3500 Rear-Center Light

[tophog]

Has anyone installed the 12" or so long narrow red tail/stop? light found on the 03 3500's (mounted below the tailgate center) on a 2500?

I went ahead and ordered the light and harness. Harness has some extra connectors which I think are for the 3500 fender mounted marker lamps.

Looks like I'll have to drill a hole or 2 in the valance? piece that runs across back below tailgate to mount light and not exactly sure where harness plugs into ... I may be able to use the fender marker light plugs to install running-board market lights.

Just thought I'd see if someone has "been there done that" that might have some tips to share?

[Steve Cornell]

Yep, been there \ done that 3 times now smile.gif

Go to my web page listed in my sig. there's a rear view pic of the truck in the center about halfway down

On this truck I simply wired the lights into the trailer running lights at the trailer harness, you will need to drill (1) 5\8" hole for the wiring, I just used self tapping stainless screws to mount the light.

[tophog]

Steve, thanks for the info! I should have known I didn't need the harness and was the most $. smile.gif Wouldn't remember what size screws you used would you?

Also, do you know if the light functions as running lights only or could also be used as brake light?

[Steve Cornell]

I just used some #8 self tapping sheet metal screws 3\4" long.

You "could" use it for brake light or running lights but not both with out the use of a couple diodes, it is designed to be used as a running light.

IMO the harness is a waste of money when the trailer harness is just a few inchs away, on my 01 I wired it into the block up over the spare but the trailer harness wiring is much easier.

brown wire is running lights + and black is ground if my memory serves me correctly (check the colors with a voltmeter before hooking it up) or check the trailer wiring color codes in your owners manual.

[mfontana]

Tophog: What is the part number for the light and the harness? Let us know your install results.

[tophog]

Originally posted by mfontana:
Tophog: What is the part number for the light and the harness? Let us know your install results. Based on Steve's comments I too would not order the harness ...if you really want it I'll sell you the one I ordered.

15744722 - Lamp assembly (about 14 bills)
12172623 - Harness (about 15 bills)

About $13 shipping.

I ordered both thru GM parts direct online.

I'm going to wire to trailer harness as Steve suggested. I'm going to look into some small LED's for my running boards and may end up using the harness to power those.

[Diesel Dragon]

Hi Tophog

I have a 3500 with the running lights below the tailgate.

If you are looking for something maybe a little bit bigger I've seen in either stylin concepts or performance products catalog a new light that goes all the way across the the back of the truck.
And it functions as a running light, brake light, and turn signal. And it has a plug like a 4 pin trailer harness so you just plug it in or you can hard wire it.
IIRC it was about $89.00 or so
Might be another option for you to look at.
I think I will be ordering mine soon. :cool:

Good luck to you. Diesel Dragon :cool:

[TxDoc]

Diesel Dragon is referring to the
Line of Fire (http://www.stylinconcepts.com/parts.cfm?PartFamilyID=776&key_word=line%20of%20fire)

Whole strip lights with brakes and half does for turn signal.


Line Of Fire LED Light Bar
Add style and safety to your truck bed. Easy 3-M tape installation allows the Line of Fire to mount in space below tailgate. Plugs directly into your factory 4 prong standard towing harness or wires directly into your factory taillight wiring. Functions as an additional running light, brake light and turn signal light for added safety. Can also be use on trailers, completely water proof. State of the art components in 1 piece weather proof polymer construction. Now Available In 49" And 60" Wide For Most Trucks.

Your Price: $99.95

[tophog]

Thanks for the info on the "Line of Fire" light. I was aware of it and almost bought one but couldn't justify the 90 bills or so, perhaps later.

I got the 3500 light installed tonight and think it looks clean. Hardest part is drilling a 5/8" hole :( but the end result looks good.

I posted a few picts (link in sig).

Hat's off to Steve for the tips. Thanks.

[wxmn6]

Does this harness #12172623 only work on '03-current trucks? Just remember that there is some significant changes in electrical wiring system so I'm not sure if it would work on my '02 or not. Is this harness "designed" for fender marker lamps on the 3500? Just asked because on GM Parts Direct it list under category as REAR LICENSE LAMP SOCKET, and the description is HARNESS.

BTW, why not tap it into with license lamps? I think that it would be the closest spot and easier to work on?

[mdrag]

wxmn6,

I don't know the specifics of the rear marker light harness or for which MY trucks it will work. The rear license light idea should work.

Check out these shots of my ANTHONY GATE INSTALL (http://community.webshots.com/photo/66688207/122133577uOdpUn) for pics of the remounted OEM marker light AND ALTEC PRODUCTS 49" LOF (http://www.altecproducts.com/products_lineoffire.htm). The 60" LOF is the correct length for a 'normal' install on the 2500HD/3500 trucks.

AcmeTruckParts.com (http://www.acmetruckparts.com/cgi-bin/sgin0102.exe?T1=72110+911&UREQA=1&UREQB=2&UREQC=3&UREQD=4&FNM=00&UID=2004051613375492) had the best price for the LOF @ $74.95.