Front turn signals on fenderless rods...let's see 'em!

I've been struggling with what to do about my Model A Coupe for front turn signals. I don't want to attach some cheap NAPA truck lights to the frame ends and I like the '32 Commercial headlight. I've seen a style that incorporates a turn signal inside the head lamp and those look ok, but I'm looking for more ideas. Also, when did the turn signal inside the head lamp idea first start showing up (seems rather recent to me)?

The other alternative is to just use Guide Headlights, which I also like, but again, looking for different ideas.

 

here

 

If you use them properly it makes driving safer. If you use them like Okies (leave the left turn on for 200 miles, or signal after you collide), then yes, there's no real advantage.

I don't think they teach hand signals to kids anymore, at least not the ones who have been trying to kill me the last few years.

 

Nos WWII Dodge blackout lights. Had to drill small holes in the plastic of the lens inside, behind the gl***, as they are not very bright.

 

Just use something old. I've seen repro cowl lights used. Anything but them cheesy motorcycle turn signal thingies or the chrome square street rod "me too" lights. Sorry but turn signals never seem to get the same amount of forethought as any other decision on a hot rod. I'm a turn signal junkie.

 

Sorry. I used those motor cycle lights. Single filament bulb. Only works when I a actually turning.

 

Comet,

I use the actual head lights on my coupe.

They blink when the headlights are off, and they inturupt (much like a brake/signal on the rear on older US cars) / or alternate on the blinking side (high/low)when they are on, depending how you wire it.

It took me 4 Bosch relays at $2.50 ea to make it work.

I also got a no-load style blinker relay, since I am activating relays instead of a bulb(s)

When I sit at an intersection with the blinker on, it is VERY clear that I am turning, and that I am THERE.

Good insurance while still looking old-timey...

...and yes, it is legal with white blinkers forward on up to the early sixties at least.

 

Crysler used turnsignal indicator lamps on the hoods of there cars (They face backwards letting the driver know when the turnsignals were on) Mid- sixties through the late seventies, the early ones are roud and look pretty cool. Probobly can't see them when you have your headlights on at night though.

 

Rolf, that's brilliant! You know, you have a point about non-amber lights. The thing I don't like about those aftermarket '32 commercials is being able to see the amber light. But a white light...hmmmm. Little variation on your idea there.

Some really interesting ideas here, thanks guys. Keep them coming!

Tommy, I'm a turn signal junkie too!

 

the thing i love most about this forum...is the more i read the more problems i learn of that i will run into next summer...only now i know the solution...AWSOME

 

How about a small, cheap, amber clearance marker stuck to the outside edge of each frame horn.

 

Not traditional bit you wont see it till its on anyway (and sorry no pics) how bout a strip of LED's tucked behind your grill, I used the sideview mirror LED's from some big honkin truck (excursion?) It was two strips forming a V. I split the V which gave me two 5 LED lines and tucked em behind the grill bar. cant see em when they are off, but the whole right/left corner of the grill blinks when its on (dem ****ers are bright)

 

Rolf that's a brilliant idea, would you mind posting a wiring diagram for that set up?

 

Yeah - what he said! I can see a couple of ways to do it, like using the high beam filament when the lights are on and the low beam while the lights are off - like you'd do with a stoplight, but in reverse.

Another way is to use the Ford TwoLite reflectors for a Model A - subs***ute a halogen dual filament lamp in the center hole and hang the turnisg lite in the second hole. Simple and clean - but you end up runnin' a large headlight bucket.

 

The traditional way


http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/hdbk/pgs31thru32.htm

 

Reproduction cowl lights. This took a lot of planning. (removable boxing plate for service) These were not just stuck on as an after thought.

 

Don't have a picture but, on one car with 32 grill shell, I put a pair of Ron Francis brite lights "and they are bright" behind the grill shell on the lower apron. Worked out very well. You have to build a small tunnel to mount them so they do not hit the crossmember. Almost invisible until you turn on the signals.

 

I like these, but I might be bias, being that I designed and built them. Maybe someday I'll finish the car so I can get a good picture. Probably a little too gold chain for here.

 

You could also use what are called city lights. They attach around your bulb or you cand drill into your light housing. You can not really see them until they are being used. I do not have any pics though.

 

Nothing gold-chain about designing and building something yourself! Looks good to me, might be my favorite so far. My '36 dodge lights have a regular dual filament buld for the headlights and a small marker light off to the side of the reflector that I've replaced with an amber bulb and wired as a signal. Not sure how well they'll work, but we'll see soon...

 

I use a early HD motor cycle lights with a single filament bulb. Only works when turning and 4ways.

 

On my 1929 Es*** Coupe I plan on using the factory cowl lights as front turn signals.

 

That's definitely NOT goldchainer. No billet. Craftsmanship and original thinking is traditional. very nice work.

 

Uh, sorry, it's all in my head

Just get a handful of the small Bosch relays, the kind that offer engaging and/or disconnect.

Install them on a panel, and think it thru...

Basically you just have L or R blinker signal engage the light, and another relay disrupts L or R when light are on, it's pretty simple.

Power the "disruption" relays by the light switch, that way they will not do anything when the light are off.

Hope that helps...

David Levy Co is a great source for these relays:
http://dlcparts.com/bosch-minigiant-relay-p-390.html

 

old timey mickey mouse driving light kitwith amber 1156
http://www.directimagehost.com/is.php?i=106435&img=DSC02607.JPG

 

I think these are pretty cool

of course it helps that they are on one of the sweetest cars around

 

Here's some neat ones in headlight stands for fenderless cars.
http://www.nostalgic-products.com/exterior.htm

 

I actually posted a insult on Doug for posting soeone elses stuff...then I looked at his profile and realized that was his...my apoligies Doug and I'm going to go remove my shoe from my mouth now...BTW, those do kick ***

Scot

 

how do you know that he didnt design them for that company?

 

That's pretty hi tech! Looks like the right one is on, and cleverly designed to point in the direction of the turn!