The Ford Barn

Tom Endy · 08-12-2022, 07:41 PM

Turn signals on a Model A are a must. Few people on the road today understand what a hand signal is. I installed turn signals in my Victoria years ago (six volts), and later installed LED tail and brake lights for better visibility. The third brake light and turn signal in the back window is also a plus and recommended.

The turn signal kit I used was obtained from Bratton's, and I think it was the best on the market. However, Walt discontinued them. I was fortunate to purchase one of the last he had in stock (12-volts) for my grandson's 1930 Tudor.

Bratton's turn signal has a little lever that protrudes out of sight below the dash rail on the left side. It also has a buzzer that signals that the turn signals are in operation. I added to it by installing a red and green mini-light just below the dash rail in the center. They are wired to the brake lights. When turning left, the red-light blinks, when turning right the green-light blinks.

The problem I am having today is that at my advanced age I don't hear the buzzer, and if I do, I don't become aware of it, and I roll along with the turn signals on.

The modern Model A kingdom turn signals should have a practical signal cancelling application when the turn is completed.

See attached document.

Tom Endy

http://www.santaanitaas.org/wp-conte...rn-Signals.pdf

Y-Blockhead · 08-12-2022, 08:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cape Codder

Other than the buzzer a small light can be installed in the second screw from left o drivers side. I saw this some time ago where the screw was drilled right in the center and than a SMALL LED was installed! So than there would be no need for a buzzer. Of course after some searching I was unable to find the thread! Sorry......

That may have been mine you are thinking of. It has a 3mm green LED. The one LED indicates either right or left and 4 way.

Patrick L. · 08-13-2022, 06:57 AM

Self-cancelling and/or a nice bright bulb would be nice.

I didn't have either so I mounted the units the turn stalk was aligned with a steering spoke. Once the car was back on track if I could see the stalk I knew the lights were still flashing. And I could see the cowl light flashing the back the headlight.

CT Jack · 08-13-2022, 08:54 AM

I think it's great to have new ideas and products being developed to make certain tasks perform better. I do not know how much of the market you have researched pertaining to the different turn signal units available for antique vehicle application.
The unit that I have been using is produced by "Turn Signals For Classics" in the USA. This turn signal controller is a compact unit that can be velcro mounted behind the drivers side kick panel on an "A" or other desired locations. This unit is available for 6 or 12 volt wiring and can be used on positive or negative grounds. It can handle incandescent, LED, or combinations of lamps. Standard functions include L/R turn, adjustable on-time during turn with auto shutoff, turn signal remains on with brake pedal depressed, and emergency flashing. Turn signal control can be either a column mounted lever or a SPDT momentary switch. I am using a SPDT momentary switch that is hidden behind the dash to the left of steering column. An audible beeper can be added and directly wired to unit. I have also connected my 3rd brake light and cowl lights as additional turning and warning lights.

gary678* · 08-13-2022, 01:42 PM

I have a small toggle switch on the shifter which operates the signals: cowl lights in the front and tailights in the rear. Also very small (1/8 inch) but bright LED lights (green) in the dash between the steering wheel spokes; very visible while driving but not obtrusive. I love them! Next a buzzer is needed.

Patrick L. · 08-13-2022, 03:24 PM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Some good ideas !

Cape Codder · 08-13-2022, 05:47 PM

Y-Blockhead - That sure looks like what I had seen. Now my question to you is how do you turn the signals on and off? Also, did the light eliminate the buzzer or do you have both? I was thinking of have the switch for left and right on the gear stick as some have for their overdrives.

Y-Blockhead · 08-14-2022, 07:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cape Codder

Y-Blockhead - That sure looks like what I had seen. Now my question to you is how do you turn the signals on and off? Also, did the light eliminate the buzzer or do you have both? I was thinking of have the switch for left and right on the gear stick as some have for their overdrives.

I use a spdt switch mounted under the left side of the dash rail for the left/right signals. There is a single spst switch mounter in the kick panel to turn on the four way flasher. Flasher and diodes are mounted under the kick panel.

I had a buzzer but found it too annoying so I disconnected it. It is still mounted under the kick panel.

DkFordor · 09-15-2022, 05:43 AM

On the 1931 Fordor I have inherited and am currently renovating a different solution to the switch is used: The original light switch on the steering wheel hub has been wired to operate the turn signals instead of the headlights. To control the headlights a pull-switch has been mounted in the dash left of the steering wheel.

It has the advantage that its very obvious from the position of the switch if the turn signals are on and the operation of the turn signals is quite intuitive. And of course the disadvantage of not being original, and a pull-switch needs to be installed for the headlights.

I grew up with this solution and will probably keep it this way

ModelA29 · 09-24-2022, 09:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thearne3

I'm not sure how 'smart' that system is. It's nice that it 'hides' the turn signal switch (which I could do as well, but prefer a 'traditional' switch placement). It may be that the sensor bracket alone would be of interest in any system that could use the input.

Thanks!

"Switch mounts easily on the gear shift lever or anywhere convenient in your car"

I like the idea of the switch on the shift lever but wonder how to run the wire in an unobtrusive manner.

alexiskai · 09-25-2022, 11:00 AM

Another way you could do turn signals is to use floor-mounted switches that you activate with your feet. You could put one under the clutch for left turn and one under the brake for right turn. Hit 'em both for hazards. Those spots are easily accessible with the left foot. GM used to equip cars with floor switches to flip your high beams on, I bet those could be adapted.

