My backup lights are hot all the time (painless wiring). Are they supposed to be? I guess I just can't forget to take it out of reverse when I park. Anybody know if they are supposed to be hot all the time or not?

No they are not suppossed to be hot all the time. Only hot in reverse. My 69 only has one lead (hot) and grounds through the housing. If the lead was hot the lights would be on all the time.

I've never really checked but believe key on or not your backup lights will be on if the shifter is in reverse. Same as brake lights, they work key on or not, when you step on the brake pedal.

Well, I only have one wire with a hurst back up light switch mounted in the middle. I was thinking this is wired like the brake lights (hot all the time), but between MarkC and DjD, I'm still not sure. Anybody want to go out and check for me? :D Not sure if it matters, but I have a 4-speed.

The backup lights get their power from a #20 pink wire off the dir signal flasher (only hot when the key is on), is then switched and turns into a #20 light green wire that goes to the lights. Hence, the backup lights only work when the key is on.

The brake lights get their power from a #14 orange wire off the fuse block traffic hazard flasher and it is hot all the time. Hence, the brake lights work when the key is on or off.

I think we have a winner! ---

Thanks kurt, and others.