I'm working on my '39 JC pickup and want to install turn signals. I was thinking about using reproduction '39 car taillights for the front turn signals and I'm hoping to use reproduction '39 truck taillights for the rear turn signals (hopefully using the brake light bulb as the blinking bulb). I'm trying to keep the truck as original as possible but want to be safe as well.
Can anyone let me know if this combination works or if they've seen something work better that still has that 1939 vibe?
Do some Google searches on adding turn signals. If you want an integrated brake light and turn signal in one filament you will need a 7 wire controller.
. The US made sealed beam headlights mandatory. The parking lights had to be moved to the fenders. I believe they are being repopped. Your 1939 truck will look like a 1940. (Picture #1). Advanced Design single unit trucks used 1939 passenger tail lights for optional turn signals. I believe these are also being repopped. (Pix #2). . , Lou
If you think about it, Rear turn signals are the important ones to have. This can be accomplished by using a 7 wire switch which wires the signal through your stop-light switch so that your stop light stays lit on the side that is not flashing to signal a turn. While it is courteous to let the folks in front of you know what you are doing, you are in control of what happens with regard to those drivers. You are not going to turn in front of anyone and cause an accident. I'm going with rear signals only on my '36 truck. I have collected some cool, period correct, switches and some arrow lamps for the job. I will probably do the same, using the original rear lamps, on my '39 pickup.
I know the US used the dual purposed stop light as turn indicator but from somewhere in the 1950's (and mandated from 1972) orange lamp for turn indicators which means the stop lamp is only that and that is the way I plan to wire my 38 for. Tony
Thank you very much Rusty 37 Master, Lou, 35Mike, and tonyw. Your responses were super helpful and have helped me to formulate a plan moving forward. This forum is great!
Regarding the "1939 vibe" I find most of the so called "art deco" switches coveted by rodders etc. tend to be only 4 wire units and cannot share filaments with the brake lights.
I would call your attention instead to the postwar "Guide 6004" switch, of which there are a whole bunch of versions, different colors, red or green indicator lens, 4 wire or 7 wire, some attach with an integral bracket, some with a sheet metal strap or hose clamp, different shaped stalks, etc. It pays to look closely at which you are getting because "Guide 6004" isn't quite enough information. I would be looking for one that attaches with a sheet metal band, as I have no idea whether the one with the cast-looking bracket would fit your steering column.
Whats good about them: Even though they didn't exist yet in the 30s, they look like they could have. They are small and unobtrusive. They have cancel, and if it can be mounted so the rubber tire contacts the bottom of your steering wheel the cancel will probably work. Best of all, they all seem to have a 7 wire switch inside even if they are 4 wire, so the extra wires can be soldered on.
