THE PORTAL HUB - Pinzgauers, Haflingers, Volvo 303s and more!

I recently bought a back-up light kit from SAV, and was later informed that there were no instructions, but installation was "easy, don't worry about it". However, after talking to Willy, I learned that if you don't put the trans in reverse when you install the switch, a pin will fall into the trans. That's info I'm glad I got before trying to install the thing. Is there any more I need to know before I start trying to install the thing? Is there a specific power point I should use over another? Any helpful advise will be appreciated.

I just ran a wire from my unused aux. plug switch on the dash (the little one next to the flashers) straight back to a rear mounted utility light. That way, I can flip it on or off at any time. There's no need for expensive, instruction-less kits that only work when the transmission is in reverse gear.
The whole thing cost about $40 and took 20 minutes to instal.

Just an FYI ....although I have not installed my kit yet, Scott at Expidition Imports has a great step by step with pictures on his website. ZClick on the Add above. Hope this helps.

Thanks for the tip. I'll get to EI web site and check it out.

There is a "special" switch that plugs into the transmission and I had Thilo install one when I took delivery of the white 712. He also built me a bracket to mount a backup light on the spare tire mount. Very trick and also out of the way. Previously I did have the ability to flip a switch on and off for a back up light but I wanted to make it automatic with this 712.

Here's a link to a photo:

http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/gg20 ... 3006-1.jpg

Some recommend using a power supply point independent of the ignition switch (always hot) so you can leave the light on to use it as a work light. This was how my truck was wired when I purchased it. After many times inadvertently leaving my reverse light on by leaving it in reverse when I left the truck parked I finally rewired it so as to only be on when the ignition is on. My suggestion is if you wish a work light install a separate work light. BTW the aftermarket taillights some are selling for the Pinzgauer aren’t all that heat resistant. If you leave the reverse light on for too long you may find the housing deformed from the heat it produces.

Ed

I wired my backup light AFTER the battery switch. Just remember to turn the battery off when you leave the vehicle.

It does make a GREAT work light!

Here is a pic of my backup/work light install, and a view of the new tail light. Operates off a switch on the console above the 4x lever. The switch is the very top one of the three on the left. The next two operate the left and right spot lights on the front bumper.

http://s400.photobucket.com/albums/pp88 ... MG3350.jpg

http://s400.photobucket.com/albums/pp88 ... MG3346.jpg

http://s400.photobucket.com/albums/pp88 ... MG3361.jpg

Not really part of this but the front shot shows Dave's tinted window glass.

Morris

Thomas-E wrote:I wired my backup light AFTER the battery switch. Just remember to turn the battery off when you leave the vehicle.

It does make a GREAT work light!

Unless the winch ground cable effectively bypasses the battery main switch relay. I still have to correct that one.

Ed

jrcotner
For info the plunger has a fine round wire snap ring on the outside to prevent it falling into the case.
What often happens is that the clip gets misplaced and in neutral the pin can move back and drop into the inner case.
For that reason it is advisable to check the plunger before doing any modifications by pulling it out of the aperture with long nosed pliers and inspecting it.
In some cases removing the blank plug will reveal nothing--an empty hole! Since recording numerous incidences of this type, there seems to have been some propensity for the Swiss mil to remove or discard the pin since it wasn't used.
So if you encounter a gearbox sans pins--don't panic--Mr Mainwaring!
Dennis
ps Mr Mainwaring???? -Col Mainwaring of the BBC's Dad's Army--a WW2 zany comedy on which only us Brits could make a funny!
- The Dad's Army Story ...
10 min - Sep 23, 2007
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=okqtSYGBXC4

Here is what my new tail lights look like LED tail lights and a reverse. I used the switch on the trans and brought power thru from a unused wire in the tail lights. New tail light box from trucklite and oval bracket added for the reverse light.

Scooter

Pulled this from the archives, covers Brake and Back up lamp connection options using existing harness.
http://real4x4forums.com/PinzgauerBBS/v ... tail+light

Just to add to this thread for future searching, although my original plunger moved freely in the normal position, it had to be driven out. Measuring it, the inboard end was about 7mil larger diameter than the rest, thus the need for force to remove it. I clamped visegrips on it securing, and tapped those with a tack hammer to remove the original pin. There was zero sign of any corrosion.