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Old 01-10-2022, 11:23 AM   #1
Ramblin Reck
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Default Non-traditional wiring of Turn Signals on 1939 Ford Covertible

I plan to install Fog Lights on the Front Bumper and Parking/Turn Signal lights (1.25" x 2.25") (Non-Original) on the Rear Bumper and use them as Turn Signals Only. Additionally I plan to install a separate fuse box mounted on the inside firewall and wired to the 12V Battery. In other words this turn signal system will be completely separate from the car's stop light wiring system and the headlamp parking light system.


What concerns me is that I have a 12V Positive Ground and its effect on my wiring scheme, since All Four Turn Signal Lights will be grounded on the front and rear bumpers.



I suppose I could run one wire from each light to the negative side of the fuse block assuming that I connect the fuse block to the battery in the traditional pos to pos and neg to neg way. Now, how I would wire up the switch on the steering column and the 12V flasher? I might be overthinking this problem! Looking for advice!
Also not concerned with the four way flasher............THANKS!
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Old 01-10-2022, 12:23 PM   #2
1931 flamingo
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Default Re: Non-traditional wiring of Turn Signals on 1939 Ford Covertible

Unless the lights don't work you should be alright without separate ground wires.

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Old 01-10-2022, 09:26 PM   #3
rich b
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Default Re: Non-traditional wiring of Turn Signals on 1939 Ford Covertible

The fact you have + ground should not effect anything as long as you use normal components.
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Old 01-10-2022, 10:27 PM   #4
alanwoodieman
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Default Re: Non-traditional wiring of Turn Signals on 1939 Ford Covertible

biggest problem I have had with wiring lights on bumpers is the grounds! rusty bolts/frame/bumper irons to solve this I do run a deticated ground wire from the light to a good clean spot on the frame
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Old 01-10-2022, 11:07 PM   #5
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Default Re: Non-traditional wiring of Turn Signals on 1939 Ford Covertible

If your 12 volt system is POS ground (unusual situation) you would wire your turn signals POS ground.
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Old 01-10-2022, 11:13 PM   #6
fordor41
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Default Re: Non-traditional wiring of Turn Signals on 1939 Ford Covertible

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If you wire turn signals to car as a - gnd and rest of car is + gnd, it would be a dead short I would think. I would wire entire turn signal assy as a + gnd.
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Old 01-11-2022, 08:31 AM   #7
Ramblin Reck
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Default Re: Non-traditional wiring of Turn Signals on 1939 Ford Covertible

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Originally Posted by TomO View Post
If your 12 volt system is POS ground (unusual situation) you would wire your turn signals POS ground.

TomO

My 12V system IS a Positive Ground System. I believe you are correct. Thanks
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Old 01-11-2022, 08:36 AM   #8
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Default Re: Non-traditional wiring of Turn Signals on 1939 Ford Covertible

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If you wire turn signals to car as a - gnd and rest of car is + gnd, it would be a dead short I would think. I would wire entire turn signal assy as a + gnd.



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Old 01-11-2022, 09:01 AM   #9
Adam/Mill Valley CA
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Default Re: Non-traditional wiring of Turn Signals on 1939 Ford Covertible

If you keep the entire system 12V positive ground you will need a compatible flasher, such as this one from Moss Motors (a large supplier for old British cars):


https://mossmotors.com/led-flasher-unit-positive-ground


I used this when adding turn sigs to my '67 Triumph TR6R motorcycle which is 12V positive ground, it works well


Adam
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Old 01-13-2022, 09:33 AM   #10
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Default Re: Non-traditional wiring of Turn Signals on 1939 Ford Covertible

Quote:
Originally Posted by Adam/Mill Valley CA View Post
If you keep the entire system 12V positive ground you will need a compatible flasher, such as this one from Moss Motors (a large supplier for old British cars):


https://mossmotors.com/led-flasher-unit-positive-ground


I used this when adding turn sigs to my '67 Triumph TR6R motorcycle which is 12V positive ground, it works well


Adam

Adam Thanks I clicked on the link you gave me and also called Moss Motors in CA. He said this one is for LED light bulbs. Also said that flashers are not grounded. I am going to try a $4.00 flasher from NAPA
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