VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND EARLIER 1929-1932 Turn Signals or no?

Hello Everyone,
Were turn signals an option for the 31 Coach? My Coach only has a left rear taillight/stoplight. I'm not finding information regarding this subject. Is there a retrofit system available that still retains the originality? Are cowl lights used as front turn signals? Looking at the Filling Station catalog, it appears that you would be able to piece together a turn signal system. The question is: Would a turn signal system be appropriate for the 1931 Chevy Coach or deviate from original? Appreciate advise as always, thanks.

Turn signals were an after market option. I put turn signals on my 30 Coupe. I added two small red lights that fit between the split rear bumper and used the cowl lights for the front signals. The signal is activated by a small toggle switch which I have mounted on the gear shift.
I believe that safety improvements like directional signals and seat belts are accepted modifications but you should check locally.
I added the signals because most of the drivers on the road today don't seem to recognize hand signals-they wave back.

Turn signals were not original equipment in 1931 and they were not offered through Chevrolet as an accessory until years later.

Two add turn signals on a 1931, the most sanitary way would be to purchase a right-hand tail light (that was a genuine Chevrolet accessory in 1931) and cowl lights (those were also Chevrolet accessories in 1931). You can then run the turn signals through your two 1931 tail lights and the cowl lights, and no one will even know that you have turn signals until they are activated.

Yes, adding turn signals is a safety feature -- approved by the VCCA.

It's nice if you can "hide" them like Dog said, but some people have added them with tasteful little lights. It's your choice. (Hint: People "might" take more photos of your car if you "hide" them. )

Hello again,
It's good to know that doing a turn signal upgrade is acceptable for my driver car. I'm all for keeping it hidden by using the stock tail and cowl lights. A question for Karl31. Does your toggle switch include an indicator light to remind you that it's switched on? I think the column mounted turn lever would not be in keeping with the 31 era. Another question: Cowl light location. Are they the same for all the 31 Coaches, both foreign and domestic? Where may I look to find the mount location on the cowl? Thank you all.

I did try a right hand side tail light but it looked awkward on the sport coupe and interferred with the rumble seat step. The light I used are about 2 by 3 inches and fit between the split bumper. You really have to look twice to notice them when they're not flashing.
When the turn signal is activated a buzzer sounds much like the clicking of a modern car. I bought the setup at Hershey about five years ago, but I can't find the documentation.

Check the February, 1931 issue of the Chevrolet Service News (there are 12 issues) for instructions on were to mount the cowl lights. If you don't have the complete set of Chevrolet Service News you can get them from the Filling Station.

These photos are of the rear directionals and the toggle switch that is mounted on the gear shift
[img:left]http://s1190.photobucket.com/albums/z441/karl439/[/img]

Thats what i did in response to post# 194914. You wouldnt know the car even had turn signals if it werent for the flare switch on the colum.

Karl- Wow those tail lights look very smart..I often worry when returning from a late nice cruise in in my 30 about getting hit..I many times have to travel on a busy divided highway, and have comcerns about others not paying attention-- as I am traveling along a bit slower than many..Your solution would take away some of my concerns. Thanks so much for sharing.

Thanks for the information,
I have the Chevrolet Service News, but the issues are currently in storage with the car. I'll check the February issue for the cowl light installation instructions. Thanks Dog. I like the idea of a buzzer/clicker associated with the switch on the gear shift. Now, does anyone have an idea on where to find a six volt buzzer. Thank you.

I found buzzers at Radio Shack a couple of years ago.