I'm considering adding extra lights to the back of my '24 Touring. I see that Snyders sells a bracket (p/n T-3661) that attaches to the top saddle arm.
http://www.snydersantiqueauto.com/5286
Does anyone have experience using this bracket and tail light? Ideally I'd like to use LEDs in these lamps (p/n T6956) for less current draw and hopefully better visibility.
http://www.snydersantiqueauto.com/1292
Will that work? Can anyone recommend specific LED that will work in these?
I have one of those tail-lights on each of my saddle arms. I went with regular 12-volt bulbs to go with my non-standard 12-volt alternator/battery setup. Sorry to say that I don't know much about LED's other than they're reputed to use very little juice. Either way, for daytime use, you'll only get momentary current draws when you step on the brake or use turn signals.
I like the fact that the lights are high up where they can be seen. Though purists might object to "incorrect" lights, these don't look incongruous. If you decide on turn signals, you may consider wiring up the cowl lamps and sticking amber bulbs in there, rather than adding modern, amber-lensed housings under your headlamps (Yech!). When I couldn't find amber bulbs of the right type top fit the adapter sockets, I just bought clear ones and colored them in with orange magic marker. The adapter kits are readily available from the Model T parts supply catalogs.
http://www.modeltford.com/item/6460SLE.aspx
A touring car doesn't really need turn-signals, assuming you do most of your driving during the daytime, with your top down. In an enclosed car, hand signals can only be seen from your left side. And of course, nobody sees hand signals at night.
Bob, none of these young folks have a clue what a hand signal is anyway. I've run into times where making a left hand turn signal, having the car behind me think I was waving them around me and pull out to pass.
Yeah, that's pretty sad. All the more reasaon to mount turn-signals, I'm afraid.
Bob - thanks for your reply. My car already has separate turn signals, so I'm just looking to upgrade the brake and tail lights. I currently have a single centerline mounted tail light (modern) with a stock 1154 bulb. I've found what sounds like a pretty good LED replacement here:
http://www.chevsofthe40s.com/detail/21620/Bulb_Led_Super_Bright_Red_6v_Offset_Pi n_1154_Style.html
or this one:
http://www.highspeedmotors.com/Webled.html
But I'd like to add tail lights to the left and right side also, so I'm looking at options.
I'd be interested in seeing how others have added lights, both stock and non-stock appearing. A modern option I found on ebarf is small bullet LED lights that perhaps could be discretely added somewhere:
http://vi.raptor.ebaydesc.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItemDescV4&item=190696461298& t=0&tid=10&category=35575&seller=kerrymark&excSoj=1&rptdesc=1&excTrk=1
As an interim measure, if I get caught out after dark I have a magnetic, 9v battery powered flashing LED light to stick on the back:
http://www.tractorsupply.com/2-function-magnetic-led-amber-safety-light-2830053
For safety sake, I would go with a modern alternative if that is the best option. Still looking.
This is what my dad did years ago before the Snyder's bracket.
"What about that duck tape George ??" Oh !? Glad you asked. My dad did all kinds of odd improvements to this car. When we put the taillamps on using bent metal straps, he thought the back of the exposed fixtures looked odd. So to soften the harsh angles, he took some small bleach bottles and cut to fit the backs, then proceeded to paint them black. Well after a few months they started to crack from vibration, so he used black duck tape. That worked but looked weird to me, but he was happy with it. I'm looking to go to LED also in the future and am looking at alternatives. Better is better, right ??
George n L.A.