Looking at steering columns for my 29 Sedan and am trying to figure out if I want to have the rear tail lights blink or not. Probably won't put any upfront. Just wondering if any of you guys have had to many close calls on the road because of no blinkers on your Rods.
I use hand signals, myself. Never had any problems. Probably half the folks on here don't even know what hand signals are...
Blinking tail lights? Are they legal? While you're fooling around in that area, you should add some turn signals.
I do, use them all the time in Atlanta traffic. Only need to master one though really, seems everyone else knows it already.
There are alot tail lights that blink on trailers and such. Maybe that just sounded funny. Thinking about not running any blinkers at all but my co workers think thats insane. I would rather keep the steering column nice and simple but don't want to let some idiot have an excuse to tear up the rear of my car.
I think he's talking about -emergency type - blinkers because a 1929 isnt gonna run 65 out on the highway. IMO it would be a good idea to have some sort of blinkers. Maybe larger ones that you could hang when on a highway but removable for shows. Not far from where I live there was a man and his 10yr old daughter killed just two weeks ago in a 1931 Model A. He was in the RIGHT lane of a three lane highway (3 on his side) doing 50 with a large -Slow Vehicle- sign on the rear. Limit is 65 (55 for trucks) and this A$$ ran into the back end of them. (PS still havent seen any charges filed against jerko.) Maybe, just maybe, large blinking lights might have saved them. Lest anyone wonders - With the Sign on the rear -and- doing 50 in the slow lane --- HE WAS LEGAL !!!!
My Sedan is sitting on a new Pete and Jakes Rolling chassis and will have a V8 in it so it won't be in the way on the highway just trying to keep things simple.
I put them in the tail lights and not up front, controled by a three position toggle switch and use in conjunction with hand signals. The toggle switch doesn't self cancel but I can live with that.
install rear turn signals....when it's at night and you are trying to change lanes on a busy freeway you will be glad you did. if you want simple a toggle switch can control them. Ron Francis part # SS-1 has the brake light interruption built in it http://www.ronfrancis.com/prodinfo.asp?number=SS-1
Can't say I've seen many people use turn signals in my daily commute for a long time. I think they get treated as early warning detection to block people from getting in front of you these days! Having said that I'll be wiring them in on my '47 Olds anyway probably off a momentary toggle switch like previously mentioned to keep the column clean
I've got em in the rear on the roadster. Only use em at night like 36-3window said. just use they hand signals during the day as I always forget to shut em off......
The turn signal arm broke off my steering column about 50,000 miles ago. Can't be fixed because whatever the little piece inside is that the arm attached too is broken. It's a pain in the butt NOT to have them, especially at night. I really need a new column and will probably be something I should replace this winter.....been saying that to myself for a few years now.
It's true, no one knows what hand signals are these days. Must not be teaching it driver's ed anymore. I had a super close call last night. I've always used hand signals. Taking a left turn, had my arm straight out the window, started slowing down ahead of time, girl in the pickup behind not paying any attention and going way too fast, almost took me out and ended everything. Swerved to the right at the absolute last minute, barely missed me. Just bought some '50 Chrysler backup lights for my '50 Dodge, going to mount them and run them for turn signals as soon as they get here.
If you're going to drive it, it makes sense to have them, because that's what people will be expecting to see now that cars have come with them for 50-odd years. Plus there's the benefit that if you have them and use them, you won't get pulled over for not signalling by the young cops that don't know any better. Do they even teach kids hand signals anymore? Besides the one everybody knows already, that is.
Um, what he said. http://www.speedwaymotors.com/Heavy-Duty-Turn-Signal-Switch,30566.html Works on 6V, 12V, has 4-ways, looks cool, $30. Pete
I have rear signals but no fronts. I still use hand signals (Mostly the middle finger) for the numb nuts that's texting at the wheel.
Two thoughts here ... one is that the roads are full of people who have never actually witnessed hand-signalling -- they may take it as a rude gesture! Second is that driving habits have changed over the years as automotive technology has advanced; many drivers on the road these days follow too closely and simply rely on ABS brakes and responsive steering/suspension systems to keep them out of trouble. I think old cars are at something of a disadvantage, when "competing" against modern cars and drivers for a piece of the road. Why not give yourself every possible advantage in order to level the playing field a bit? That includes such things as directional signal lights (and emergency flashers) and maybe even disc brakes. Otherwise, leave detailed instructions for the how you want your "traditional" funeral to be handled.
Not in Michigan, how do I know this? A couple of weekends ago I had 4 young boys in Big Olds cruzn around, one was my 16 year old nephew who just got his license. When I was using hand signals they asked what I was doing and I explained. None of them had heard of them.
Wow, education continues to decline at an alarming rate. Seriously they aren't teaching hand signals in drivers ed?
I am not sure that they are teaching DRIVING in drivers ed these days. Sheesh, you can take your test in 100 languages here (not kidding), and as far as I have seen, all of the signs, and the laws are only in English. A right turn on my vintage BMW motorcycle often gets a wave in return. Signaling left often gets me passed on the left, like I am waiving them on. Seriously, put turn signals on it.
Isn't that the truth. My nephew had to pay for drivers ed from a private company, they don't teach it in his school. After all his lessons the kid said to me, "I learned more from you in one day then I learned with the instructor the whole time." Before he even took drivers ed I would take him out to parking lots and we'd drive around in circles and figure eights till we were both ready to puke. I thought drivers ed would be good for all the techy and law stuff but I think it was a waste of good money, and it wasn't cheap!
Try this...get a flasher with three posts ('60s Ford pickup) and wire a golf cart back up alarm to the third post. The things don't beep too loud, but it surely annoying enough to remind you that the ts is operating.
turn signals both front and rear with flashers and backup lights. I want a level playing field. I will be using the stock column with a add on signal switch. hell I might even have brake lights (that will confuse them)...John
Why not get an old add-on accessory turn signal switch. Some of them can look cool and even add to the car