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

Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by Comet, Nov 10, 2006.

  1. Comet
    Joined: Dec 1, 2004
    Posts: 2,571

    Comet
    Member

    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.
     
  2. Crusty Nut
    Joined: Aug 3, 2005
    Posts: 1,834

    Crusty Nut
    Member

    here
     

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  3. lolife
    Joined: May 23, 2006
    Posts: 1,125

    lolife
    Member

    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.
     
  4. SinisterCustom
    Joined: Feb 18, 2004
    Posts: 8,277

    SinisterCustom
    Member

    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.
     
  5. tommy
    Joined: Mar 3, 2001
    Posts: 14,756

    tommy
    Member Emeritus

    [​IMG]

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

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  7. Rolf
    Joined: Jul 23, 2002
    Posts: 1,835

    Rolf
    Member

    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.
     
  8. 53dodgekustom
    Joined: Jun 18, 2006
    Posts: 880

    53dodgekustom
    Member

    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.
     
  9. Comet
    Joined: Dec 1, 2004
    Posts: 2,571

    Comet
    Member

    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!:D
     
  10. Talky
    Joined: Aug 24, 2006
    Posts: 118

    Talky
    Member
    from Calgary

    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
     
  11. How about a small, cheap, amber clearance marker stuck to the outside edge of each frame horn.
     
  12. Salty
    Joined: Jul 24, 2006
    Posts: 2,258

    Salty
    Member
    from Florida

    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)
     
  13. Rolf that's a brilliant idea, would you mind posting a wiring diagram for that set up?
     
  14. chuckspeed
    Joined: Sep 13, 2005
    Posts: 1,643

    chuckspeed
    Member

    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.
     
  15. drhotrodmd
    Joined: Nov 10, 2002
    Posts: 1,284

    drhotrodmd
    Member

  16. tommy
    Joined: Mar 3, 2001
    Posts: 14,756

    tommy
    Member Emeritus

    [​IMG]

    Reproduction cowl lights. This took a lot of planning. (removable boxing plate for service) These were not just stuck on as an after thought.
     
  17. hdv32
    Joined: Jun 25, 2002
    Posts: 110

    hdv32
    Member

    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.
     
  18. dugbred
    Joined: Jul 29, 2005
    Posts: 124

    dugbred
    Member

    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.
     

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  19. jub
    Joined: Apr 7, 2003
    Posts: 342

    jub
    Member
    from York, Pa

    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.
     
  20. thunderbirdesq
    Joined: Feb 15, 2006
    Posts: 7,091

    thunderbirdesq
    Member

    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...
     
  21. NITROFC
    Joined: Apr 17, 2001
    Posts: 6,174

    NITROFC
    BANNED

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

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  22. dmarv
    Joined: Oct 10, 2005
    Posts: 977

    dmarv
    Alliance Vendor
    from Exeter, CA

    On my 1929 Es*** Coupe I plan on using the factory cowl lights as front turn signals.
     
  23. treb11
    Joined: Jan 21, 2006
    Posts: 4,132

    treb11
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    That's definitely NOT goldchainer. No billet. Craftsmanship and original thinking is traditional. very nice work.
     
  24. Rolf
    Joined: Jul 23, 2002
    Posts: 1,835

    Rolf
    Member

    Uh, sorry, it's all in my head :rolleyes:

    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



    [​IMG]
     
  25. rodrelic
    Joined: Mar 7, 2002
    Posts: 466

    rodrelic
    Member

  26. Paul
    Joined: Aug 29, 2002
    Posts: 16,987

    Paul
    Editor

    I think these are pretty cool

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

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  27. Phil1934
    Joined: Jun 24, 2001
    Posts: 2,716

    Phil1934
    Member

  28. 42hotrod
    Joined: Nov 3, 2005
    Posts: 811

    42hotrod
    Member
    from S.E. Idaho

    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 *** :D

    Scot
     
  29. highboy_04
    Joined: Feb 5, 2006
    Posts: 245

    highboy_04
    Member
    from Kansas

    how do you know that he didnt design them for that company?
     
  30. roddinron
    Joined: May 24, 2006
    Posts: 2,676

    roddinron
    Member

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