Thank You, Ford Barners!
 

Recently noticed my '55 Vic back-up lights were not working (never checked after buying the car) so today I started troubleshooting, starting with the bulbs - which were fine. I searched my '55 Shop Manual for any back-up light info. and found none, which I thought was strange?

At this point I decided to do a search on back-up lights on the Ford Barn...
BINGO! Wealth of info....and I learned that the back-up lights are wired/activated via the headlight switch. That was the missing clue - once I turned on the light switch and with the manual tranny in reverse, both back-up lights lit up!

You fellow Ford Barn guys are great for sharing valuable info. and tips...
THANKS!! :D

Re: Thank You, Ford Barners!
 

In about '57/'58/'59 (???) Ford changed the back-up light power source from the headlight switch to the Accessory terminal of the Ignition switch.
It's a helpful daytime safety feature, lets folks around you know you're backing up.

Re: Thank You, Ford Barners!
 

Powering from the Accessory terminal makes better sense than from the headlight sw.

Re: Thank You, Ford Barners!
 

The fellow barbers are a great source of knowledge

Re: Thank You, Ford Barners!
 

My Fords would not be in nearly as good shape as they are without easy access to Ford Barners. So much shared knowledge!

Re: Thank You, Ford Barners!
 

You are welcome

Re: Thank You, Ford Barners!
 

Position column-shift in "reverse". Wasn't thunk of by Ford designers until when?
Thank You!

Re: Thank You, Ford Barners!
 

Those knowledgeable 'Barners' can't be thanked enough - THANK YOU!

Re: Thank You, Ford Barners!
 

Wild guess here, you don't need backup lights when it is light outside. When it is dark you would turn on your lights, hence a need for backup lights......