Turn signals/brake lights

[msbrown6]

In an attempt to increase safety without sacrificing too much on original looks, I'd like to add turn signals and brake lights - hopefully LED - to my 1929 Model A Phaeton - 6V positive ground. I have found lots of individual parts through Snyders/Macs - but am really looking for a kit with detailed wiring instructions for someone that doesn't have extensive knowledge/skills with electrical systems. I would like to use the original tail light look - I'm not thrilled with the look of LogoLights. I also don't have cowl lights - so I'm looking for a front amber flasher solution too for the turn signals.

I found this LED tail light at Snyders - and hope to use the red for brakes, amber for flashers/turn signals: https://www.snydersantiqueauto.com/s...red-amber-lens

I've searched the forums for the past hour and a half - without much success. I'm new here - and fairly new to Model A's - so be kind! Thanks fellas!

[old31]

I recently installed turn signals after a lot of research. I used Ticken Through Time because I did not want anyone to know I have installed directionals with LED's. They work great.

They supply a little switch that is mounted on the gearshift. I installed it under the dash so it could not be seen.

The manufacturer and Snyders will help with questions.

Attached is my order for parts, you might not need all of the same.

I cant tell you how much better it is to drive with directionals, especially at night.

[Charlie Stephens]

I intend to use era correct driving lights in the front for turn signals. In the rear I am going to use the original lights but I am going to use all red lenses. The last thing I want is someone wondering what the amber light is for as they run into the back of my vehicle.

Charlie Stephens

[denniskliesen]

When I changed my harness, the old one was shot, I bought a harness wired for turn signals. I bought mine from either Snyder's or Bratton's, don't remember which and you will want to decide if you want the harness for with cowl lights or without cowl lights. They also have a choice of the Signal-Stat switch or another type that is concealed under the dash. They have a set of instructions posted online for where your wires connect for each variation that you can download and or print out to study while you decide which way you want to go if you decide to change the harness. It simplified matters for me and was cheaper in the long run than if I had bought the wire and connectors to do the job. I've done a complete rewire job on a vintage vehicle and would not have done it if there had been a harness available. What you need to know is how many wires go to each headlight, and do you plan on putting cowl lights on in the future. Think about your options and decide if you want to save time and headache. For the taillights, you already have clearance and brake light going to the left rear. If you buy a harness with turn signals, both sides will be there ready to connect. For a sedan you might need to purchase the extra jumper to reach the taillights The brake light and turn signal wire are one in the same. For the passenger side rear they make a taillight bracket, just order a taillight and note they have them with a license light or without a license light. You said your car is a 29, is the taillight a tea cup or the drum style? Early 29 had drum taillights like the 28. If in doubt you can always call Snyder's and ask for technical help regarding electrical. Check out your headlight wiring, 2 or 3 wires to the headlight. Measure the size of your socket at your headlight if you keep the original socket wiring. Some people wire straight through to eliminate the problem with that connection point.

[Big hammer]

Wecome to the Barn :-) I would stay with Synders, Brattons, Berts ( steve from Bert's post's here from time to time). Give the suppliers a call and ask questions, they are all helpful ! Most will send wiring diagrams, if they didn't they would get the parts back.

[Barber31]

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Welcome. I just added turn signals and 3rd brake light to my Tudor a few weeks ago. I started with a new wiring harness setup for non cowl signals. I used Amber fog lamps mounted to the bumper brackets up front and added the second tail lamp on the passenger rear fender. My tail lamps are also all red LED's. The 3rd brake lamp is mounted on my rear glass and functions as brake & turn signals in conjunction with rear tail lights.

[denniskliesen]

Originally Posted by Barber31

Welcome. I just added turn signals and 3rd brake light to my Tudor a few weeks ago. I started with a new wiring harness setup for non cowl signals. I used Amber fog lamps mounted to the bumper brackets up front and added the second tail lamp on the passenger rear fender. My tail lamps are also all red LED's. The 3rd brake lamp is mounted on my rear glass and functions as brake & turn signals in conjunction with rear tail lights.

I too use amber fog lamps up front for signal lights. Where did you get your 3rd brake light?

[CarlG]

I bought the Signal Stat 900 kit from Sacramento Vintage. It came with a "modified for Model A" switch and wiring and instructions that made installation a snap. At the same time I installed cowl lights (with the turn signals in them), RH tail light, and LED tail lights. Couldn't ask for a better set-up than that. Has worked great for the last 7 years.

