backup lights for MC8

[rcbeam]

I want to install some backup lights on the rear bumper or on the engine doors of my MC8.  My first thought was to just get a cheap set of fog or driving lights from autozone or something similar.  I doubt that the lights would need to be that bright though but my biggest problem with them are I want 24V and all of those would have 12v bulbs.

The original lights don't work and you cannot get replacements from MCI anymore... besides, they look really lame.  I want something so that I can really SEE behind me.

Has anyone else gone through this process and come up with a good solution?  Could it be possible to get a 12v fixture and refit a 24v bulb in it?

[rgrauto]

You can use 12 volt driving lights or tractor/ implement lights wired in series where you wire the lights bulbs power in through the positive wire out through the ground to the positive wire on bulb #2 then to ground. Hope this helps, maybe someone can express it better. Glen

[JackConrad]

We installed a pair of driving lights in the rear bumper. Since the OEM switch as a pressure switch in the reverse circuit of the transmission, the lights would only come on with the engine running and the transmission in reverse. We wanted to be able to also use these lights when hitching our toad at night. We installed a DPDT (center off) switch on the dash with a flashing indicator light. Down is lights only and up is lights and back-up alarm (if we have to back up in a area with a lot of cars and/or pedestrians). The flashing indicator is to get my attention so I do not drive with the back-up lights on.  Jack

[Hi yo silver]

You can also pick up a pr. of "tractor lights" and replace the 4 inch sealed beam bulbs with the equivalent 24 volt version, which I probably found at NAPA. (It's been a while   I'm looking at the bulbs I removed; "GE 4411 Tractor, 12V 35W" They have screw terminals. The new ones are safely in my storage cabinet, now if I can just get around to installing them...
Ya might already know how, I don't wanna go back and see if somewhere it says you're an electrical engineer, but if you go the 12 volt, wired-in-series route and need specifics, hollar.   

[babell2]

Another thought is a wing ice light from either a piper Navajo or a 400 series Cessna. Both are 24 Volt and the lamps are a flood type not beam like a landing light.  Make sure the wiring is heavy enough gauge to run them.

Brice

[rcbeam]

Jack... love the way the back of your bus looks.  Next obvious question is where did you get the louvered doors?  To everyone else, thx for the suggestions and information.  Gives me a direction to look.