Were back up lights optional?

[bigmanjbmopar]

I do not have reverse lights but have seen RR bumpers with them?

 

[A383Wing]

back up lights were optional up until 65 if I remember...after that, all cars had to have reverse lights...if yours does not....someone has changed rear bumpers

 

[bigmanjbmopar]

W

 

[bigmanjbmopar]

Well I need new bumpers anyway so at least I know what to get, thanks,

 

[cudajunction]

Your car must have a 68 back bumper on it. In 68 the reverse lights were part of the tail lights. And in 69 they were in the rear bumper.

 

[Revhendo]

back up lights were optional up until 65 if I remember...after that, all cars had to have reverse lights...if yours does not....someone has changed rear bumpers

1967 for mandatory reverse lights. 1968 for side markers.

 

[696pack]

1967 for mandatory reverse lights. 1968 for side markers.

I did a little checking as I knew that the 1965 A990 cars have a plate in place of the back up lights and assumed it was a delete plate for a standard item.

This link is from the 1965 Dealer Data Book for the standard and optional equipment for Coronet.
http://www.hamtramck-historical.com/images/dealerships/DealershipDataBook/1965/65_Coronet0012.jpg

Now, what I find interesting is that they tout the A990s as having back up light DELETE plates which is actually kind of a play on words since the base Coronet in 65 did NOT get them as a standard item.

 

[Revhendo]

I did a little checking as I knew that the 1965 A990 cars have a plate in place of the back up lights and assumed it was a delete plate for a standard item.

This link is from the 1965 Dealer Data Book for the standard and optional equipment for Coronet.
http://www.hamtramck-historical.com/images/dealerships/DealershipDataBook/1965/65_Coronet0012.jpg

Now, what I find interesting is that they tout the A990s as having back up light DELETE plates which is actually kind of a play on words since the base Coronet in 65 did NOT get them as a standard item.

Yep, reverse lights were available earlier. I just said they got federally mandated in '67. Heck, the next time you look at a 55 Chevy, you'll notice the bottom part of the lens is clear for a back up light. The hole for the socket was plugged if the lights weren't installed. At the time, it was usually installed as a dealer option, like floormats.