I have since added an LED 3rd brake light just below the rear window of the cab.

[updraught]

From what I can figure with 6 volts you are fairly limited with the range of LED tail lights available. With 12 volts the amber at the bottom and red stop/tail in the top are available on ebay. Also, the self cancelling indicator unit can be had in 12 volts from Speedway Motors.
Snyders seems to have the indicator wiring built into the loom, whereas Bratton's don't.

[Synchro909]

Originally Posted by updraught

From what I can figure with 6 volts you are fairly limited with the range of LED tail lights available. With 12 volts the amber at the bottom and red stop/tail in the top are available on ebay. Also, the self cancelling indicator unit can be had in 12 volts from Speedway Motors.
Snyders seems to have the indicator wiring built into the loom, whereas Bratton's don't.

Are those looms where the indicators are inbuilt setup for the American style indicators where the brake light flashes? If so, it is worth noting that is illegal at least here in Vic. and has been since the 1950s.

[denniskliesen]

When your left turn is flashing, right brake is on constant. Vice versa for right turn. So yes, I assume you need an extra light for brake only on the same side light is flashing?

[updraught]

Good point. Don't know. Haven't bought one of the Snyders ones.

[Synchro909]

Originally Posted by denniskliesen

When your left turn is flashing, right brake is on constant. Vice versa for right turn. So yes, I assume you need an extra light for brake only on the same side light is flashing?

Turn signals here must be amber. That eliminates confusion between stop and indicator lights but I think it all boils down to what you are used to seeing. When I was driving in the US a couple of years ago, I found this very troublesome for a while but like driving on the wrong side of the road, I got used to it - eventually. (Almost)

[Tom Wesenberg]

Originally Posted by Synchro909

Are those looms where the indicators are inbuilt setup for the American style indicators where the brake light flashes? If so, it is worth noting that is illegal at least here in Vic. and has been since the 1950s.

Another good reason to buy the stand alone turn signal system. I've always preferred separate bulbs and wires for the turn signals. In case of trouble, it makes trouble shooting easier also.

[Patrick L.]

This has been discussed here many times over the years.

I like LEDs on the rear and use incandescent on the front. And I use the lights Ford provides.
I made a bracket to mount a regular tail light as a third brake light to the spare tire. The front turns are the park lights in the headlight assy and the cowls.

Higher wattage/CP lights in the fronts will allow a thermal flasher [535] to work properly.

Signal-stat has been around for decades and they make a good switch that can be purchased just about anywhere. I didn't like the looks of that switch mounted to the steering column at first but quickly got used to it and now don't even notice it. I replaced the plastic wire loom with a more time period correct loom. Don't rely on the steering column for the ground, run a separate ground wire from the signal-stat.

[katy]

I found this LED tail light at Snyders - and hope to use the red for brakes, amber for flashers/turn signals: https://www.snydersantiqueauto.com/s...red-amber-lens

What do you propose to use for tail lights?

[Barber31]

Dennisk- I purchased my 3rd brake light from one of the vendors. I usually use Mikes, Berts or snyders. The brand was Brake Lighter I believe.

[Bruce Adams]

May I suggest you go ALL RED as its a bit difficult to advise the world of the amber brake light and the rest of the world is attuned to bright red and less bright red. Those LED packs are TREMENDOUS. As Bright as my new Mustang's taillites. Following is a left turn with LED's and a Third BrakeLight on my rack.

[denniskliesen]

Originally Posted by Barber31

Dennisk- I purchased my 3rd brake light from one of the vendors. I usually use Mikes, Berts or snyders. The brand was Brake Lighter I believe.

Thank you Barber 31. I looked at Snyder's, they have it listed as 3rd brake light.

[BillLee/Chandler, TX]

Here's a document for my Tudor that might be helpful.

http://cedarcreekas.org/TechTopics/1...rn_Signals.pdf

[msbrown6]

Thanks all of you! I ended up getting the LogoLites. Despite my novice electrical abilities, they worked on the first try. I was able to hide the wires pretty well on the frame and up through the steering column firewall entry. I wasn't able to figure out how to use the small amber light on the rear original lights for a turn signal. Maybe one day...

[[email protected]]

This is the turn signal switch I am going to use on my 30 Roadster.

Turn switch.com/Turnsignal.htm

It claims it will work with either 12 volts or 6. LED, incandescent, or both. Read about it, sounds pretty good.

For what it’s worth, I’m using red/red 6 volt on both tail lights, and adding 12 volt led cowl lights for parking and turn signals.

