Safety Reflectors.

[varmint]

I need to design a reflector out of metal to mount on the spare tire, have 24" of tape and four screw mounted plastics and plenty of steel. I do not want a triangle because I believe it has a legal meaning. So, what does everybody else use? I need some inspiration.

[John kuehn]

Use three of these. One for each bolt hole. They are 3 1/4” dia. And they bolt right on. https://www.emedco.com/center-mount-reflectors-rph.html

[TRDxB2]

Take a look at bicycle lights & reflectors too. They have a variety of styles and mounting options, some even have a blinking option
https://www.google.com/search?client=fi ... 3&dpr=1.33
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blinking option
https://www.google.com/search?q=bicycle ... ws-wiz-img

[Adam]

Don’t use the reflectors. People think they are tail lights. When they don’t light up or flash when you slow down, you are more likely to get rear ended.

[big2bird]

I bought these from Jay up north.
Playing around as well. Thinking top saddle irons for visibility, and kinda like ear rings on the old girl.

[JohnM]

I use a small usb rechargeable LED bicycle light mounted on my spare tire. It has several modes, steady red, slow flash and a rapid flash that can be seen even on a bright sunny day. It gets their attention long before they get too close for comfort.

[Tmooreheadf]

We have for years used LED lights, usually from Superbrite. No reflectors. There are so many tiny, bright LEDS out there now, you don't realize they are there until the ignition comes on. Granted, they're 12 volt. More six volts are coming about, or multiple voltage. As soon as the ignition turns on, those lights are on. The turn signals are in the same light unit. We sometimes get complaints because they are a little annoying for the car behind, but at least they know we're in front of them.

[A Whiteman]

Why do they need to be on the spare wheel?
Why not add tape/ adhesive reflectors to the rear bumper?
Cheers
Adrian

[varmint]

I've been rear ended over the years here three times and have always fixed the problem out of my own pocket. One guy drove off after impact. There are no Model T roads here. If this Coupe gets hit, it may become a pickup truck.

Many great perspectives.
Yes, I have added reflective tape to the bumper (of a different vehicle) before and am open to it.
Why not? Because, it seems a little low. I was witness to a pedestrian getting hit in the past year. The driver sat low and the dash, in the performance car, was high. So, I prefer higher up lights.

I'm concerned with the smallness of the the lights listed on the web sites but if they annoy drivers then drivers should stay farther back. Sounds promising.

Good to know about the psychology of reflectors that do not light up and being misconstrued as lights that are "off".
Maybe the reflectors can be used if they dangle, like earrings.

As it does not have a 12v battery, the rechargeable alternatives sound more attractive, but can search for 6v options.

[love2T's]

Everybody has their favorites I get that. Here's mine. These can be SEEN! Like a good quarter to half mile away. Most bike flashers are tiny little worthless junk. These cost a bit more but are worth it. Rechargeable...gets aboit 5 hours on a charge via a cord supplied, connected to your computer. Several modes. The one I show is rapid "top/bottom" flash which really gets attention.

[Humblej]

Regarding flashing bike lights, check with your state vehicle regulations. Flashing red bike lights on a motor vehicle are illegal in Michigan.

[speedytinc]

During a tour, we had a modern following with their emergency flashers on.
CHP pulled her over & gave a harsh warning about driving with hazard lights on.

[Scott_Conger]

There is a difference between "being safe" and "feeling safe". I always view threads like this with sad amazement - there will always be at least one person who is convinced "THIS light can be seen!, therefore I feel safe."

So what? Why are you convinced you will NOT be rear ended if you have some flashing doo-dad? What statistic or fact has led you to the conclusion that YOUR christmas display will be given any notice by anyone other than the Sherriff?

Sunday morning, on a 3-lane-each-way bridge. 9AM. Clear day and no blinding sun. Bridge was 3 miles long and I was in the right lane about to the end of the bridge, and was sideswiped by a woman doing 80MPH. But for the grace of God, she managed to ALMOST avoid a square-on rear end collision. She told the cop she never saw me and I must have pulled out in front of her. On a bridge. In the right lane.

It's always someone new in the hobby or at least a new driver who is convinced they can do something to be safe and avoid being hit. You really cannot. If it is your time, it is your time. Hand signal "right turn" and everyone will wave back. Hand signal "left turn" and the guy behind you will pass you on the left as you make your left turn. After a few close-calls or a collision, you'll wonder why you didn't spend all that $$ on life insurance rather than doo-dads.

I've done it all; hit, left pass and near-miss, road rage, you name it. At the very best, you are no more safe than a motorcyclist riding without a helmet...and you don't have the added bonus of loud pipes! (they save lives, don't you know )

If anyone is convinced they'll ever be "safe" in a Model T they are kidding themselves and if they think flashing doo-dads will make a difference to someone texting, or high, or just plain irresponsible incompetent, then they're arrogantly kidding themselves. You're not safe, and you're not "safe-er". If you EVER feel safe/safer, or at-ease while driving your "T", you will not be in tune to the possibility that every foot of road in front of you poses a danger to you and your passengers. Such level of safety, certainty and comfort that comes with that feeling, has been the near-death or death of any number of hobbyists...many of whom I am sure were certain that THEIR doo-dad could be seen.

I live in the world that is, not the world I want it to be, and drive like every fool out there is out to get me (because many of them are - and there is no doo-dad yet built that is going to dissuade them).

Be Aware - Be Safe -Be Careful - and don't allow any "safety device" to lead to even a split second's lapse in situational awareness. Complacency is not your friend and most certainly will not bring you flowers in the hospital.

[Henry K. Lee]

Scott...., Really? You forgot the bubble wrap and duct tape! Amen to your post as I can relate big time!

I slid a motorcycle under a semi trailer in my 20's as the jackass ran a stop sign. Thank God back in those days they did not have all the under carriage barriers on them or I would have been split into!

[love2T's]

I actually agree with Scott, altho I'm still gonna use my "blinkers", cops here haven't said a word about 'em, and frankly, the
REAL threat the past 4 years has been all these impatient assholes who insist on threatening everyone's lives by passing on a
double-solid-yellow no passing zone, often involving steep, blind hills. Just had a blonde yesterday pull that crap on me...another car was coming the other way, she got back in "our lane" maybe 200 feet before hitting the other car head on. 2 weeks ago a similar thing, but this time the other car had to literally drive half his car off the side of the road to LET the other car CLEAR him. It's getting worse by the year. Won't be long and I may just give up the T for say, a nice red '65 Mustang convertible!