Period correct turn signals on a 1931 Ford Model A - Restored by Joe DIY
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- Опубліковано 20 жов 2024
- Ford Model A automobiles were made between 1927 and 1931, and not one of them left the factory with turn signals! However, for safety reasons, Model A owners add turn signals to the cars today. The aftermarket turn signal controllers are ugly as heck. Signal Stat made a unit that looks very period correct. My friend and fellow UA-camr Joe DIY restored an old Signal Stat turn signal actuator unit and sent it to me. Today, it gets installed in a 1931 Ford Model A Sport Coupe.
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Great video Paul! It's an honor to have one of restorations in the sport coupe!
You have done a KILLER job sir!!
@@vayabroder729 thank you!
Great work!!!
That is mind blowing work by Joe DIY! Amazing. Years ago it was thought it was better to swap parts for new replacements but with the dismal quality of replacement parts nowadays it absolutely makes sense to restore and re use the original and old parts as much as possible!
And once again; I ADORE your sport coupe. Love those colors! Merry Christmas, guys!!
Hi Paul! I really enjoy your videos and they have inspired me to get my Dad's 1930 deluxe Coupe back on the road recently. I bought a 6V turn signal kit from Bratton's and installed it using the four bumper mount lamps. The first issue I encountered was that the ground wire ring terminal inside the switch was grounded directly to the hot buss bar solder connection, causing the fuse to blow immediately (direct short from hot to ground) as soon as power was connected. After a call to Chris in Oregon where the switch was manufactured, I learned that the assembler of the switches was connecting the insulated ring terminal for the ground wire to the switch mount plate before the solder had cooled, which melted through the insulation on the back of the ring terminal causing the short to ground. This isn't obvious until you take the ring terminal off, since the insulation is melted through on the back of the terminal. Apparently they don't test the switch before leaving the assembly point, and a number of the faulty switches got out into the world with this problem according to Chris. He was very helpful. A wrap of electrical tape around the ring terminal solved that problem. The next issue I had was that the electronic flasher included with the kit worked for only a short time (10 flashes) before it quit. It would then light the turn indicator on the switch, but would not flash the lamps on all four corners of the car. I replaced it with a 535 thermal flasher from NAPA. Now all four corners flash properly, but the indicator lamp on the switch does not work, and glows very dimly whenever the battery is connected. There appears to be a good ground between the switch and the steering column when checked with a continuity meter. I have a battery disconnect switch on the car (luckily!). This installation is becoming challenging- any ideas to make the turn signal indicator light work properly? At least I can drive the car with turn signals but having the indicator light flashing would be handy so I remember to return the switch to the neutral position. Nothing worse than an old fogie in an old car driving down the road with the turn signal constantly flashing! Thanks! Chip in Williamsport PA.
The restored turn signal unit that Joe DIY sent you looks awesome, what a nice guy. I like the looks of the Sport Coupe with those lights, I think you got it perfect on the locations. Good one Paul, love it, thanks for sharing your experience with us. I hope you all have a great weekend.
Thank you! Merry Christmas
@@ModelA Merry Christmas to you too!
Nice directional unit, wish they still made them like that. I watch Joe a lot, he is amazing! Incredibly talented and patient. Your a lucky man he sent that. Merry Christmas, Happy New Year to you and T.
Joe is the BEST!!! Merry CHRISTmas!
Merry Christmas to you and Mrs. Tina. Thank you for all of the many hours of viewing pleasure!
Thanks Wayne! Merry Christmas!
I have been driving my 1931 slant window around Brecksville Ohio with flashing lights powered by a backup battery pack. Took it to my Model A club Christmas dinner ( drove it in a light snow) great fun. This car has Harley Davidson turn signals that look great . I also added a temporary defroster to keep the windshield clear. We met at Model A days at Gilmore. I like your show- your great
That is awesome! Thank you. All the best.
I love period correct accessories. Great job on the choice of music for the time lapse install, use of b roll, and editing of the video. Merry Christmas from Wisconsin.
Thanks TMH! Merry Christmas
My daughters love the ability to dress in the fashions of the era of our cars. I'm enjoying sharing the knowledge and passion with my grandson. He's 12 now and usually my co-pilot, spotting old cars on the road.
