VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND EARLIER 1929-1932 1931 Turn Signal Installation

Everyone has been very helpful in my recent questions as I am installing new LED tail lights from the Filling Station and turn signals. Everything is wired up per the diagrams, and I have hooked up my cowl lights for use as turn signals.
Now my problem
The tail light work well, when I turn on the hazard lights they blink the tail lights and cowl lights so all of that work. Problem is the turn signals do not work. The lamps in the cowl are ok but not sure if I have the correct ones based on the flasher that came with the 6volt turn signal set.
The lamp I am using in the cowl lights are #63 single contact. is this correct or should I be using another?
I am stumped!
John

I believe the problem is that the LED lights don't pull enough current to allow the flasher to work. I offer as evidence that when you use the hazard switch, it activates both cowl lights, which gives enough of a load to operate the flasher. However; when only one cowl light and the minimal current drain of the LEDs, there isn't enough load. To test this, hook another bulb in parallel with the tail light and see if it doesn't work properly. I have heard of others installing a dummy light hidden somewhere in the circuit for each tail light.

There are lots of solutions to this. And this is going to haunt backyard mechanics for the next 20 years. Enjoy.

LOOK HERE

--Bill Barker

LoL you bet - especially with more and more going with the LED set up and adding turn signals as well we will be asking the same questions over and over again!

I am not well versed in automotive wiring, but I understand the issue of not enough electrical load for the flasher to work so as Bill has pointed out there are flasher load devices avaiable to make up this load. Noted one in the Filling Station catalog.

Roneyres - you mentioned wiring up a lamp in the circuit. Any suggestions on where in the circuit to install this. Would it be in one of the 3 leads going into the flasher itself. Would like to follow up on this a little further as an option.
thanks,
John

Just for the test, I would use a safety pin anywhere in one of the brake lite wires and attach that to a bulb socket such that the light comes on with the brakes. Then try that turn signal, I think you will find it works fine. As for where they put the "Dummy" light, I have hard of them putting it in the trunk, or behind the rear seat where it isn't seen and won't get too hot against fabric. However; since it is only on when the brakes are applied or the turn signal is flashing, not too likely to overheat.

To be more specific as to the additional load or "Dummy light," You can install it anywhere in either the brake light wire or the cowl light wire. Keep in mind that you will need TWO DUMMY LIGHTS, one in the left and one in the right as the flasher has to see enough load in either left or right position. Since the flasher is relating only to TOTAL LOAD, it doesn't matter if it is in the front or rear turn signal wiring.

Ron

I just had this exact issue two weeks ago when installing turn signals myself and solved it with an electronic flasher. The part number is EF33W and yes it notes 12volts but works just fine on my 6 volt 1931.

thanks to everyone's suggestions. I wanted to follow up on my final installation of turn signals and LED tail lights on my 1931.

I purchased the LED light conversion package from The Filling Station which I was able to install with little problem.

I also ordered a turn signal kit as well which when I wired up as instructed - was ok.

Front turn signals - I decided to use the single contact lamp that was origional to my cowl lights. Understanding these are no longer functional as driving lights I really did not use them anyways. I kept everything in the light the same just need to connect the wires to the turn signal harness as per the instructions.

Flasher was then an issue - one that would blink based on the new load from the LED lights. I purchased the EF33W flasher as frosendo suggested in his post. Installed it and everything works great!
Very pleased with the brightness and extra measure of safety I have knowing I have bright turn signals now that modern day drivers expect. Too many times before my hand signal were take as a wave to passing drivers.

Would recommend this conversion to others.
John

Cool! Glad that everything worked out for you and it sounds like a neat turn signal installation.