but that's one that I did not abide by and have never been hassled for it. I think its way safer with these bright led aftermarket style lights than our old dim taillights anyways. The height I checked and plate light etc..
I always wondered if technically there was supposed to be lighting wrapping around to the sides. I agree about the brightness. Whenever I end up behind a square body at night, I'm reminded of why I put the LED tail lights in the C10.

It should be easy to recess the lighting within the frame of the bed. Maybe I will go ahead and add a side marker light on the sides near the back of the bed. A simple light bar would be easy to do.

Haven't actually come up with a plan for the license plate yet. Luckily I can light one pretty easily with the LEDs we use for signs like I did for the bumper I was using.
 
The side view thing is something I always wondered. You could angle the rear sides where the lights will be so they could be seen from the back or side or a lot of lights stick out for that reason too I think.

All flatbeds you buy will usually have an amber front corner marker and a red rear corner marker. Those little 3/4" ones work good for that.
 
The side view thing is something I always wondered. You could angle the rear sides where the lights will be so they could be seen from the back or side or a lot of lights stick out for that reason too I think.

All flatbeds you buy will usually have an amber front corner marker and a red rear corner marker. Those little 3/4" ones work good for that.
Based on how cars are done from the factory, I always figured the amber was supposed to indicate front and red the rear.
 

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