I have a 40 70 series and would like to put a back up light. I got one off ebay that will mount just fine with plenty of braided correct wire but no directions or where to find I assume a switch to activate when put in reverse. BTW 3 on tree shifter. Anybody done this before? Thanks Pat

 

I don't know if a backup light was and option in 1940 but I doubt it. Even if it was, it would be long time if ever when you found somebody with one. Sounds like you will just need to do some fabrication on the shift linkage to mount a switch. Good luck with this one.

 

It was. There was only one backup lamp in the option. Think it mounted on the left side rear bumper bracket.

The switches were generally mounted on the linkage underhood on 3-speed column shifts and you should be able to use one from about any GM car up thru about 1971 (or whenever they quit using the 3-speed column shift transmission). You may have to fabricate a bracket.

Always thought the beehive backup lamps GM used from about 1948-54 looked great. They mounted on the filler panel between trunk lid and bumper. Even Cadillac used those, but naturally Olds and Buick couldn't stand that and incorporated their backup lamps into the car styling- Olds in either the taillight housing or in the quarter panel, and Buick liked to put them in the rear bumper guards.

 

Thanks so much for the info. These swithches would not be on a car without the back up option, right? I have some local boneyards that still have some old stuff and will go check them out. What is the universal kit through UMS?

 

Saw one 40 Olds at Hershey with a back up light but he put a switch under the dash. Also said he never used it in 20 yrs!

 

If you can't find an origional type switch Pollack makes a switch that has a long spring loaded arm that you can position to hit the linkage, we use it a lot for equipment back up alarms.

 

my 40 does not have back up light but have seen some after market stuff out there

 

I am assuming this switch issue is resolved?? If not, 39-48 were all mounted the same way. I have original installation instructions, and I have some mounted on my 47 & 48 Olds.

The back-up lights were powered through the running light power. It lit up at night only (according to the original instructions) to light your way as you were backing up (not to warn others that you were backing up).

One light was a typical option, but two lights were also available. depending on the "behive" style mount, it would mount either to the filler panel, or the bumper.

If you still have "?''s let me know, and I'll scan a copy of the instructions with pictures of the switch.