Strange light near the back bumper

[DougDA]

I was poking around my truck yesterday (1970 f100) checking to see which lights worked and which were out, etc.

I noticed that i don't have a license plate light on the rear but DO have a similar light mounted to the bottom of the bed near the back bumper. It shines downward and looks to be original or at least older....

Its a small rectangular light near the drivers side frame rail...about the size of a zippo light (only more narrow).

Is this stock? maybe for lighting the spare tire?

[390FE1972]

This sounds like something a previous owner has added on, I have never seen or heard of a spare tire light. Here are some schematics that show the license plate lights on the styleside and fleetside trucks. On the fleetside trucks the light is on the bottom of the tailight, on the syleside it is located in the bumper.

http://www.fordification.com/tech/image ... reside.jpg
http://www.fordification.com/tech/image ... lights.jpg
http://www.fordification.com/tech/image ... ghts02.jpg

Hope this helps

[DuckRyder]

That is stock.

Back when these trucks were built, rear bumpers were an option... Dealers often installed step bumpers.

Thats the license plate light and the two holes in the plate near it are for mounting the plate!

[DougDA]

you're spot on...

I looked again in the daylight and there is a tag mount bent up out of the way. And correct, i have a dealer installed mini-step bumper.


Last question: what is the "brake" warning light just above the parking brake release supposed to do?

[basketcase0302]

"DougDA"you're spot on...

I looked again in the daylight and there is a tag mount bent up out of the way. And correct, i have a dealer installed mini-step bumper.


Last question: what is the "brake" warning light just above the parking brake release supposed to do?

Scroll about half way down this page and you'll find your answer Doug:

http://www.fordification.com/tech/propvalve101.htm