Turn signals and back-up lights...

[jtolbert]

So, as I take my '67 Valiant apart I've been thinking about changes and/or improvements that can be made to the car. I was looking at the tail light assemblies and had an idea.

The Valiant originally used a combined brake and turn signal bulb. I believe there's merit in the idea that a separate, amber turn signal is more visible than a shared brake/turn bulb. Since there's the white back-up light section below the red brake/tail/turn signal, I thought about running an amber bulb there and using the back-up section as a turn signal, then doing something else for back-up lights.

First, do you think it's worth it? Second, were there any other A-bodies that had a separate back-up light that was placed somewhere else besides the tail light housing? How about other mopars in general? Maybe bumper-mounted, or mounted in the trunk lid?

 

[Bad Sport]

The only problem I see with it, if I'm reading it right, is your rear turn signal has to be red I do believe. I would check state laws.

 

[yellowdartdave]

The only problem I see with it, if I'm reading it right, is your rear turn signal has to be red I do believe. I would check state laws.

What about all the newer cars with amber turn signals?

 

[jtolbert]

In North America, rear turn signals can be amber or red. You see cars with amber turn signals all the time. NHTSA has studies that indicate there is a significant overall safety improvement with amber turn signals (e. g., http://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/Pubs/811115.PDF). It makes sense to me. I'm more interested in how to handle things cleanly for a back-up light.

 

[jtolbert]

Or how about using the back-up section for both back-up and turns signals?

http://www.v-leds.com/Exterior-LED-...er-LED/V-LEDS-TYPE-2-DUAL-COLOR-p7472059.html

This seems like a good idea without requiring any real bodywork.

 

[67Signet]

use the 67 Dart back up lights..they are in the bumper! easy fix
just a thought...

 

[jtolbert]

67Signet: thanks, that's more along the lines of what I am looking for. I think the Dart back-up lights would look fine in the Valiant bumper.

I wonder how different the bumpers themselves are...

 

[jtolbert]

Looks like the '70 Valiant (not Duster) had the reverse lights in the rear bumper, too. I wonder how different the '70 Valiant bumper is from the '67 Dart rear bumper. Anyone have pics of these bumpers handy?

 

[jtolbert]

Looks like '70-'73 four-door Valiants all used a rear bumper that would work. Gotta find one without bumperettes, though.

 

[67Signet]

Should not be to hard to find
I only thought of it because I have the Valiant and a 67 Dart
nice build you have going , keep it going and share a picture or two as u go so I can follow

Bruce B

 

[krazykuda]

The 67 Barracudas had the back up lights mounted in the lower rear valence panel.

In 68 they were moved to the tail light housing.

Can't speak for 69 as I have not owned one... yet.