Hi, Folks:

I have done the searches and read all the older threads on this topic. We are getting close to getting title and registration for our truck. What I would like is the "latest" wisdom on stop/turning lights that 1) look period right for 1926, 2) work well and will be legal for California, and 3) be a 6 volt system. We don't mind if they are LED technology.

I know that Lang's (and perhaps some other suppliers) have some things available. What we need is some good advice about what we could get that will work well and meet the above criteria. You folks are always so helpful that I am asking you for advice on the latest information.

Thanks in advance.

John

I've registered my 1915 Pick-up in California. I did not have to bring the vehicle up to current code with various stop lights and turn signals. All that the DMV requires is that the truck is as it should be represented for the year of manufacturing. I do not believe that the 1926 vehicle had turn signals. The rear light from Lang's is specific to that period and it would have to appear and be working when you gegister the vehicle. No, I did not have to have a vehicle inspection. I did have to have the VIN number (engine number being the same as the one on the tile) verified. If you are generating a new title the CHP will set up an appointment for you and generarte one, VIN number, for you for your titling purpose. California is very easy and "user friendly". You'll find other States are not so nice to us!

Turn signals are not required for Calif, although I have them to use when the top is up and at night. Long after installing them, it occurred to me that front turn signals only tell an oncoming driver that you may be about to do something stupid. I try not to do stupid.

Period turn signals were for rear only. This one winds a spring when you engage it, and turns itself off in about 20 seconds.

rdr

Check out the Montana 500 site for a D.I.Y. Signal kit. It uses LED Technology.

http://www.antiqueautoranch.com/montana500/nov2004/index.html

I am also in California. It's true, California is pretty easy to please legally when it comes to registering an old vehicle. However, one must remember that California is full of California drivers. Yup. Literally millions of them. Many have questionable driving skills. In consideration of this fact, I installed a modern signal kit on my TT. It may be out of sync with the notion of a vintage truck, but it sure makes me feel better. (Brake lights, too. Same reason.)

Henry you're right about the wack-a-doodles out here on the road. That's why I placed a very large red relector triangle on the back of my pick-up! Even then the crazies still do not see you and that's in broad daylight. More than funny is this point: How many of the young drivers know what your hand signal means? Not many! I think they think you are waving at them!!!
My mom's 87 and she remembers her father's T and A. She also remembers the "mechanical hand" that they got to pull when pop was going to make a turn.

I've given this some thought for my 27 Tudor and IF I was going to do it, I'd buy the available right side tail light and a couple of small motorcycle handle bar turn signals for the front.
I'd make brackets to mount the front lights below the headlights and paint them black.
I'd pick up an accessory turn signal switch like the one's that were made for the 50's cars that straps on the steering collumn and mount a small indicator light somewhere on the dash.
Just a thought.

Dennis.

I mounted the 50's switch so the lever is more in my line of sight, and it makes a hat rack...

The red framed sight gauge is T aftermarket. Looks like it was low..

rdr

John, I found some bee-hive style clearance lights with glass lenses at a big rig truck accessory place. The housings were chromed, but you could scuff them up and paint them if you wanted. They actually had several styles of lights with glass lenses. The red glass is dark, and looks period correct, and when they are not lit, they barely even show. On the front I used Amber glass (almost orange) which also gives the old look.

I drive a lot at night, and I wanted more visibility, so I changed the pigtails to double contact (napa parts). The 6 volt double filament bulb, I think it was an 1158, has the bayonets straight across, so they will fit the sockets. I used the 7 wire turn signal switch, so now I have 3 tail lights, 3 brake lights, and turn signals. That's visibility!

If you only want turn signals without the extra brake lights or tail lights, the 4 wire switch, and the single filament bulbs are all you need.

Thank you guys for all the information. Any more suggestions will be appreciated a lot.
John

I use 6 volt bulbs on my T's without problems. Here in Missouri the car has to be historic to it's manufacture, but you can add seat belts [one inch hemp rope] stop lights and turn signals if you wish.
I add the Ford optional stop lights on our '26 roadster and added a right rear light for safety. OURS.
As to turn signals, one third of the drivers use them, one third of the drivers don't use them and the other one third of the drivers ignore the first two thirds of the drivers.
My other editorial for the day.

Joe R.