[horvath]

My 54 Chevy pickup didn't come with backup lights so I put a pair of front parking lights from a '49 Chevy in the rear of my truck:



You can see the whole install Here

Anyway, I didn't want to go through the hassle of installing a backup switch in my shifter, so I'm putting a lighted toggle switch in the dash ... my question is this:

The lighted toggle switch is rated at 20 amps ... the backups are double filaments and I have both wired up, so the lights are good and bright ... will this 20 amp switch be sufficient? Or should I add a relay into the plan?

Thanks.

Alan
54 Chevy Pickup

[TooMany2count]

damn alan thats going to get HOT , but as long as u dont leave them on for a long time it shouldnt matter. 20 amp should be ok, but why not hook them both up & put a gauge to it to see how much draw is on the line. that way u can decide wether or not to use a relay...joe

[RCastle]

Looks good. Love that "work with what ya got attitude".

[cboy]

Alan,

Is there an amp or wattage stamped on the bulbs? I would think you could calculated the total draw on the wiring/switch based on that.

[Kevin45]

Even though the toggle is a lighted toggle, If it is not a bright toggle, I would also wire in a small LED or some small indicator light somewhere in the dash that indicates when the rears are on. If not then someday you will be driving down the road all lit in the back.

[horvath]

Thanks, everyone.

Kevin45 -- THAT'S a great idea, bro'! I have a 1/2" hole on the top of my dash that I've been wondering what to do with -- it originally accomodated my wiper switch but I didn't like the look, plus it was an uncomfortable reach, so I moved the switch.

Now ... if I could find a nice FLAT-ish 1/2" light for that spot, I'd be in the pink!

I sure do love these little projects and personalized additions to my truck. LOL! What a gass.

Alan
54 Chevy Pickup