'56 Wiring Diagram - Back Up Lights

F

festus

Junior Member
Anybody got wiring diagram I can refer to for my '56 Vic?
I'm having trouble getting my back up lights to work; can't find the switch.
The car was automatic, but was converted to a 3-speed stick. I see the old "neutral safety switch," and wonder if that's involved with the back up lights????

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks, Ken on Kaua'i
 
I've only got a 55/57 T-Bird electrical parts book and not wiring diagrams for a '56 Vic, but yes the back up light switch is part of the neutral safety switch on the automatics and a different style stand-alone switch for manual trans cars.

Your existing NS switch should have 4 wires, 2 for the NS circuit and the other 2 for reverse.
The prev owner probably bypassed the NS part of the switch and ignored the back up light switch circuit.
With any luck you might be able to push the switch plunger and find the spot that makes the back up lights come on. Check for Ign power to the switch and that it has good bulbs.
To hook them up as-original you'll need a back up light switch & brackets from a manual trans car, or fabricate something to fit the trans & floor shifter linkage.

.
 
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dmsfrr is correct. Another quirk about the backup lights is that they got their power from the headlight switch so the parking/head light must be on for the back up lights to work. Many people have changed this and wired it to the ignition switch.

I simple solution would be to mount an underdash switch and connect the power wire and the wire to the light to the switch. Otherwise, you will have to find a original switch and mounting brackets.
 
paul2748 said:
Another quirk about the backup lights is that they got their power from the headlight switch so the parking/head light must be on for the back up lights to work. Many people have changed this and wired it to the ignition switch.
Click to expand...
Thanks, a good thing to know.
 
I understood that on a 55, the back up lights were dealer installed. That means each one could be different because of deciphering instructions.
 
The way mine was wired from the factory the backup light wire originates at the battery terminal of the headlight switch. Thus, the backup lights operate regardless of day or night.
Nevertheless, you will need to find a different arrangement to actuate the lights since the Ford-o-matic shifter is no longer in use. You might be able to find the original switch and bracket used for manual transmissions, but may need to investigate whether additional modifications will be needed at the base of the fordomatic steering tube to accept that manual bracket
 
Ken, when they converted to a manual trans did they use a floor shifter or install the stock manual column?

If a floor shifter you may be able to rig a normally off switch on the shafter and it would only be activated when in reverse. Just a thought...
 
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