Did Henry offer backup lights as a factory option? Or as a Ford dealer add on option? If so-could I see some pictures of the backup lights?

I just saw a 60 F100 with backup lights-and it was equipped with the factory overdrive transmission.

 

To my recollection, Ford did not, back in 1960. (BTW, which are you talking about, styleside or flareside)?

 

Henry died in 1947.

"The Deuce" (Henry Ford II) didn't offer any backup lights on trucks, Bronco's and Econolines until 1967.

This wasn't his idea, it was mandated by the NHTSA as part of the new light truck safety standards that went into effect beginning with the 1967 model run.

Also included were a heater/defroster, L/H outside mirror, lap seat belts and a padded dash.

I've seen 1960/63 Falcon (optional) backup lights installed on these 1957/60 Stylesides, prolly done by the dealers. These are from the 2 doors and 4 doors, the wagons are different, as their mounting base is curved.

Backup lights for all Passenger Cars were mandated by the NHTSA beginning 1/1/1966, as were lap seat belts, a left hand outside mirror, heater/defroster and a padded dash.

 

If it is this body style just think how nice another set of tail light buckets with clear lens etc would look!

 

Which rings true, as I have a stock '66 F-250, and it also didn't/doesn't have backup lights.

 

Mr ND---you are a stickler for detail and precise language. Thank you for your reply.

I saw a 60 F100 with the factory overdrive T86-H and had what looked like the backup lights from a 60 thru 62 Falcon-- since you mentioned it. Just wondering-did the T86-H overdrive transmission have a switch for backup lights? If not-how did backup lights work on a non factory equipped 60 F100?

By the way-the 63 Falcons had factory optional backup lights that were in the center of the taillight assembly-just like the full size 61 Fords-as you know. But you may have been referring to back up lights for the 63 Falcon that were dealer installed-and they may have been a separate assembly.

 

Since backup lamps were not available for trucks, Bronco's and Econolines prior to 1967, there were no backup light switches for these vehicles.

Beginning in 1967, there were separate backup lamp switches used with manual transmissions. The 3 speeds used different types than 4 speeds.

With an A/T, the neutral safety switch operated the backup lamps.

My guess is, dealers adapted the switches used for Falcon's with the 1957/60 Styleside bed, called the "wrong bed" by 1961/66 nuts, cuz Ford used this bed on some a these trucks too.

As you said, 1963 Falcon's with factory installed backup lamps have the backup lens incorporated in the taillamp...except for Ranchero's and station wagons.

However, it was up to the dealers which type of backup lamp kit would be used on 1963's if the customers wanted backup lamps installed.

Since accessories could not be returned to FoMoCo for credit, and if the dealers had the 1960/62 kits in stock...this is why you see these lamps on 1963's.

At one time, beginning at the start of every model year...Ford sent accessories to dealers...automatically, whether the dealers wanted them...or not.

Most did not want them, but they had no choice in the matter. Just because dictatorial Henry was dead, didn't mean that FoMoCo changed all their policies.

In fact, 'The Deuce' in trying to outsell Chevy during 1953/54, sent cars/trucks to dealers automatically...no, I'm not kidding. This set off a price war and became the death knell to independant automakers.

It didn't work. Ford (cars) only outsold Chevy twice in the 1950's, in 1957 and 1959.

 

Bill, could you provide some more information on how this is done? I'd like to add a backup light switch and lights to my 1966 F100. The transmission doesn't have a place for the switch anywhere (it was manufactured in May 1965).

 

I added back up lights to my 60. After a long look at ways to automate it, I decided to put a toggle switch that has an LED indicator telling me it is on. This has worked very well for me. I only turn them on when it is dark and I need to see.

 

Bill is on a cruse to Hawaii, and won't be back for at least another week.

I'm sure he'll answer any questions for you when he returns!

 

thats cool man nice job.

 

What transmission do you have? The bumpside 3 speeds had a switch mounted under the hood so it was activated by the reverse/first shift arm. If you have a 4 speed, you may need to look into some sort of micro switch off a big truck that the shift lever trips when in reverse. Personally, I like the system Walston has on his.

 

My 60 Mercury styleside does have factory cut holes for the backup lights. the sockets are messed up,the switch is located on the end of the steering column where the shift linkage is. Ive only seen one other truck with these.

 

How do you know the holes are factory since FoMoCo did not offer backup lamps for trucks until 1967? What are the SAE/DOT numbers marked on the lenses?

Passenger Cars were available with optional or dealer installed backup lamps beginning in 1949.

1967 F100/350: Backup lamp switch for 3 speed/Overdrive located on steering column. 4 speed backup light switch threads into shift tower.

 

Just my opinion but: I've had my 59 since Hi School (1964) and am totally obsessed with it. I feel the whole 'character' of the truck is ruined if you change the tail light section (or grill, hood, fenders etc.) unless you're doing a complete custom. Mine is by no means stock but I tryed to stay with the basic theme.
So cutting in a 'second' set of buckets below the tail lights would kill me. However the location below the tailgate shown on the red truck & mine is less intrusive. But I believe rectangle is a much better shape (I may be bias) No offense to Walston. There are many rectangular ones avail. in junk yards, mine are dome lights from 1941 Dodge power wagon ambulance that fit pretty flush. I also have a 'spare' set of 59 parking lights I considered but I don't think they are as clean looking but would stay w/ the '59 theme. Also I considered cutting in Harbor Freight clear driving lights.
I did use a 'micro switch' on the column linkage arm as others posted, I like to let others know I'm planning on backing up day or nite. I'll try & get a pict. I also have a manual switch on dash w/indicator light.
It's worked flawless (see note) for 40+ yrs. (2 engine swaps and a swap from 3spd. to 1969 3spd. w/OD)

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/p...ctureid=119653

Note: If you use both a linkage switch and a manual switch lookout for elect. 'feed back'. I powered my linkage sw. from the ign. term. so the lites would only come on in reverse w/engine on (not when I was 'parked' in rev. in acc. listening to radio & doing what else teen age kids do).
Problem was I wanted my manual sw. to work anytime so I powered it from a 'hot' line. This all worked great untill I left my manual sw. on w/engine running - now when I turned off the ign. the 12v hot fed "back" if in rev. (which is where I put it to park) and the engine would not shut off untill I took it out of reverse. I think I solved this w/ a relay.