Strange backup light operation

[53k]

Ever since I bought my '64 Daytona convertible the backups haven't worked (checked by putting in reverse with the ignition on and watching the ammeter or walking around back). I assumed it was a bad switch on the Powershift. At the Martinsburg Meet in '06, when the car was judged and the judge asked me for backups, I put it in reverse, and told the judge they didn't work. He assured me they were on[?]. A couple nights ago I was backing into the garage and when I put the car in reverse I had bright illumination behind me. I switched off the headlights and tried it again- no backups. So, apparenlty some how the backups have been wired into the headlight circuit. I guess at Martinsburg the headlights were on as they were checking all lights,
I will check my wiring diagrams to see if I can figure out where it should hook up. I know my '53 backups were tied to the headlights, but my Wagonaire backups work any time it is in reverse.
Has anyone else had this happen?

Paul Johnson, Wild and Wonderful West Virginia
'53 Commander Starliner (since 1966)
'64 Daytona Wagonaire (original owner)
'64 Daytona Convertible (2006)
Museum R-4 engine
1962 Gravely Model L (Studebaker-Packard serial plate)
1972 Gravely Model 430 (Studebaker name plate, Studebaker Onan engine)

[JDP]

They should only come on with the lights.

JDP/Maryland
"I'm a great believer in luck and I find the harder I work, the more I have of it."
Thomas Jefferson

[N8N]

That seems wrong to me; I know that the backup lights were powered from the parking light circuit at least through '56, but later cars I believe were wired "normally." Maybe a wire got attached to the headlight switch by someone who was familiar with the early cars.

https://www.studebakerparts.com/stud...-lark-wire.jpg

shows the feed for the BU lights coming off a dedicated fuse on the fuse block that is directly connected to the "acc" terminal of the ignition switch.

nate

--
55 Commander Starlight
http://members.cox.net/njnagel

[53k]

quote:Originally posted by N8N

That seems wrong to me; I know that the backup lights were powered from the parking light circuit at least through '56, but later cars I believe were wired "normally." Maybe a wire got attached to the headlight switch by someone who was familiar with the early cars.
https://www.studebakerparts.com/stud...-lark-wire.jpg
shows the feed for the BU lights coming off a dedicated fuse on the fuse block that is directly connected to the "acc" terminal of the ignition switch.

Thanks Nate. I'll look for that wire and terminal. I'd much prefer them to come on any time. Years ago I changed my '53 backups to come on any time.



Paul Johnson, Wild and Wonderful West Virginia
'53 Commander Starliner (since 1966)
'64 Daytona Wagonaire (original owner)
'64 Daytona Convertible (2006)
Museum R-4 engine
1962 Gravely Model L (Studebaker-Packard serial plate)
1972 Gravely Model 430 (Studebaker name plate, Studebaker Onan engine)