Who has added a simple turn signal system to your car and what was used. By simple I mean no self canceling, no hazard blinkers, with maybe a light to show signals are flashing. I’m thinking maybe a left and right toggle switch. Not fond of of some of the switches that get hung on steering column with radiator hose clamp. What is out there that looks good and simple. Thanks!
I got one of these used from ebay, it looks right at home in an early 50s car. And it has cancelling, if you can get the roller wheel to ride on the lower part of the steering wheel. https://www.ebay.com/itm/265353593278?
more years than I want to count ago there was an article in a rod magazine about taking a turn signal switch that was in a column and mounting it under the dash so just the handle stuck out and then shortening the handle. That would be simple and most of us have an old column laying around to rob the switch out of. I've got a piece of 1 inch aluminum angle that is maybe 3 inches long with two toggle switches mounted in it with one being left and one being right and they are turned so you flip them in the correct direction. as simple as it gets but I was always forgetting to turn them off.
I used a generic column mount turn signal set up. But removed the case a d mounted the guts inside the seat frame. I just have the lever poking out a couple of inches.
I have a simple two way toggle switch mounted in the lip of my 32 dash so that the arm points downwards. A weatherproof rubber cover makes it unnoticeable. But I have European style rear lighting, ie separate rear indicator lights, so there is no flashing of the brake light filament. I wouldn't know how I could wire my simple switch to operate the rears American style. I'd like to know though as my in the works 32 coupe could do with them! Chris
Thanks for that! A pricey piece but as long as it doesn't live upto Lucas' 'Prince of Darkness' reputation it's probably worth it. Chris
They live with a reputation for notoriety. Normally because they get mounted on the engine side of the firewall and go rusty and quit working right.
I just bought on of these for my 32 sedan, but haven’t installed it https://www.ebay.com/itm/OLDTIMER-T...p2349624.m46890.l6249&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0 I also used this vintage VW in my 41 pickup under construction.
heh...the car I put that old switch in recently would have been originally equipped with a DB10 relay, and an expensive Lucas dash mounted switch. But since I live in the US, I can get away with putting in period correct cheap American parts instead.
I'd proposed this a few years ago: https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum...oking-self-cancelling-indicator-idea.1028583/ I still think the motorbike speedo drive idea has potential, if you're up to some clever fabrication.
I was referring to Lucas' international reputation generally, but I concur mounting to an almost external position makes the outcome self fulfilling! Funny thing is that here in the UK we've been convinced over time that Lucas is really great stuff! Us Brits are good at convincing ourselves that way, if its not invented here..... , not that its all bad though! Ha! Chris
Their car stuff wasn't bad. Their bike wiring however was abysmal. A lot of the time the bad rap comes from harsh climes (high humidity particularly) where the damp gets in and makes the contacts corrode. A lot of North America has significant condensing humidity so they got a very poor reputation here. C'est la vie. Phil
I bought a chrome clamp on hotrod turnsignal switch that just clamps to the small columns. No canceling, and the end of the signal arm is illuminated so it flashes whenever the switch is turned either way. So saves adding indicators in the dash also. Pretty basic without canceling either, but has worked great for over a decade since i built my Austin gasser. Bought it from a friend who sells United Pacific products.
I changed everything over on my old Austin to modern updated wiring, except the original headlight switch, which is Lucas. I pulled it out to replace and saw it was a big heavy duty looking switch, and was actually serviceable by removing screws to split it in half. I opened it up and wiped it down internally. Then used GE silicone electric grease on all the contacts, and put it back together. It's pre WWII vintage, and still works perfectly, even with modern halogen lamps retrofitted inside my original headlamp reflectors. So not all Lucas electric products are junk.
You said simple. '39 Ford LED 3-wire taillights out back, motorcycle turnsignals up front mounted under the headlights, a simple 3 position toggle switch mounted under the dash wired thru an LED T/S switch with relays for each T/S. For indicators, 2 small green LED lights in the dash.
My OT dune buggy is a street legal car so it has signals. They are ran on a simple toggle switch under the dash. The toggle is off in the center. Easy, out of the way, works well. No indicators as you can clearly see the marker lights on the fenders from the driver's seat.
I have used this method a few times , I Personally like a clean column, (20s 40ish Vehicle) Pic shows a converter for LED on rear brake lights , The converter (black box) can be removed/not installed if not necessary ( No rear Led rear lights ) Hopkins #48895 Or 48847 Its about 3/8 thick by 1-1/2 X 2 long $15ish
DPDT toggle switch is easy; one side for the fronts and the other side with a couple relays to separate the brake and signals for the rear.
I know what you mean about the accessory add-on turn signal units, but the Limeworks unit is really nice, and looks good. I've used one and it's high quality. https://www.limeworksspeedshop.com/Hot-Rod-Turn-Signal-TS112-TS134-p/ts134hr.htm
I posted this one before. It couldn't be simpler, one wire for hot, one wire each for left and right. Manual on, manual cancel. The light is in the toggle. You need a 1" hole and a flasher, though. Search for "Monark turn signal switch" on the webs. Late Edit: Someone smarter than me mentioned "brake light cancelation" when the turn indicators are functioning. I'm totally low tech so my solution would be a filament/bulb/light for the brakes AND a filament/bulb/light for the turn signal. Back-up lights might do double duty if you never have them function at the same time.
we set up one of these in the '33 plymouth and added a rear light. it works great and sef-cancelling timing can be modified. might be a bit pricey than most, but its made in the USA by a small shop that cares. We have a 6 volt pos ground. you can also buy it with the toggle if needed. http://turnswitch.com/Turnsignal.htm http://turnswitch.com/
I agree, easy and old looking. Easiest way to get a system (7 wire), that cancels out the brake light when the turn signal is flashing!
^^^ I have used this one in a few 40's but under edge of dash with a 40 knob--knob drilled for small hole so green indicator can be seen when activated-Just did another 40 with one mounted to column --took it off of column(looked funky)-under dash with 40 knob on the end.--indicators behind speaker grille
Thanks for the suggestions everyone. Did Google search for rotary type switches but was not able to find anything. Right now leaning toward Ron Francis Wiring toggle switch. I have used Ron Francis stuff and not been disappointed. No self cancelling, no hazard lights just small and simple. May wire in a small (LED) indicator light showing turn signal is on. Thanks.
Funky? This type of aftermarket switch was the “go to” back in the mid-fifties when turn signals came into common use, to retrofit older cars!
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