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Wiring 101 instructor needed for turn signal problem

Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by Eyeball, Mar 2, 2004.

  1. Eyeball
    Joined: May 10, 2001
    Posts: 1,668

    Eyeball
    Member

    I am working on a rewire of my 31 Chev Sedan and am running into a mental block or something.

    Is it possible for this set up to work? I can't get the turn signals and brakes to work at the same time. The brake will over ride the turn signals.

    When I wired my roadster I used a Speedway turn signal switch and I think it had a power feed for the brake switch in it. I am using a vintage Guide switch and it only has four wires. I really want to use this old switch but am about ready to give up.

    Can someone complete the diagram below to get this setup to work?
     
  2. Eyeball
    Joined: May 10, 2001
    Posts: 1,668

    Eyeball
    Member

    pic
     

    Attached Files:

  3. Rix2Six
    Joined: Jun 24, 2003
    Posts: 806

    Rix2Six
    Member
    from So. Cal.

    It can't be done with what you have... ya need something else.

    You need to either put a second bulb in each light or you need a "logic" unit to send the right current to each light.

    Years ago (late 70s) I worked in a trailer rental yard and we sold such a unit. It was about the size of a pack of cigarettes. It had a series of relays inside.

    The purpose of the unit was that we'd get people coming in with european cars that had separate brake and turn signals and our trailers were wired for single blubs. This allowed the systems to work together. You are basically trying to do the same thing.

    I'd check a good trailer shop and they probable will have something that works.

    Rick
     
  4. Bruce Lancaster
    Joined: Oct 9, 2001
    Posts: 21,681

    Bruce Lancaster
    Member Emeritus

    You can't make this work without adding something to the plan. Your TS switch is a truck type, meant for a vehicle with totally separate signal bulbs.
    To make it work, you could insert an extra socket into each taillight for the signal function.
    The Ron Francis catalog I have lists a conversion box for your problem--I assume but don't know that it is a cluster of diodes.
    Your switch, like most other old ones, was probably also available in a 7 wire setup for use on cars with two filament or bulb tail lights--you might get lucky and find one. Do remove the cover and see if there are any unused terminals on the switch, as they could have made the passenger switch work for both applications pretty easily. If there are extra terminals, I could probably help you dope out what goes where.
     
  5. i used a trailer wiring convertor on a 62 bug with that same set-up.
    worked fine for me. hoppy brand i think. it was a cheap easy fix, just like i like them.
     
  6. Bruce Lancaster
    Joined: Oct 9, 2001
    Posts: 21,681

    Bruce Lancaster
    Member Emeritus

    FWIW, to inform those too young to have encountered this hassle: Truck units have the power wire (interrrupted by the flasher) and four wires to the four lights. Passenger ones for normal american old cars with either two filament bulbs or two single bulbs per lamp have I think seven wires. The leads from the switch go directly to the stoplight/signal filaments. The wire from the stoplight switch, which formerly went to that same place, now goes to the TS switch, which as part of its function turns OFF the brake light current to the side that is flashing.
    The simpler switch only works on trucks and recent Godless communist foreigner influenced cars that use a separate lamp for each function.
     
  7. Are you saying you can get it work but when you hit the brakes both lites come on and it will no longer flash?

     
  8. Eyeball
    Joined: May 10, 2001
    Posts: 1,668

    Eyeball
    Member

    Raodstar.... yes.


    Thanks! That is what I was afraid of.
     
  9. Petejoe
    Joined: Nov 27, 2002
    Posts: 12,576

    Petejoe
    Member
    from Zoar, Ohio

    You are actually better off not using that switch and go to a seven wire turn signal switch. This setup will allow you to use your brakes and signals separately without installing any fancy module or extra bulbs. Their dirt cheap and some still look like old school.
     
  10. Eyeball
    Joined: May 10, 2001
    Posts: 1,668

    Eyeball
    Member

    Well, I just ordered the speedway one.
    Thanks for the help.
     
  11. Mr 42
    Joined: Mar 27, 2003
    Posts: 1,215

    Mr 42
    Member
    from Sweden

    Something like this??
    the drawback is you need two flashers and two alternaing relays (cheap ones is OK).

     

    Attached Files:

  12. Eyeball
    Joined: May 10, 2001
    Posts: 1,668

    Eyeball
    Member

    Hey thanks for that MR 42!

    I have the relays in my hand and will try it tonight.
     
  13. Justin415
    Joined: Feb 9, 2004
    Posts: 91

    Justin415
    Member

    Just for future referance, as I see you ordered yer needed parts. Chevy Novas use single bulb brake and turn signals, my scanner is broke or I would give you the diagram. Someone else on here might have a first gen Nova book around and add to this. Thought it might help!
     
  14. Mr. 42 - that's brilliant! I got to save this drawing in my files!
     
  15. Mr 42
    Joined: Mar 27, 2003
    Posts: 1,215

    Mr 42
    Member
    from Sweden

    Ooops shit , i knew i should have made a nice one.
    Glad to be of help anyway.
     

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