Factory Step Bumper License Plate Lights

Hello All,

I have a 1987 R10 with a factory rear step bumper. The previous owner was attempting to fix the non-functioning license plate lights and went so far as to dismount them and leave them hanging from their power wire through the holes in the bumper -- I want to reinstall them as they were from the factory.

While I'm sure there is a simple explanation, I can't seem to figure out how they mount(?) I see that the cover is affixed to the light base by way of 2 sheet metal-type screws (which holds the lens in place too against the gasket), but those screws are much smaller than the holes in the bumper. Are there clips? A backing plate? Or, what holds the light assemblies in place in the bumper?

I bought some new factory style step bumper license plate light assemblies from LMC, but they look just light the factory originals -- with no obvious way to mount them in the bumper.

I'll take some photos of my actual truck soon, but so that you all have a visual to explain what I'm talking about, I have attached a photo of a generic square body with a step bumper --- the arrow shows one of the light locations I'm talking about.

Thanks in advance,

-Jeff

The OEM lights on my 85 just snap in. One single round hole. That hole ( with the two smaller holes) looks like it's for a trailer plug in?

Mine has sheet-metal clips in the bumper that the screws go in to.

Thanks to you both. Mine definitely does not have the push-in variety --- and, strangely, I don't see any evidence of having the clips either (i.e. - no apparent scratches/etc. from the clips on the bumper). One problem with the use of clips is that the backing plates are what the screws thread into, which would cause a problem if the screw would tighten against the backing plate and then separately tighten against the clip nut in the bumper(?) Here's some photos of my actual truck/bumper/license plate lights:

Well that's interesting, I've never seen that setup before.
I ended up modifying mine altogether. I put LED lights in that space and a small lighted toggle switch under the dash. They make great work/ back-up lights.

My license lamp is now provided by the billet license frame along with a 3rd brake light.
Just an idea that works well in my case.

1987_R10 said:

Thanks to you both. Mine definitely does not have the push-in variety --- and, strangely, I don't see any evidence of having the clips either (i.e. - no apparent scratches/etc. from the clips on the bumper). One problem with the use of clips is that the backing plates are what the screws thread into, which would cause a problem if the screw would tighten against the backing plate and then separately tighten against the clip nut in the bumper(?) Here's some photos of my actual truck/bumper/license plate lights:

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Mine is the same. I used bugle head bolts, with washers and nylock nuts on the backside.

SquareRoot said:

Well that's interesting, I've never seen that setup before.
I ended up modifying mine altogether. I put LED lights in that space and a small lighted toggle switch under the dash. They make great work/ back-up lights.

My license lamp is now provided by the billet license frame along with a 3rd brake light.
Just an idea that works well in my case.

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Thats a killer set up!!!!

WFO said:

Mine is the same. I used bugle head bolts, with washers and nylock nuts on the backside.

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Seems like a good practical solution. Any idea how it was originally done at the factory?

Mines the same and I couldn't find ANY replacement that fit right. I got the one that snaps in place from AutoZone but, the hole in the bumper is too big. So I cut the old front plate with a dremel and rigged it in there. Then the other one went out. So I'm gonna have to go with a different plan. I do like the led ones squareroot has.

Blue Ox said:

Mine has sheet-metal clips in the bumper that the screws go in to.

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Mine is the same.

Ya.
Clippys!

The housing is behind the bumper and the cover screws into it on mine. It’s original as far as I know

Saw this one at work. Has 2 little clips

Mine are like big10s picture, its an 83 c10

Big Chip said:

The housing is behind the bumper and the cover screws into it on mine. It’s original as far as I know

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Exactly what mine is and was. Lol