Dan Partain · 09-26-2022, 09:35 PM

Thinking out of the box here.
How about the magnetic reed switch mounted to a bracket on the lower frame rail and let it get a signal from a magnet on the pitman arm. A 'momentary' SPDT switch could still be mounted where ever the user prefers inside the cab.

This could nearly be completely hidden depending on the where the SPDT switch goes.

denniskliesen · 09-27-2022, 02:02 PM

In the past year I’ve driven over 22,000 miles with a signal stat 900 with no problems. I use it every time I change lanes or make a turn. Not saying there might be better solutions out there, I just haven’t had problems with either of my 900 in either of my A’s.

08-12-2022, 07:41 PM	#21
Tom Endy Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Southern California Posts: 3,131	Re: New design turn signals for Model A? Turn signals on a Model A are a must. Few people on the road today understand what a hand signal is. I installed turn signals in my Victoria years ago (six volts), and later installed LED tail and brake lights for better visibility. The third brake light and turn signal in the back window is also a plus and recommended. The turn signal kit I used was obtained from Bratton's, and I think it was the best on the market. However, Walt discontinued them. I was fortunate to purchase one of the last he had in stock (12-volts) for my grandson's 1930 Tudor. Bratton's turn signal has a little lever that protrudes out of sight below the dash rail on the left side. It also has a buzzer that signals that the turn signals are in operation. I added to it by installing a red and green mini-light just below the dash rail in the center. They are wired to the brake lights. When turning left, the red-light blinks, when turning right the green-light blinks. The problem I am having today is that at my advanced age I don't hear the buzzer, and if I do, I don't become aware of it, and I roll along with the turn signals on. The modern Model A kingdom turn signals should have a practical signal cancelling application when the turn is completed. See attached document. Tom Endy http://www.santaanitaas.org/wp-conte...rn-Signals.pdf

08-13-2022, 06:57 AM	#23
Patrick L. Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Largo Florida Posts: 7,225	Re: New design turn signals for Model A? Self-cancelling and/or a nice bright bulb would be nice. I didn't have either so I mounted the units the turn stalk was aligned with a steering spoke. Once the car was back on track if I could see the stalk I knew the lights were still flashing. And I could see the cowl light flashing the back the headlight.

08-13-2022, 08:54 AM	#24
CT Jack Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Hebron, CT Posts: 432	Re: New design turn signals for Model A? I think it's great to have new ideas and products being developed to make certain tasks perform better. I do not know how much of the market you have researched pertaining to the different turn signal units available for antique vehicle application. The unit that I have been using is produced by "Turn Signals For Classics" in the USA. This turn signal controller is a compact unit that can be velcro mounted behind the drivers side kick panel on an "A" or other desired locations. This unit is available for 6 or 12 volt wiring and can be used on positive or negative grounds. It can handle incandescent, LED, or combinations of lamps. Standard functions include L/R turn, adjustable on-time during turn with auto shutoff, turn signal remains on with brake pedal depressed, and emergency flashing. Turn signal control can be either a column mounted lever or a SPDT momentary switch. I am using a SPDT momentary switch that is hidden behind the dash to the left of steering column. An audible beeper can be added and directly wired to unit. I have also connected my 3rd brake light and cowl lights as additional turning and warning lights.

08-13-2022, 01:42 PM	#25
gary678* Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2016 Location: Middletown, NY Posts: 165	Re: New design turn signals for Model A? I have a small toggle switch on the shifter which operates the signals: cowl lights in the front and tailights in the rear. Also very small (1/8 inch) but bright LED lights (green) in the dash between the steering wheel spokes; very visible while driving but not obtrusive. I love them! Next a buzzer is needed.

08-13-2022, 03:24 PM	#26
Patrick L. Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Largo Florida Posts: 7,225	Re: New design turn signals for Model A? Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Some good ideas !

08-13-2022, 05:47 PM	#27
Cape Codder Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 1,261	Re: New design turn signals for Model A? Y-Blockhead - That sure looks like what I had seen. Now my question to you is how do you turn the signals on and off? Also, did the light eliminate the buzzer or do you have both? I was thinking of have the switch for left and right on the gear stick as some have for their overdrives. __________________ I don't care if the "A" Starts BUT sure WANT IT TO STOP!

09-15-2022, 05:43 AM	#29
DkFordor Member Join Date: Oct 2020 Location: Denmark, Northern Europe Posts: 73	Re: New design turn signals for Model A? On the 1931 Fordor I have inherited and am currently renovating a different solution to the switch is used: The original light switch on the steering wheel hub has been wired to operate the turn signals instead of the headlights. To control the headlights a pull-switch has been mounted in the dash left of the steering wheel. It has the advantage that its very obvious from the position of the switch if the turn signals are on and the operation of the turn signals is quite intuitive. And of course the disadvantage of not being original, and a pull-switch needs to be installed for the headlights. I grew up with this solution and will probably keep it this way

09-26-2022, 09:35 PM	#32
Dan Partain Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Hangtown, CA Posts: 556	Re: New design turn signals for Model A? Thinking out of the box here. How about the magnetic reed switch mounted to a bracket on the lower frame rail and let it get a signal from a magnet on the pitman arm. A 'momentary' SPDT switch could still be mounted where ever the user prefers inside the cab. This could nearly be completely hidden depending on the where the SPDT switch goes.

09-27-2022, 02:02 PM	#33
denniskliesen Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: SoCal Posts: 877	Re: New design turn signals for Model A? In the past year I’ve driven over 22,000 miles with a signal stat 900 with no problems. I use it every time I change lanes or make a turn. Not saying there might be better solutions out there, I just haven’t had problems with either of my 900 in either of my A’s.