Thread: Converting parking lights to turn signals?

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Hey guys, on a 51' F1 what would need to be done to take the two small arrow shaped darts (orange lense) that are under the headlights and function as parking lights, and switch them to be the front turn signals? We have an aftermarket column with the turn signal lever.

thanks.

Red

Convert the socket to take a twin filament bulb (A1157). One filament becomes the parking light, the second filament becomes the signal light.

What do I need to do wiring wise? Is there some sort of turn signal device that then operates it? Or is the turn signal switch in the steering column? Thanks Brian. I'll convert the socket when I pull the bumper for chroming.

Red

You are in for a world of hurt and wonder. The signal lights are wired thru the turn signal device on the steering column, but they also must interact with the brake light switch, because the brake lights filaments are the same filaments that operate your rear signal lights. You will need to seek help on that one closer to home. I know how to do it, bur it changes, depending on what aftermarket column or signal light device you are using.---Brian

You're going to need a wiring diagram for the column that you are using,it will show exactly which signal light to where. As a general rule,there will be two green,and two yellow ,with the lighter colored ones for the front turn signals. Hope this helps you,Hank

Buy a 12v test light now if you don't already have one.
Even with the diagram you'll need to play around with what goes where . It's not that bad, it just takes a while your first time figuring why it worked a few minitues ago but not now ... when that happens, check your grounds, then the bulb ,before you go thru all the wires your playing with .

good luck
T L

Thanks guys. I'm thinking about running seperate rear signals rather than using the brake light, but it all depends on how it starts looking when we get there. I had to rewire our (the company I work for) trailer hookup after the truck shop couldn't get the wiring right on their end. Took me and the other driver about an hour but we got it all working in the end. I can only imagine how much "fun" this is going to be.

Red

Turn signals for the F1's were not installed at the factory. They came with two front parking lights and one rear tail/stop light. A turn signal switch was installed by the dealer and only the front parking lights were turned into turn signal lights.

On my 52 F1 I used the front parking lights as turn signals, and installed a set of small round amber lights for the rear signals. My tail lights and stop lights are on separate filaments in one 1157 bulb behind a red lens.

These diagrams may help you. At the bottom is an attached file "How do my turn signals work". It's worth reading.

You can get twin filament sockets from Ron Francis. Your neighborhood parts store may also have them.

The wiring diagram with the turn signal switch should show you how everything is wired.