That's the source of my lighting problem with our 46 Ford. Rookie installation, so I just detached all of that wiring and changed it back to stock so I could make it to Motor Muster this past summer. I have period correct switch but cobbled wiring to fix this spring plus normal maintenance. Excellent restoration by Joe, looks new. 73 my friend.
Using hand signals in the year 2022 shows others that your window is open. (they don't know what a turn signal is). Jay Leno showed a wireless, LED set-up that took 5 minutes to install. Might be worth a look.
Thanks!
Total agreement on adding signals , also strongly recommend the third brake lighter light sold by Model A suppliers which give you a modern location for 3rd brake light and additional turn signal location .This is also easy to install and remove for judging. I think that the lights in the front bumper are the smarter location due to how turn signal lights are placed on modern cars. People are used to looking for turn signal indications in that area.
MARK!!! Hey brother!! Good to see you back. I agree. Planning to put a new harness in this car soon that will use the stock tail lights for turn indicators and keeping the front bumper lights.
Looks great Paul. Turn signal controller looks right at home in your car. I like the signal lights tucked away in the bumpers. Very clean look. Merry Christmas to you and Tina! 🎄
Always super good. Thank you again.
Great video, your car look amazing and the music 🎶 on the video while driving was way cool too. I can hardly wait for the next video. Thanks for the video and all you do for the hobby. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Friends
You are a true friend. Merry Christmas!
I’m very jealous. I want one like yours now - that is sweet!
Merry Christmas Paul and Tina ,I have installed a 12volt converter from my 6 volt system then installed LED indicators in the bumpers which are brighter than the units sold by parts distributors . Also an essential safety item in Australia, thanks for all your informative videos 🦘🦘🚕 🎄🎄
Merry Christmas to You and Your family. Looking forward to the videos to come.
Merry Christmas to you!
May do our 30 coup. They look great especially the vintage control. Merry Christmas to you Paul, Tina and family. All the best!
Thanks Bob! Merry Christmas!
This episode has the flashiest production values to date!
I enjoyed your video as always and very Merry Christmas to you and Model T
Turn signals are a must have accessory in today's traffic. It allows the window to remain closed(up). More importantly the driver keeps a hand on the steering wheel while preparing to shift before, during, and after the turn.
Yes!
Greetings from southern Ontario Canada u made a very good point about turn signals even with high-tech cars people don't use turn signals including city bus drivers they think that they are on a high level of driving
They have a lot more faith in other drivers than I do
I love the unit Joe DIY sent you. I currently working on turn signals for the 33 Chevy project. Sure would be cool if someone would reproduce the unit you have. It's perfect.
Don! Hey buddy! Sure enjoy following your progress on the 33 Chev. The Signal Stat units like this are all over eBay right now. Merry Christmas
@@ModelA If I ever get this thing done, I'll come down to visit. Merry Christmas
I always enjoy the content you put out, Paul. Thank you for the effort you put into this channel.
I have to admit though, the music from 3:35 onward almost made me hit the mute button. Lol
(Sorry, it wasn't "bad" music, it just seemed better suited to a Sean Connery-era Bond car than a Model A.)
I'm a fan of big band. That one just makes my toes tap, so I used it. Thanks man!
Cool video Paul
Merry Christmas Paul and Model T
Merry Christmas Matt!
Merry Xmas and God bless, Paul and family🌲🌲
Merry Christmas
Whenever I’ve put them on for my customers I know 3031came with the amber tail lights. I recommend putting in red. Because tail lights are in red stop lights are in red. Amber is used in the front of the car.
Awesome video paul. I agree turn signals are a must. Just don't do what the edsel did have the arrows on the other sides of the left turn signal on the right and the right on left. Then accidently switch gears when you think your pressing the horn ring.
Hahaa!! Ouch!
Merry Christmas everyone.
Merry Christmas to you and Model T
Merry Christmas
Another good video, safety firsthand. I’ve thought that someone could produce a unit that is wireless, for turn signals and flasher. Something that could be removed if needed for judging. eBay value of these are going up, just bought one. I know I have seen these at swap meets, selling for cheap. Merry Christmas to you, Bob and Model T.
On another note, last weekend my DW and I attended our first Christmas dinner with our local Model A club. I had told my wife that we wouldn’t be the youngest ones there, but we were. Had a great time with all the folks, lots of knowledge within the group.
