Tail light Thoughts

[dunoon]

I'm planning on putting on my 26 coupe a right tail light with double bulbs so I can have a brake and tail light.I was thinking down the line adding turn signals by just wiring it like a modern car where the turn signal is just intermittent brake light. I'm sure I'm not the first to think of it but, haven't seen anything like that in the forum, or maybe I've missed it. So does anyone see a problem by me doing this. Thanks

[Burger in Spokane]

Sure, why not ? About the only suggestion/criticism/advice I would submit is
to use period lighting, just to keep the car looking somewhat "right". I am picky
that way. Modern lighting and stuff on an old car just looks "lazy" to me. It took
some effort and time, but I found some nice period lamps and made a lever for
the column that looks just like a miniature version of the stock spark advance lever.
Share your progress as you build and install it so others might take a lesson.

[Steve Jelf]

Here are some previous posts on the subject.

Screen Shot 2020-01-24 at 10.22.40 PM.png (19.79 KiB) Viewed 4991 times

NOTE: In this diagram the right/left switch should be labeled ON OFF ON.

[Mark Nunn]

There was a photo, I think on the old forum, where someone put a toggle switch for turn signals in a standard horn button housing. Mounted on the steering column, it didn't look out of place.

[Les Schubert]

You can buy at your local auto parts supplier a turn signal switch that clamps to the steering column and ties into the brake light circuit.
The right side bracket is available from the usual suppliers.
A 28 Model A tail light looks pretty good on a T and has the extra filament in the bulb.
The front signal lights call for some “creative” searching for a solution you like. I have found some lights at swap meets that mounted nicely to the windshield attachment bolts on my 27 roadster

[Colin Mavins]

The more light the better I have a right hand tail light for my 1912 which is going on this winter and I installed a 1950s turn signal switch which gives you four way flashers as well. The way people are driving the more light the better it may not save you from stupid drivers but at lest you tried.

[jsaylor]

One using a horn button housing and one using a modified PVC pipe "T". If you are going to combine the turn signals with the brake light using the schematic above you will have to add some diodes to isolate the front from the back.

[rondupree]

I tried using period glass lens taillights for turn signals with poor results. These lights were intended for use at night, and typically either are hard to see, or cannot be seen at all in daylight. What works for me are the simple round taillights that are sold for trailers. Replace the 12 volt bulbs with 6 volt bulbs and they can be seen much easier by traffic behind you than the period style lights. In addition, I make a mounting bracket to mount them below the body on either side. You can still use the period style stop/taillights if you want, but now you have brake lights and turn signals that can be seen by the drivers behind you.

[TWrenn]

Richard....make it easy on yourself, and just get one of these. It's all you need, except of course you supply your
lights, and wiring. If you REALLY wanna make it easy, spend another $95 or so and get the "ready made" wiring loom, but why spend the money? If you're like me, you've already got plenty of "scrap wire" around the house to make up your own. I did this on my '25/'26 "overlap" Fordor and they work great!

https://www.modeltford.com/item/T-SIGN-SW6.aspx

[Henry K. Lee]

Been working for me for years! Just Sayin'

Hank

[Mark Gregush]

If you use the smaller era type lamps one thing that really does help; paint the inside of the housing glossy white. Helps quite a bit with reflectivity.

[TWrenn]

Putting the shinier side of aluminum foil behind the bulbs works very well too. Maybe even better. Just sayin'

[fliverfan]

I think the biggest problem you'll have is the multitude of choices.

Except for the fender bracket, the optional 1926-27 Model T and the standard Model A 1928-29(early) model A, drum style brake/tail light assemblies are basically the same.