Thread: First post, first rod, first question

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Hey folks,
I finally bought my first street rod, a downs body 3 window, and have a question for the veterans.

After pulling out of a parking lot onto the street and taking a pretty big bump off of the curb, I lost my turn signals. It seems as though something was jolted loose after the bump however I do not know what to look for.
I'm thinking maybe the flasher would have been jarred loose, and after a closer inspection, it is really loose fitting. I tried to move it around while trying the turn signals and one of them actually worked for a few seconds, but now, nothing..
Is there anyway to check the connection for the flasher to see if it may be the culprit?
I have never seen a flasher like this one, it's a hotronics pg-3 and has a wire coming from it which connects to two other wires which may be going to the led indicators on the dash.

Thanks in advance. This is a sweet ride and I'm sure I'll learn much from tinkering with it.

Ron..

Ron, welcome to the forum. I did a double take when I saw Finleyville.........I'm from the Belle Vernon area originally and my ex is from Monongahela. You are in my old stomping grounds. Dated a few girls from your area, but names escape me after 45 years or so.

As for your turn signal problem, hard to pin point it, but I would first get a wiring diagram from Hotronics, either on line or call them. Start at the place where 12 volts enters and trace from there using a 12 volt test light. That is one problem with buying someone else's build, you have to learn how things are done.

Nice looking Deuce, have fun.

Don

First, remove the turn signal bulbs and inspect them closely for a failed element inside the bulbs. If you really can't see if one has failed, hold the body of the bulb against the negative battery post and touch the positive button(s) on the bottom of the bulb with a short wire connected to the positive battery post. Doesn't have to be anything fancy, just strip off the insulation back from the end of the wire 4-5 inches and wrap the exposed wires around the positive terminal. Strip about 1/8 inch off the other end of the wire, just enough to touch the bulb positive button(s) on the bottom of the bulb.

If the bulb tests out ok- since it's a glass car- I'd check the ground wire 1st.

Since they did work for a while, then quit, then work again, I'm pretty certain that the bulbs are okay.
I ordered another flasher and will try that.

Here's the funny thing.. The current flasher has a ground however it looks like it's tied into the two LED indicators in the dash and not to a ground. Since it was working, I'm thinking that it's setup correctly and will probably just connect the new one in the same fashion.
If that fails, I'm thinking about going with the toggle switch option..

The method of testing a light bulb that was suggested will work but is very unsafe. Any sparks or flames could cause an explosion . Please use longer test leads and get away from the battery, For your safety .

Originally Posted by sg4356

The method of testing a light bulb that was suggested will work but is very unsafe. Any sparks or flames could cause an explosion . Please use longer test leads and get away from the battery, For your safety .

Point well taken. Shame on me.

Originally Posted by DeuceRon

Since they did work for a while, then quit, then work again, I'm pretty certain that the bulbs are okay.
I ordered another flasher and will try that.

Here's the funny thing.. The current flasher has a ground however it looks like it's tied into the two LED indicators in the dash and not to a ground. Since it was working, I'm thinking that it's setup correctly and will probably just connect the new one in the same fashion.
If that fails, I'm thinking about going with the toggle switch option..

There is good advice to follow here. Do not assume anything. Test everything.

Nearly every electrical malfunction I have had was due to a grounding issue. Go there first.

This is all good info and I appreciate it. I will test each bulb and if they all are working, I'll look for a ground issue. I put the old flasher back in and everything is once again working. A quick road test should tell if something is loose..

I'll second Lynn - the grounds are critical. Always be sure they're to bare metal and if possible, use a star washer between the grounding lug and the frame as they "cut" ever-so-slightly into each surface which enhances the connection.

Great looking rod - Glad to have you on the site.

Regards,
Glenn

Denny, good call. I did notice that one of the fuse panel female connectors had indeed backed off. I have since pulled both of them out of the box and have them connected directly into the flasher, outside of the fuse panel.
Once the rain quits, I'll take 'er out for a spin..
thanks
Ron..

Also look for corrosion. Check lamp sockets and fuse block. Use di-electric grease..

Welcome and post some more pics. Steve.