There is a wireless turn signal system you can get. I have not used it. I believe the lights are magnetic mount with rechargeable batteries built in. Search around and you can probably find one. There is a lot of radio frequency noise coming out of a Model A engine, so I'm not so sure how that might interfere.
Another great video Paul. I'm installing a hidden setup in mine by adapting a UTV turn signal kit to the car.
Sweet! Will you be documenting your install?
@Paul Shinn yes I will be. When I get a break from work and can get back to the car. Hopefully in the new year.
@@buckhoward7285 Excellent! Please share it with all of us.
@@ModelA will do. I'll post a video on my channel.
If I didn't know better, I'd swear those turn signal lamps were OE. Beautiful!
Yea! Thanks! Merry Christmas.
@@ModelA Merry Christmas to you and Model T as well!
Merry Christmas, Paul and Tina!
Very nice job on the turn signals. I really like seeing videos of some of the scenery around where you live. Some of it looks similar to where we live here in Vermont.
Hope to tour Vermont someday. When do you think would be the best month?
I would say the first week or two of October. This is when the foliage is at its peak. I’ve lived here all my life and I think there’s beauty in each of seasons. If you decide to come visit, let me know! I’d love to show you around!
Hey Paul,
Thank you for the video. Would you mind sharing the style of turn signal lights you are using on your 31? I really like that style.
Thanks
Kev (newbie)
Well, there’s now one less of these controllers available on EBay. Better hurry.
Thanks for the prod Paul. These controllers were very common on trucks when I was a youngster. My father’s business had a fleet of heavy construction trucks and all were so equipped. My roadster has the Logo Lite system installed, no complaints but I do not care for the push button control feature. It’s just not a natural movement reaching to the dash and pushing a small button. My car is a driver so I have a lot of exposure to the small irritation. Just a few weeks ago I was thinking, wouldn’t it be nice to install one of the old Signal Stat switches. Paul to the rescue. Thanks for the motivational push.
Merry Christmas
I have a question. Can you put a model T radiator shutter on a model A?
Merry Christmas to you both! Thanks for a year of funny and informative Model A lore. On those turn signals: do they also do double duty as emergency flashers, or is that asking too much?
Merry Christmas!
Thanks!
Thank YOU, Matt!! Merry Christmas!!
I remember seeing turn signals in a parts store that had lots on NOS those were not self canceling but that’s OK! Be well and best holiday wishes to you and model T
Thanks Ken! Merry Christmas.
Hi Paul, The Twin City Model A Ford Club (TCMAFC) Had a Clinic last week and your name came up like clock work. By the way it was all positive. Steve and Leah from cold Minnesota (-14 degrees predicted for next Wednesday) wishes you and Model T a very Merry Christmas
Excellent! Thanks! Hey, is Mark Leder still in that group? Please tell them I said HI! Merry Christmas, Leah!
Yes Mark L is alive and well. We talk all the time. Just gave him your P.O. Box #. I will say hi for you
Steve
Awwww. Was hoping to see more on the actual wiring install. What are the different colors of wiring for?
Also, only one view of the rear turn lights? But much more time on front views without turn lights. Hmmm.
Fantastic job by Joe DIY!
I have covered that before in other videos. Thanks for the constructive criticism. Merry Christmas!
Put fog lamp clamps on front bumper bracket. Then attach Model A cowl lamp buckets with lamp rod through pipe. Wire with cowl lamp so both blink together. I use amber lenses.
Love this setup! Are these logo lights? Does the controller install easily to the lights?
Merry Christmas
The old JC Whitney catalog had musical turn signal units. Instead of click-click-click you could get the tune from “Love Me Tender” and several other choices. I didn’t, but you could.
Great video as always
Thanks again!
Cool video!!
Paul great video. I have 29 roadster PU with no rear bumpers. How are attaching rear signals?
Thanks
Сигналы поворота смотрятся очень гармонично. Без замечаний.
The turn signals look very harmonious. There are no critical comments.
