That's awesome
CK5
Register an account today to become a member! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members.
'89 R3500 Crew Cab 2wd to 4wd conversion & beyond
- Thread starter mrk5
- Start date
Started out with 2wd TBI350 with SM465 to current 4wd with 454, 700r4, NP241
Here's what I ended up with for the license plate and rear winch. Kind of a DIY version @swettysblazer linked.
The plate has magnets bolted on the back of the bottom.
When the winch is in use, the plate can be taken off with the knurled screws and the magnets will hold it in place out of the way.
Some might ask why I didn't just mount the plate off to the side. I just couldn't handle the lack of symmetry. Then I'd have this blank, slightly recessed spot in the center that looks made for the license plate but instead it would have been mounted off to one side looking all unbalanced.
The plate has magnets bolted on the back of the bottom.
When the winch is in use, the plate can be taken off with the knurled screws and the magnets will hold it in place out of the way.
Some might ask why I didn't just mount the plate off to the side. I just couldn't handle the lack of symmetry. Then I'd have this blank, slightly recessed spot in the center that looks made for the license plate but instead it would have been mounted off to one side looking all unbalanced.
I
It takes a little trial and error t find a good spot on the side but it can be done tastefully.
I like how gm did the rear plate on the door with the 96 up van
Am used to non symmetry in cars, starting with the steering wheel.
It takes a little trial and error t find a good spot on the side but it can be done tastefully.
I like how gm did the rear plate on the door with the 96 up van
I think part of the problem is being hung up on how it was done originally. Although I just had a new idea on my walk that I think will be better. 
You could balance it out with an angry duck plate on the driver side.
You could make it flip up and then you wouldn't have to worry about removing it.
I thought that too, but then it blocks his fancy schmancy camera.
Will you have to take it off for every trail ride? I could see losing the plate easily if its just magnets.
Granted, the vehicles behind you might pick the plate up on their front diff.
Granted, the vehicles behind you might pick the plate up on their front diff.
That winch will probably only get used once or twice a year. Mostly for snow runs. The example @swettysblazer linked included a tether to the plate so I could add one for just in case. It also occurred to me it might be easier to just put the plate in the bed.
When I set up the cargo rack I realized it would completely obscure the rear view mirror so I added the camera. But now I'm not sure I want to go without it. It covers my blindspots really well. And if I'm winching behind me it might actually be useful.
I thought about a hinge but then it's gonna be swinging around all the time. When it's hinged up, it would be in the way of the tailgate. Maybe not much of an issue.
It's just a $40 ebay camera
When I set up the cargo rack I realized it would completely obscure the rear view mirror so I added the camera. But now I'm not sure I want to go without it. It covers my blindspots really well. And if I'm winching behind me it might actually be useful.I did think about making a custom plate sized to fit the area above the winch where the license plate was before.You could balance it out with an angry duck plate on the driver side.
I like the idea of the magnets. What about a hinge with the magnets to hold it up, when you want it up, and another holding it down, so it doesn't flop around?
That would be nice if it would all line up right.
The winch takes up the space I was using for a backup light bar below the license plate.
I picked up some cheap pods to do the job. I was going to cut them into the bumper area, but was not looking forward to cutting the holes. The other thing I didn't like was the light would be pointed straight back and not really at the ground. I had the idea to change up my taillight panels.
I get comments about the taillights being very bright so I figured losing the bottom light wouldn't be an issue. This saved me from cutting into the bumper, but I still needed to figure out a way to put some angle into them. I cut a pair of brackets from aluminum to mount on the existing panels.
I picked these pods because they have amber lights run on a separate wire. I connected that to the turn signals.
Downside is the rear light harness runs the brake lights with the turn signals so the ambers come on with the brakes too. Not that big a deal.
I picked up some cheap pods to do the job. I was going to cut them into the bumper area, but was not looking forward to cutting the holes. The other thing I didn't like was the light would be pointed straight back and not really at the ground. I had the idea to change up my taillight panels.
I get comments about the taillights being very bright so I figured losing the bottom light wouldn't be an issue. This saved me from cutting into the bumper, but I still needed to figure out a way to put some angle into them. I cut a pair of brackets from aluminum to mount on the existing panels.
I picked these pods because they have amber lights run on a separate wire. I connected that to the turn signals.
Downside is the rear light harness runs the brake lights with the turn signals so the ambers come on with the brakes too. Not that big a deal.
That looks good but I'm thinking your ocd will rear up again. One of these will seperate the circuits.
That might be even safer though. Not sure. I also would research if there is a statute clause for red only on brake indicators.
There is a rule on that. Amber in the front only, red in the back.
Whether or not a officer cares is a different question but he may. Or at least could.
Whether or not a officer cares is a different question but he may. Or at least could.
Some interesting reading on the amber vs red. I could only find legal info on going all amber not for having both red AND amber. What's interesting is pretty much all countries outside North America require ALL turn signals to be amber. Apparently lots of studies have shown accident reductions from the use of amber turn signals vs red.
- Joined
- Mar 3, 2000
- Posts
- 9,126
- Reaction score
- 7,090
C.R.S. 42-4-215 (2) shows the requirements. Red or amber to rear white or amber to front.
- Joined
- Mar 3, 2000
- Posts
- 9,126
- Reaction score
- 7,090
Many semi trailers have both amber and red. Cars have one or the other. Nothing would be illegal in colorado with having both red and amber blinking.
What about having both red and amber with the brakes? Is that acceptable?
I had a discussion with a trooper years ago because he didn't like the amber lights on the sides illuminating with the brakes. Not sure if that is considered differently.