For the 12 volt cowls I’m using 3 step up converters, one for parking lights and one each for the turn portion. The led is coming from Macs. No 6 volts led cowl available that I could find.

I’m also going to delete the parking bulbs from the headlights with new reflectors. (Check yours, they may need replacement)

Since I have my spare tire mounted aft of the rumble seat, I may put a third brake (led) on that, maybe in the center if I can make a clean installation.

[BillCNC]

Originally Posted by updraught

From what I can figure with 6 volts you are fairly limited with the range of LED tail lights available. With 12 volts the amber at the bottom and red stop/tail in the top are available on ebay. Also, the self cancelling indicator unit can be had in 12 volts from Speedway Motors.
Snyders seems to have the indicator wiring built into the loom, whereas Bratton's don't.

That's not a game ender, ... You can convert 12v to 6v very easily.

Start here with images, ...https://www.google.com/search?q=maki...w=1478&bih=731

Regards
Bil

[russcochiolo]

I have the first series LogoLights with the switch under the gas tank on the left and like it. Here are a couple of shots of my 3rd light solution.

[RB_Nielsen]

X2 www.turnswitch.com is a solid state system that works out of the box either 6V or 12V pos or neg gnd. Kit comes with heavy-duty terminal for attaching all necessary wires. Provides automatic self-cancelling using user-set duration after brake light turns off. Facilitates accessories such as 3rd brake light. Works with OEM brake/cowl/fog lights so no need for separate lights . Flashes LED or incandescent setups without needing flasher or resistor. Comes with built-in audio beep. 4-way flasher.

I purchased the small toggle switch option that I mounted on small SS plate below dash along with two small LEDs. Works very well, and the self-cancelling is a dream.

[redmodelt]

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My OP for people that really drive their cars, not show cars:
I am a firm believer that the turn signal switch should be were it belongs, within easy reach on the column. They have been putting the switch on the column for about as long as there have been turn signals on cars and trucks. Also, the lights should be at a height people expect to see them. There are rules, in some states at least, on how high or low they are to be mounted. I do not think that cowl or head lights should be used for turn signals.

[katy]

Originally Posted by redmodelt

My OP for people that really drive their cars, not show cars:
I am a firm believer that the turn signal switch should be were it belongs, within easy reach on the column. They have been putting the switch on the column for about as long as there have been turn signals on cars and trucks. Also, the lights should be at a height people expect to see them. There are rules, in some states at least, on how high or low they are to be mounted. I do not think that cowl or head lights should be used for turn signals.

Ditto

[BillCNC]

X3

www.turnswitch.com

I'm in the middle of the install right now

Regards
Bill

[Y-Blockhead]

Originally Posted by redmodelt

Also, the lights should be at a height people expect to see them. There are rules, in some states at least, on how high or low they are to be mounted. I do not think that cowl or head lights should be used for turn signals.

I agree on the cowl lights, not so much on the headlights (parking lights).

[CarlG]

I use my cowl lights for turn signals and on coming traffic has no problem seeing them.

[Patrick L.]

I'm one that doesn't have an issue with using park and cowls for front signals as well as a rear lite assy mounted to the spare as the third brake lite. They sure beat the middle finger salute I used to get from soccer moms while using hand signals.[ At least having my hand in that position made it easy to happily wave back at them]. And I haven't been rear ended again since installing the third rear lite and installing LEDs.

[BillCNC]

Originally Posted by CarlG

I use my cowl lights for turn signals and on coming traffic has no problem seeing them.

Are your Cowl lenses Amber or Clear?

Regards
Bill

[CarlG]

Originally Posted by BillCNC

Are your Cowl lenses Amber or Clear?



Regards

Bill

Clear


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[denniskliesen]

I use cowl lights for turn signal and park lights down in front.... 1157 Amber bulbs.

[updraught]

Originally Posted by BillCNC

That's not a game ender, ... You can convert 12v to 6v very easily.

Start here with images, ...https://www.google.com/search?q=maki...w=1478&bih=731

Regards
Bil

I'm having trouble soldering in the flux capacitor.

[Patrick L.]

Originally Posted by updraught

I'm having trouble soldering in the flux capacitor.

How could that be ? Did someone forget to include the flux ?

[katy]

Are you sure you have a genuine flux capacitor and not a chi-com copy?

[russcochiolo]

#34 Dennis, what a great idea! Thanks for posting the photo. Russ