Signal-Stat is a trademark of Truck-Lite Co. of Erie, PA. and is an active producer of vehicle lighting products. I believe that, if I were the CEO of Truck-Lite, it would dawn on me that a very large percentage of the people who buy aftermarket turn signal kits put them on pre WWII cars and trucks, since most post war vehicles had them from the factory. So I would therefore style the mechanisms to match the vehicles they are destined for! Yes, many of these signal kits turn up in commercial vehicles as well, so keep the existing design for those applications. But give antique vehicle enthusiast what they are really looking for. In fact, I’d be willing to bet the tooling for making a signal housing like the one you have here is probably still laying around in a dark corner of the manufacturing facility somewhere! If the CEO reads this (because doesn’t EVERYONE subscribe to Paul Shinn’s UA-cam channel?) and likes the idea, I can let him know where to send my royalty checks.
I believe your royalty checks should start flowing into your mailbox any day now!!
I wonder what Paul thinks of the wireless systems? Even magnetic mount lights for temporary use, like boat trailers.
If it makes driving a Model A safer, then I am for it!
That’s a sweet looking turn signal!!
Does Joe have more?
Sorry Paul, the 38 Buick wasn't the first one with the signals.
I own a 38 since 17 Years and the fender lights are only the parking lights..😉..
Greetings from Germany.
My sport coupe had a set of signals already installed except it uses a toggle switch on the transmission tower to make the signals work . The only thing I don't like about them, is they are not audio, u can't hear them. So sometime if I forget they are on, they stay on. People I know tell me ' your lights are on, how do u turn them off?' We tried but couldn't find the switch!
Paul. Thank you for your diligence in helping us know how to do stuff. What wire kit would you suggest for a 1928 ford model A. It's a woody, which is unique. Bought it from some family this past year. Is the wire harness longer in the rear, as some have suggest? Thanks again. George Rutledge, fingerlakes region of ny.
Call Brattons and let them know what you have. They have a wiring harness just for you.
Where would be some good places to look for good affordable model A’s?
Like always great video.
Paul and Model t. Have a merry 🎄🎅🇺🇸 and a gr8 new year.
Merry Christmas Richard!
Thanks for another great and informative video! Does adding safety items like the lights and seatbealts hurt on judging the cars for originality?
For blue ribbon class, yes. But for touring class, no.
Yep, I recommend turn signals for safety, except my '29 Roadster pickup only has 1 tail light and no rear bumper. Any recommendations? For safety, I should also add seat belts. Would you do a video on seat belt installation?
I have done seatbelts as part of other videos before. Have not done a separate video on just seatbelts yet.
@@ModelA Thank you so much for the quick reply. I'll search for that video. Happy New Year and keep up the good work.
what did you use and how did you hook up the front blinkers.. I have everything else however looking for same type front blinkers for front model a bumper?
See the video I did on replacing the wiring harness. That shows all the details
Hi Paul. That's a real nice turn signal. I wish I could find one that old and restore it.
In one of your recent videos you showed a diagram for a crank wrench with the dimensions.
Please send a link to that video..
Thanks,
CLC
The Signal Stat units are all over eBay right now. You can buy that wrench already made from Mike's A-Fordable in GA. The video you requested is here- ua-cam.com/video/oaCZ5lB9EJ4/v-deo.html
CLC - when doing the EBay search don’t be discouraged by the first hit - thief is asking $399. Others are running in the $75 range. I wouldn’t hesitate as I expect this video will motivate many. I just purchased one from the Bay and there didn’t seem to be too many available. Lots of the newer less desirable are available.
Hi Paul and Tina, Model T , my name is Robert Howard - everyone calls me Bob, I'm from Madoc Ontario Canada 🇨🇦 love your videos, definitely has helped me and my son out , I have two 29 Model A's a roadster pickup and I recently picked up a two door, my son and I rebuilt the roadster together, the car was turn key and was able to enjoy driving it all summer, it needs a paint job and was wondering should we use the traditional paint or could we use the water base paint and primer, love to have your thoughts on that, thank you so much, have a wonderful Christmas and a happy new year from my family to yours.
People use all sorts of paint. I'm a purist to some extent so I use lacquer on the body, enamel on fenders and splash aprons. But you can use anything you want!
Very nice. I wonder if that signal is from an old bus, sorta looks like it.
Could be
Inwonder how many after market turn signals were offered back then.
I noticed that the lights on the switch say front and rear. However, the front light appears to blink when you turn right and the rear light blinks when you turn left. I would think they should both blink to indicate that both circuits are active. ?
