Using Parking Lights For Signal Lights

[TerryH]

I’ve had cowl light turn signals, and dual LED taillights for 14 years in my A, and am very happy with both. The cowl lights, to me, are very noticeable, so a good solution for those that have them. Regarding taillights, I would not drive my A without dual lights and LED’s in today’s traffic. Unless you’re showing your car, the single taillight is simply not adequate today.

 

[Hitman]

As you asked; I am firm in my OP that parking lights are not where people look to see turn signals. Add into that, there is a lot of car between the parking lights and front of Model A and may not even be visible over the hood from the side. They should be at the front of the car at a height where people expect to see them and should be stand alone not in headlights. It is bad enough on modern cars that have an amber lens right next to headlight which when are on, over power the turn signals same with having them in the headlights.

Other thing, has anyone looked into them being even being legal in the parking lights?

This is correct. They are too high when mounted in the headlights or cowl lights. Both locations will also be drowned out when the headlights are on making any amber bulbs barely visible.

Most new modern cars have daytime running lights, and a few even have turn signals built into the headlights (high end German cars). You'll notice the DRL's become the turn signal, or if mounted in the headlights the DRL turns off in the one headlights and defaults to the amber turn signal. Modern cars also have reflectors specifically designed to the turn signals in all situations for the purpose of turn signal indication.

Your goal is to be noticed. If you're going to the effort, you might as well do it right.

 

[David R.]

Here is another thought, period looking fog lights on bumper wired as turn signals?

 

[ryanheacox]

Here is another thought, period looking fog lights on bumper wired as turn signals?

That would be my fallback if I find the bulbs in the headlights don't cut it.



Like I said, I would plan to test out the 21cp brake light bulb and if that doesn't cut it, the 32cp bulb. I imagine that turning a second bulb on that's the same power as the headlight bulb will be noticeable to oncoming drivers but that is what the testing is for. Either way, it'll be much more noticeable at night than a hand signal

 

[Patrick L.]

FWIW, flashing stop lights are illegal here and turn signals are amber, front and back.

I added them to the motorbikes. They flash 3 times before going on steady and they get your attention. I should know whether they are legal here or not, but, I don't. So far, I like them.

 

[katy]

Have dual tail lights and I used clearance lights w/amber lenses for the front, I think the small "in the bumper" front ones are hard to see.

 

[Y-Blockhead]

FWIW, flashing stop lights are illegal here.

I added them to the motorbikes. They flash 3 times before going on steady and they get your attention. I should know whether they are legal here or not, but, I don't. So far, I like them.

I have a flasher module connected to my third brake light. It is adjustable and flasher 3-4 times before going solid. I have it mounted by the brake light switch. I don't know if they are legal or not but I see them on Police motorcycles... https://www.amazon.com/United-Pacific-90655-Attention-Module/dp/B007I6P26Q/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Badpuppy]

Ryan, the 21/32 CP bulbs (S8 size) won't fit inside the cowl buckets. Best you can do in incandescents is 10 CP (G6), which is probably bright enough. Best go with LEDs - 12 segment bulbs fit (barely) and are about 21 CP, also available in amber, which I have.

The dual bulbs mentioned above require you change the sockets to double contacts.

 

[ryanheacox]

Ryan, the 21/32 CP bulbs (S8 size) won't fit inside the cowl buckets. Best you can do in incandescents is 10 CP (G6), which is probably bright enough. Best go with LEDs - 12 segment bulbs fit (barely) and are about 21 CP, also available in amber, which I have.

The dual bulbs mentioned above require you change the sockets to double contacts.

Really? I could have sworn the sockets for the parking, brake, and tail lights were all the same size. In that case I may have to use LEDs and a resistor or electronic flasher.


Edit: Oh wait, are you talking about the cowl lights? I don't have cowl lights on my car.

 

[pjdeb]

At first I did not want signal lights on my pick up. Shipped it to Florida and quickly learned that they are a must. Drivers are right on your tail pipe.

I did not want the switch on the column. I made a bracket and mounted it on the seat face behind the gearshift. Easy reach. See the picture. Has wingnuts so it can easily be removed so seat can clear when I need to lift it out. Added a simple buzzer under the seat. The wiring and the flasher are there as well.

Added another socket in each headlight for front signal. Option: leave parking light as or disconnect and tie with new socket for more light. I choose this as I was then able to remove the parking light wire. It is too tight in the loom and cabled sheath for three wires. I did not want a wire wrapped around the outside of the chrome sheath.

Have yet to find a good solution for the rear signals. Added LEDs for now to my "Stay Back..." sign as pictured.

 

[The Master Cylinder]

"Stay Back..." sign as pictured.

Haha, I like it!!