The Ford Barn

sgwilson904 · 09-01-2012, 06:51 AM

I've searched the archives and seen several suggestions but no one seems to have posted the definitive answer on how to get LED tail light inserts to flash properly with a steering-column-mounted turn signal setup.

Many have explained the problem is that the LED's do not draw enough current. Some have suggested adding an extra socket and bulb (and hiding it) to add to the load. Others have said a resistor wired into the system somewhere will solve the problem. Still others have said some kind of different flasher unit will do the trick.

I know somebody has got this figured out, although I STILL can't understand why they sell these LED inserts if they won't work easily on the un-modified, stock 6-volt Model A system.

My '29 closed cab pickup has two original teacup tail lights, no cowl lights, original two-bulb headlights, and the rectangular turn signals mounted into the front bumper. Using the original bulbs, everything works and flashes just like it should.

Can somebody tell me exactly what you did to make these LED's work and flash as they should...and exactly which parts you used and where you found them?

Thanks!

MikeK · 09-01-2012, 07:49 AM

Thank you for searching the archives. It seems like you have already found your answers, three methods. As to your Q. ". . why they sell these LED inserts if they won't work easily on the un-modified, stock 6-volt Model A system." thats easy. A's never had turn signals, and only one tail light 'till late '31. ANY added lights or signal systems are aftermarket unauthorized accessories and generally require some adaptation or modification to work.

AL in NY · 09-01-2012, 09:19 AM

Go to www.6vrelay.com They have one that will work on 6 or 12 volts........$25.00. This is a two lead flasher and works with LEDs.

anteek · 09-01-2012, 09:31 AM

Most parts stores have a flasher for LED's....just ask.

AL in NY · 09-01-2012, 09:35 AM

Also, here is a drawing of how to build your own 6 Volt flasher. It was posted here by Tom Wesenberg a coupe of years ago.

Bruce Adams · 09-01-2012, 09:51 AM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

My insert LED, RED only combined with a third brake light and heavy duty bulbs in the cowl lamps works real well.
I use red LEDs only, since with the third brake light, a combination of amber and red blinking would be even more confusing then amber alone, as is an amber brake lamp which no modern driver expects to see.
I also use a buzzer on the flasher since they do not self cancel.
My turn signals operate quite satisfactorily.

29restorod · 09-01-2012, 09:52 AM

I have two cars with LED tail lights,but only one required the special flasher. My 32 has LED's front and rear,and I used a Ron Francis flasher relay and harness. My 27 "T" has only rear LED's and flashes with the normal system.I am not sure if Ron Francis makes any thing for 6 V.

stewwolfe · 09-01-2012, 04:37 PM

Try putting a 6 volt halogen bulb in the front socket. This should use enough power to allow the flasher to work.

09-01-2012, 06:51 AM	#1
sgwilson904 Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Jacksonville Beach, FL Posts: 49	LED Tail Lights & Turn Signals I've searched the archives and seen several suggestions but no one seems to have posted the definitive answer on how to get LED tail light inserts to flash properly with a steering-column-mounted turn signal setup. Many have explained the problem is that the LED's do not draw enough current. Some have suggested adding an extra socket and bulb (and hiding it) to add to the load. Others have said a resistor wired into the system somewhere will solve the problem. Still others have said some kind of different flasher unit will do the trick. I know somebody has got this figured out, although I STILL can't understand why they sell these LED inserts if they won't work easily on the un-modified, stock 6-volt Model A system. My '29 closed cab pickup has two original teacup tail lights, no cowl lights, original two-bulb headlights, and the rectangular turn signals mounted into the front bumper. Using the original bulbs, everything works and flashes just like it should. Can somebody tell me exactly what you did to make these LED's work and flash as they should...and exactly which parts you used and where you found them? Thanks!

09-01-2012, 07:49 AM	#2
MikeK Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Windy City Posts: 2,919	Re: LED Tail Lights & Turn Signals Thank you for searching the archives. It seems like you have already found your answers, three methods. As to your Q. ". . why they sell these LED inserts if they won't work easily on the un-modified, stock 6-volt Model A system." thats easy. A's never had turn signals, and only one tail light 'till late '31. ANY added lights or signal systems are aftermarket unauthorized accessories and generally require some adaptation or modification to work.

09-01-2012, 09:19 AM	#3
AL in NY Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Southern Upstate New York Posts: 1,160	Re: LED Tail Lights & Turn Signals Go to www.6vrelay.com They have one that will work on 6 or 12 volts........$25.00. This is a two lead flasher and works with LEDs. __________________ AL in NY

09-01-2012, 09:31 AM	#4
anteek Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Posts: 319	Re: LED Tail Lights & Turn Signals Most parts stores have a flasher for LED's....just ask.

09-01-2012, 09:51 AM	#6
Bruce Adams Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Northport, NY Posts: 1,597	Re: LED Tail Lights & Turn Signals Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) My insert LED, RED only combined with a third brake light and heavy duty bulbs in the cowl lamps works real well. I use red LEDs only, since with the third brake light, a combination of amber and red blinking would be even more confusing then amber alone, as is an amber brake lamp which no modern driver expects to see. I also use a buzzer on the flasher since they do not self cancel. My turn signals operate quite satisfactorily.

09-01-2012, 09:52 AM	#7
29restorod Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: South East Michigan Posts: 229	Re: LED Tail Lights & Turn Signals I have two cars with LED tail lights,but only one required the special flasher. My 32 has LED's front and rear,and I used a Ron Francis flasher relay and harness. My 27 "T" has only rear LED's and flashes with the normal system.I am not sure if Ron Francis makes any thing for 6 V. __________________ If you think SBC's are "Old School" you are not old enough.

09-01-2012, 04:37 PM	#8
stewwolfe Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: North Chesterfield, VA Posts: 299	Re: LED Tail Lights & Turn Signals Try putting a 6 volt halogen bulb in the front socket. This should use enough power to allow the flasher to work.