Hot Rods Not a standard hose clamp, please.

I'm finally adding turn signals to my 31 coupe. I've got an old TeleOptic taillight with signals for the rear, and I'm going to use the park lights in my '34 commercial headlights for the front. The reason I'm coming to the HAMB is probably the simplest challenge with the whole project.....I need suggestions on how to mount the Yankee 960 turn signal switch to my steering column. The standard process is to use a simple hose clamp, which is functional, easy, cheap and quick....but I really don't like the look. I'm hoping that someone here has a better idea for how to mount the Yankee on the steering column. I've searched "vintage hose clamp" and nothing really looks super "kewl." Anyone have any suggestions on how to pull this off while looking period correct (pre-1950).

 

Maybe you could fabricate something your self.
KK

 

t bolt hose clamp

 

https://www.mcmaster.com/5204K405/

 

Your not gonna out do the "kewl" factor of the period correct piece most would pay good money to mount thiers...
Never find them complete...

 

How about a aviation hose clamp? HRP

 

I saw the McMaster version of hose clamp (T-bolt style) and it's about as clean as you can get....for a hose clamp....but I'm not liking the idea of jamming that bolt into my thigh every time I get in and out of the car. I'm hoping to find something more streamlined that doesn't have a bolt or screw sticking out from it.....

I run old Wittek hose clamps on my flathead because the look "right," but there's no way to split a Wittek to get it on the steering column. That, and the Wittek has a screw sticking WAY out the side.

 

Or a ****erfly hose clamp, they come in different colors. HRP

 

Have you given any thought to using a wide band Nylon cable zip tie? or a couple of normal ones, they look clean and have a very small area when they are in place. they hold up to 250 lbs & cost about 10 bucks for a pack of 40. HRP

Check them out here

 

I see the Br***works have br*** split back hose clamps.

 

What about making a cover to hide the hose clamp ?

 

and I thought that I was probably the only one who used a cable/zip tie ………….
.

 

Zip ties?! Do they make those in BakeLite? LOL I'm pretty sure zip ties didn't exist in the 50's.

Has anyone used the Clamp***e Tool? I'm thinking this could be the cleanest solution....if it will hold tightly. Anyone have any experience with it?

 

The Yankee 960 clamp is about as period correct as you will get. The squarish clamp slots are different size and pitch of a late model gear clamp. Unfortunately, the housing is cast with a slot to open the clamp and insert the end thru the slot. All ties and later clamps look newish, I avoid ties on an older-appearing car.
Maybe an experiment to see if epoxy would hold the Yankee casting to the steering tube? Good size contact area there so it might work.

 

I’ve found putting heat shrink over the band of a hose clamp is effective to make them ‘disappear’ a bit easier.

If you could find one large enough, an Ear Clamp could look nice and neat: https://www.atp4pneumatics.com/product/oetiker-154-series-stainless-steel-single-ear-clamps/

 

epoxy.....interesting thought. I'll see what it looks like without a band.

I really like the heat shrink idea! That might be the answer if I can't find a cleaner clamp solution.

Thanks for the input everyone. I appreciate the ideas.

 

the clamp that is on there looks pretty correct to me maybe just clean and paint. this is what I done looks like I made some stainless strap, polished and used some brackets from some mount not sure what from its been a while.

 

I dig that mount @tim troutman ! I like the chrome acorn nut and it looks period for sure.

 

Here's a pretty good ***ortment of quick release flip-handle band type clamps.

https://www.mcmaster.com/products/duct-hose-clamps/clamp-type~quick-release/

You might even find something similar under hood on some later model vehicles. Used for quick release air cleaner and cooling ducts.

 

@pirate those are SUPER clean! I'm definitely going to check into that idea. THANKS!

 

Zip ties were invented in ‘58 by Thomas and Betts for the aviation industry.
With that being said I don’t care for them on older stuff! I think you have a couple nice options listed above.
Dan

 

I’ve got the same switch and I plan to ditch the clamp and weld a split collar to it, or add tabs to the top and bottom to bolt it on.

 

DANG! You stole my thunder!

Ben

 

Cable Ties can be very effective especially when tightened with a gun which can be found for under $20.00. The gun tightens then trims the rest of the tail. They also have 304 Stainless Steel Cable Ties which would look clean with nothing to hit leg/knee on. Amazon has a variety to choose from.

 

Weld it to the column?

 

I have a similar turn signal lying around somewhere that came with the F100 column I bought a few years ago. Now I’m curious to see how it was secured to the column.

 

A hose clamp is a hose clamp is a hose clamp........
Drill a little hole for a pin that can't be seen and fits into a hole drilled in the column. Then get out the safety wire and attach it. You'll need the pin because I don't think you can get the wire tight enough to keep it from moving.

 

They were generally made of pot metal or a low grade aluminum casting. JB weld may work.

 

My Dad modified an old Column Drop to accommodate an Oil Pressure Guage, mounted it to the Reinforced upper Lip of the Gas Tank on his 31 Rdstr.

 

Look up Harley Shovelhead intake manifold clamps