Reversing light on '75 SWB

Hey all,

A very belated HNY to you all.

As you can guess from my posts, I go through phases of using my SIII. It worked hard in the spring of last year when I moved house but hasn't been doing much lately.

Then, because it snowed briefly a while ago, I thought I'd better make sure it's in good working order just in case and I am now driving it a fair bit at the weekends. This raises usability issues like I have no reversing lights. It seems many people just put these on a switch on the dash which seems like an easy option but I'm wondering if my Landy might have a reversing light switch? Would that be standard on a '75?

I also read that some boxes have allow for the fitment of a switch?

My Landy has two different trailer lighting connections at the rear. Any chance this might include a reversing light connection? Probably beyond wishful thinking now...

Finally, in terms of the best sort of light - I guess many people go for the single spotlight type mounted up high? I think I might prefer something more subtle though - like a rectangular one near the existing rear lights.

Any advice folks?

Cheers,

Al

You cannot use a spotlight legally as a reversing light.
Gearstick mounting bracket should be drilled to take a brake switch [late type]
You can get a small square led light which works fine
A few ideas here
landrover reversing lamp | eBay

Many thanks,

I think I'll wire up an LED light on a toggle switch for the mo and then look into the gearbox switch in the spring.

Cheers,

Al

If you look at the rearwards vertical face of the steel bracket which sits between the gear lever pivot and the gearbox, you may find a threaded hole which lines up with the reverse selector. If you have this, you can fit a brake lamp switch, 575166 in there, and, once adjusted, the switch is correctly triggered by selecting reverse. Depending upon the spec of the wiring loom fitted, you may also find the wiring already in place under the seat box.

If you do follow this route, I've had trouble with the Lucas badged versions of this switch failing quickly, but, have found the Bearmach ones to be better.

You probably already know this, but,if you do use a manually operated switch, a toggle switch for example, then, you MUST also fit a telltale lamp visible to the driver to remind you that the reversing lamp is on.

Seems like a lot of faff for a fairly pointless reverse light.

Col

Just shout...

THI VEH CL Z RE SING

Seems to work on a lot of trucks

A decent size work lamp with a tell tail switch/light is a lot more useful.

I have LED work light. Was on switch plus tel-tale. LED lights are good because if you do use it as a work light you don't flatten the battery. In lockdown I finally got around to fitting a revering light switch. You have to drill the gear lever bracket and tap the whole to fit a std brake light switch, then make a little bent bit to bolt on the reverse flap. Its not a big job, the worst bits are taking the floor and tunnel out (yet again) and threading the wire down the bulkhead. I waited until I had another reason to lift the tunnel. I have it wired into a reversing camera too so they both come on in reverse.

You can just through drill the hole and use the 2 nuts on switch.

Tall Ratbag said:

If you look at the rearwards vertical face of the steel bracket which sits between the gear lever pivot and the gearbox, you may find a threaded hole which lines up with the reverse selector. If you have this, you can fit a brake lamp switch, 575166 in there, and, once adjusted, the switch is correctly triggered by selecting reverse. Depending upon the spec of the wiring loom fitted, you may also find the wiring already in place under the seat box.

If you do follow this route, I've had trouble with the Lucas badged versions of this switch failing quickly, but, have found the Bearmach ones to be better.

You probably already know this, but,if you do use a manually operated switch, a toggle switch for example, then, you MUST also fit a telltale lamp visible to the driver to remind you that the reversing lamp is on.

Click to expand...

Interesting that some of what is required to fit is already installed in some cases, particularly loom as the OP was hoping. I'll have to have a look and see if mine has any of the things you mention.

I have been toying with adding reversing lights and once all my lights are renewed I thought I would use the old sidelights with 21w bulbs in them, or failing that indicator lamp bases with sidelight lenses, that way they will look in keeping with the other rear lights.

Many moons ago I drove a 1973 Renault 12 and that had manually switched reversing lights, the switch had an integral tell tale light much like a fog light or demist switch, but I still forgot to turn them off sometimes...

6pot said:

Many moons ago I drove a 1973 Renault 12 and that had manually switched reversing lights, the switch had an integral tell tale light much like a fog light or demist switch, but I still forgot to turn them off sometimes.

Click to expand...

My s3 109 has the same - a pull switch fitted where this thread suggests a ‘proper’ one should go and (I think…) original - i had the same problem as with your Renault. A flat battery later I wired in a simple lights-on buzzer to it so now it buzzes when on to remind me as a tell light under your legs is useless !

TS2304 said:

My s3 109 has the same - a pull switch fitted where this thread suggests a ‘proper’ one should go and (I think…) original - i had the same problem as with your Renault. A flat battery later I wired in a simple lights-on buzzer to it so now it buzzes when on to remind me as a tell light under your legs is useless !

Click to expand...

I hadn't thought of that, I think mine in the Renault would not stay on with the ignition turned off, as with indicators, brake lights etc. My main problem was driving forwards with them still on on occasion...

A tell tale buzzer was a good idea.