Lights

Sam-Helm · Post by **Sam-Helm** » Wed Aug 05, 2009 7:55 pm

O-Kay,

This is going to sound just a little bit stupid, but here goes anyhow. Are the lights on the M100 both the same, or are they like the ones on the M38 and A1? I have been trying to research them in the tech manual (only clear picture is of the newer type lights from the 60s) and on line, but I have not been able to come to a definite answer. I hope at least one of you brains out there will take pity on a poor retired Navy Nuke Electrician who STILL doesn't glow in the dark except on Halloween.

Post by **wesk** » Wed Aug 05, 2009 9:48 pm

Original M100 were left and right different just like the jeep. The early Service manual TM 9-871A (1951) and it's parts manual ORD 9 SNL G-747 (1952) both show this original factory system. Later after production of the M100 ended most had been converted to two right hand 3 lamp light assemblies so turn signals could be incorporated. When they did this conversion they added the extra right BO stop lamp (small one). This is what appears in the 1972 Service & Parts Manual TM 9-2330-201-14 Figures C-1 and C-2 along with the even newer issue compositie lamps in figure C-3. If you have turn signals on your jeep then one of the later two setups would be best for you to use.

Sam-Helm · Post by **Sam-Helm** » Wed Aug 05, 2009 10:19 pm

Thanks, Wes. I keep trying to learn this stuff, and it seems that all I am learning is how much I don't know. Maybe I need to find an archive of original manuals, rather than trying to download tham. I seem to get caught with updated manuals, when that isn't what I really want. Leave it to me to complain about something that was meant to help. I guess I also got caught by some of the pictures posted by others who are going to a higher level of modern safety (and legality?) on the road. Turn signals are not required in Virginia for vehicles built before 1955 (for a normally registered vehicle), so I had not planned on using them on either my M38A1 or M100 (once it is delivered). If I can be legal with it in its original configuration, I don't want to change it. I may never attain motor pool quality, but my toys will be as close to original as I can make them, with the possible exception of using new hardware. . . Once again, thanks for your input.

Post by **wesk** » Thu Aug 06, 2009 12:02 am

The tail light visibility is the big problem in today's driving environment. Most of us old timers can drive safely and stay out of trouble better then many of todays folks but today's folks can't seem to que their eyes on antique vehicles and their very dim, small lens tail lighting. Without at least the larger full red lens you are asking for a rear ender and these folks today have no clue what a left arm and hand signal means.

Sam-Helm · Post by **Sam-Helm** » Thu Aug 06, 2009 4:00 am

Man, I hadn't even thought about that. Now I have to think about what to do. Maybe I will put a temporary light rig on for driving in the dark. That way it would still look right when I wasn't actually on the road. . . I will let you know what I decide.

Post by **wesk** » Thu Aug 06, 2009 11:30 am

It's driving in the daylight when they are hardest to see.

The simple answer is to build her stock and add the full circle red Gama Goat light lens which bolt right on the stock lamps. Then add a civvy 24 volt signal stat turn signal set-up using clamp on lights that clamp to the front bumper and rear bumperettes or go with magnetic mounts.

Civvy Signal switch

Civvy type add-ons

M151 small lamp.

Gama Goat rear full red lamp

SteveJ · Post by **SteveJ** » Mon Sep 21, 2009 8:12 pm

I got a set of the Gamma Goat ones from John at Midwest. the visibility is much better.