Depends on how it's wired
Merry to the Shinn family, does the turn signal also have 4 way hazard flasher
The Signal Stat does not. Might add a switch for that. Merry Christmas
Astra-Werke installed hazard lights (required in Germany) to his Ford Model A. Might be a good idea to check out how he did it.
I saw that
Several of these vintage turn signals can be found on eBay - I just checked!
Yes!
The Signal Stat 900 is still available today. The Signal Stat 900 is still just as ugly! At least the restoration makes it more appealing. Thanks Paul! I agree; lighted signals are a must!
Agreed!
There is an old Signal Stat 900 style and the new 900 style. I would guess the style change was made in the 1950s. The old is the desirable unit. There is a NOS 31-32 Chrysler column mounted turn signal switch on EBay which would be period correct. No brand marking, so no clash. Not cheap, but the price may be tolerable.
Sorry- mistyped, the old desirable switch is the 700 replaced by the ugly modern 900
Yup! I have used those (900) in tractor-trailer operation for years. In a work vehicle like a big truck, aesthetics take a back seat to reliability and serviceability!
Merry Chritmas to the Shinn’s
Merry Christmas!
Nice! It is odd tho the the indicator lights are labeled Front Signals and Rear Signals not Left Signal and Right Signal.
Yep. Weird label, but as long as it works, right?
@@ModelA Oh yes. Very neat accessory.
Thanks! I'm trying to find the UA-cam where you show that strip type led head light . I would like to purchase one. Can you provide me with the contact information? thanks again
JoeMcKee
Cheyenne WY
Does it self cancel? Probably not. Tks
No
Lucky 🍀. 👍
Is the “boomerist” channel on UA-cam? Barely recognized the upbeat music!!!
It's a custom big band arrangement.
Hello Paul, the videos are excellent, but it would be much better if it had subtitles in spanish, here in Argentina many people have a Ford Model A and we like this car
Greetings friend
I don't know how to do subtitles. Can you do them for me?
NICE
MOST drivers don't recognize hand signals.
They think you're waiving at them...
And what about HAZARD LIGHTS.. Driving a Model A you'll always need them !!! 😁
Hahaa! Good reply!
@@phantomcorsair8476 Sarcasm is my favorite form of comedy!!
@@phantomcorsair8476 Oh WOW!!!!! Please tell them I said- "Hey, did you know that 60% of all the Chevys made are still on the road? The other 40% actually made it home."
nice !
The indicator lights on the switch said "Front" and "Rear" but seems like they really mean "Left" and "Right".
Yea, I noticed that also. But heck, they are helpful anyway!
@@ModelA I wonder how they were originally used to flash either the front or the rear lights. Maybe for an emergency vehicle ??
@@mafcawebmaster4237 I'm guessing this was originally for some commercial purpose.
Why do Model A's idle and run at so low of RPMs?
Long stroke motors. The stroke is longer than the piston bore diameter is wide. Lot of low end torque!
Merry Christmas, Right Back at You, Well Now why don't your Friend Get to making those Turn Signals (for the Model A's and/or T's) or why Don't You send FORD that Video,(they probably have it Already), and ask FORD if they can look through there records and Find a Turn Signal that they Approve of For Your Model A. They Might Find a (Half-a-Dozen) and Have Them Call it a (P.Shinn-Turn Signal)-{just an Idea}-(Ha,Ha)
Great switch! I wouldn’t be without turn signals on mine. 😊
Same here!
Most idiots driving now don't know how to use electric turn signals let alone the arm signals
Agreed
It's a very rare event whenever I disagree with you Paul but I really like the turn signal switch that you had in there before you changed it out I think it looks nicer than that boxy one
Still doesn't look like a arm!😂
1931
I'm irritated. Why there are different positions for front and rear instead of left/right? in the "front" position the rear turnsignal is not in use? That makes no sense.
That's just how it's labelled, not how it's wired.
Should I buy a Model A for $10,500
When I have the money
If you want it, and it's worth it, YES!
K
It has turn signals as well but not in the front
might be more correct but it looks much worse. sorry
That's OK man! We all see things in our own unique way. In person, it's pretty sweet. Merry Christmas!
A hydraulic brake conversion would be my number 1 must have upgrade to any model A. But to make it effective, the first thing that would have to go is the wheels with those tiny brake drums.
The mechanical brakes work way better than every hydraulic brake mod I have ever seen.
Merry Christmas!