My new reverse lights. Install thread (sort of)

[vortec]

I already have plenty of light up front (maximum allowed in Texas), so when my dad gave me the fog lights off his old car before he sold it, I made them my new reverse lights. Take a look...

I had some old plexiglass laying around, so I whipped up a switch panel (using a razor knife, dremel, and zippo). The small crack was an accident after install. Whatever. Anyway, the reverse lights are controlled by the middle switch. It's a 3-position switch running to a SPST relay. This gives me 3 options:
1. lights always on (for loading, working, interior light)
2. lights always off (don't need that much light in the city)
3. lights on only in reverse (perfect for backing up offroad)

I love this setup. I used all three, recently. Used "always on" tonight, for loading some furniture in the bed. Used "always off" for my normal city driving. And used "on in reverse" for some recent offroading. HUGE improvement. The other two switches are radio (I use it without keeping the key in) and offroad lights (also through a relay, of course). I set up my relays and a junction block in a small plastic box on the tranny hump. I need more wire tubing, but this is about function, for the moment. Gotta love my zip install to the dash, right? ha.

I just stuck the top back on today, after having it off for about 4 months. The lights are installed on my rear rollbar and I set them up so that they could be used as backup lights or loading/utility/interior lights. With the top off, I orient the lights a little differently, but this way works well, too. I thought I'd need to keep the rear window down a few inches to use them, but they're bright enough to shine right through (it's open in the pics, though). It's not the most beautiful install, but very functional. I'll pretty it up, later.

BTW, that's not a stray wire by the spare (smaller and less aggressive than the other tires on there ). It's my old speedo cable. I don't know why I still have it. Weird.

 

[1978Blazerk5]

looks good. I wouldnt even think of mount em there

Vortec, I dont think I have ever seen a picture of you K5

here is how I did mine

 

[vortec]

Vortec, I dont think I have ever seen a picture of you K5

There are a few pics of it floating around on here. Most of them are topless and muddy, or at least very dusty, though. It's no beauty queen, anyway, but that way I don't feel guilty wheeling it. My 94 C1500 is the pretty one.


Your light location seems to be the most popular. They really tuck up there. With mine being so big and round, they'd probably get smashed while climbing a steep rock ledge or something. Also, the idea of big bright loading/worklights near the tailgate is almost as attractive to me as backup lights. Last time I had to do a minor trail fix, it would have been much easier if I'd had better light back there. And they're awesome for loading. I built in 3-mode selectability for versatility, but also, just because it's fun.

 

[1978Blazerk5]

There are a few pics of it floating around on here.

Your light location seems to be the most popular. They really tuck up there. With mine being so big and round, they'd probably get smashed while climbing a steep rock ledge or something. Also, the idea of big bright loading/worklights near the tailgate is almost as attractive to me as backup lights. Last time I had to do a minor trail fix, it would have been much easier if I'd had better light back there. And they're awesome for loading. I built in 3-mode selectability for versatility, but also, just because it's fun.

If you wouldnt mind Could you post up A pic, I really enjoy seeing what most of the members here have for trucks

I like how they tucked up, they are flush with the bottom of the hitch, so the odds of me smashin them are rare.

I do like the whole Work/Cargo/reverse light Idea

the 3-mode switch sounds cool, but I hate wiring so i just ran a power to the switch and rev. lights to the switch all set. maybe in a couple of years i will do the relay setup with a 3 way switch

 

[vortec]

sure. why not....

Mostly just poser shots while wheeling. We get too caught up in the fun to remember to try to take action shots, usually. Bummer.

A relaxed shot after a good hillclimb, and before another, a few months ago, at BMRA:

About to pull it into the garage after same BMRA daytrip. Lots of rock and very little mud leave the truck pretty clean:

January 2007 on the old tires. Friend's 2006 Rubi behind me:

Real men wheel the parking lot berms at Texas Motor Speedway

 

[1978Blazerk5]

Nice looking rig

35's Right

 

[vortec]

Nice looking rig

Thanks. I don't hear that much. Most of my friends and family don't get it. I'll admit that it is a major beater compared to my DD.

35's Right

I get that a lot. They're actually 33x12.5r15, advertised. True size diameter is 32.8" (close enough to 33") and the section width is 13" (woohoo, extra .5"!). Not sure on tread width. I love the tires performance and look or them and I and don't regret going with 33 instead of 35. Less need for regearing, I'd only gain 1" more clearance with 35s, and I don't need to trim sheetmetal. they do rub just a bit at full flex, but If I ever get around to it, the beast is about go have a 4" growth spurt. The lift has been sitting in my garage for a while.

 

[1978Blazerk5]

Thanks. I don't hear that much. Most of my friends and family don't get it. I'll admit that it is a major beater compared to my DD.



I get that a lot. They're actually 33x12.5r15, advertised.

Hey its a sharp lookin K5


wow, those sure looked like 35's. I am kinda mad I missed that, espically since i got 33's myself