All of the 3rd gen el Caminos have the backup lights in the tailgate. I have had that removed and moved into the bumper next to the tag. Pilot has a set of backup light in a kit with a wiring harness included for trailer hitches application. Gottem at AutoZone they fit perfectly in the marker openings on both sides of the tag and look original. I had to make 2 small brackets per light, working with the gate down gives you access ans makes it ez. What a difference 55 watts make when your backing up. The wiring harness was a snap to install and jumper into the old connection.

Not all 3rd generation Elky's have the backup lights in the tailgate.

In 1968 they were in the bumper and then the other 4 years they were in the tailgate.

JFYI

Thanks, I stand correted on the 68's , but still is a great upgrade for a custom look and better rear vision!

Might also be really good info for any 68's out there with rusted and corroded up backup lights that need to be replaced...

Not that I personally would know anybody like that ;-)

What model number lights did you use?

Steve

Hey Steve

Pilot NV-803 or NV-110

http://www.expressdistributing.com/cart/cgi-bin/Html/Products/truck_drive_lites.htm

I think these are the ones check the measurement of your bumper opening I had 1/4 inch on each side.

To make the bracets I used a wire closet shelf to shelf side connector because of the offset and thickness. Drilled and tapped the end attached to bummer and nut & bolted to light bracket.

Good Luck Joe

Thanks, I was looking at something like that at Kragen today but did not have measurements with me. I am going to start carrying a backup light lens around with me for comparison.

The mounting should not be a big deal since the originals, at least in '68 when they mounted the bu lights in the bumper, are nothing more than 2 screws at the top.

Steve

My Autozone had a different product number but it sounds like the same parts. They are Pilot "Back up lights for mounting on trailer hitch" with a number of PL-250. Took an original lense with me and they look to be almost exactly the same size.

These are pretty close to overkill since they have a 55w halogen bulb in each light. I figure we are looking at close to 8.5 amps of current draw and GM only ran 18 guage wire to the back. It should handle it ok for momentary usage I guess. Note that these run off of the turn signal fuse... so either watch out for using backup lights with a turn signal or try it out to see if the fuse blows so you know not to do that again :-)

At $25 they sure do compare favorably with restoration parts at $80.

Steve

Overkill hmm 8O

I don't know with any window tint it hard to see backwards anyway, but I haven't used my turn signals in reverse, I might get confused :? and have not had any fuses go.

You'll appreciate them the first time you use'm! :cool:

Joe