Wiring Help

T

tyler

Senior Member
I want to completely re-wire my '28 tudor and was wondering where I can find a good wiring diagram and also if there is any difference in wiring harnesses from the different vendors. My experience with Model T's has shown me that there are some incorrect diagrams out there and that there can be a difference in quality between some of the harnesses available.

My car was supposedly made in Aug. of '28 but some of the features I have run into on it point to an earlier car, if that makes any difference. I would also like to install some period-correct turning signals. Any help appreciated.

Tyler
 
Here's the basic wiring layout. A subsequent improvement, which is highly recommended, was to switch the black coil wire to the other terminal box post, so the ignition circuit also registers on the ammeter.

ModelAwiringdiagram-FloydClymer.jpg


Period-correct turn signals are an issue, since the Model A came with only one tail light. The closest thing I've ever seen is what my Dad used on his A in 1939, but as you can see, he was not a stickler for correctness.

scan0024.jpg


Many years later when he attempted to recapture that bit of his youth, he replicated those fender mounted turn signals with some off of a VW beetle. I believe that true "period correctness" involved a lot of "whatever works", but, of course, modern restorers would be aghast at drilling holes in the fenders!

Dadscars-bigNashandFord-cropped.jpg



I notice you're from western NY. Are you familiar with Mac's? A potentially great local resource.

Steve
 
Last edited:
Thank you Steve, that's what I'm looking for. My car is just an old used car and I'm going to keep it looking like something you would have seen on the road in the early 50's. I've got a single light with two directional arrows for the back and was wondering what would look good on the front, and where to install it. I'd rather not have any turning signals but it just seems rude not to have them.

My wife goes right by Macs about every other week for work. She is on a first name basis with them. Thanks again for your help.

Tyler
 
The wiring diagram above is for the headlights with one bulb. Depending upon how early your car is, it may be a one or two light headlight. The difference will be in the switch on the bottom of the column as well. Do you have cowl lights?

Sacramento Vintage Ford makes up wiring harnesses and I have heard good things about them. They also have harnesses with the turn signals already wired in. All of the vendors also sell turn signal lights for the front and rear bumpers.
 

Attachments

  • 100_01731web.jpg
    100_01731web.jpg
    78 KB · Views: 32
Last edited:
Sacremento Vintage Ford makes and sells the correct harness for 1928- early 29 fluted headlamps. Even if you don't see the harness listed in their catalog, give them a call and tell them what you need. They made 2 for me and I was happy with them. You'll have to solder your light switch plate to the harness wires at the base of the steering column.

As far as turn signals, I'd install them as a seperate item, and not try to combine the wires inside the original harness. It makes trouble shooting easier, and it should make installation easier too. I've seen some motorcycle turn signals used on the front. If you can find some small yellow teardrop turn signals, they would look OK.

Greg and I were typing at the same time.
 
On my avitar you can see I used a set of fog lights for the front, in the rear I got the ones that go between the bumper bars.
Paul in CT
 
No cowl lights and I only see one headlight bulb. Don't know what the switch at the bottom of the steering column is supposed to look like but I took it off the other day.
I think I'll follow your suggestion about wiring the turning signals seperately, Tom, for the reasons you gave. And you just reminded me that I picked up a pair of small, teardrop lights this summer that would work well on the front!
Greg, nice car and nice scenery in the background. I lived in Broomfield for a short time back in the 70's, right out of high school. The mountains make me hungry for elk.
Thanks again, you guys are super.

Tyler
 
Flutedswitch.jpg


Here is what the correct switch looks like. These are not reproduced, so if your's isn't right give Bert's in Denver a call. They are closed on Sundays and Mondays.
Bert's 800-321-1931
 
I bought TINY rectangular lights from Mac's, thinking about putting them on winshield posts, below top hinge on '29 coupe.
Seen any mounted there? Or would it look DUMB?:eek:
Other suggestions, please! Bill W's Ghost.
 
Never seen any mounted up there. DUMB is a powerful word, but yes, plus the purists wouldn't like it...................
Paul in CT
 
1931 flamingo said:
Never seen any mounted up there. DUMB is a powerful word, but yes, plus the purists wouldn't like it...................
Paul in CT
Click to expand...

Purists, please,
I like you guys, plase don't take me to "TASK" for this thought.:eek: The most of "Vermin" is reasonably pure. Open for suggestions on light placement. I can't find a good place to sorta' "hide" them. Bill
 
I got a set of 6v mortorcycle turn signals all 4 complete with switch and flasher through Amazon for about $80. NOS from a 60's-70's big Honda
 

Attachments

  • Tail light 001.jpg
    Tail light 001.jpg
    56.6 KB · Views: 31
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top