Adding Turn Signals to your CJ3A

[athawk11]

[size=12]As many of you know, our little Jeeps were not originally equipped with turn signals. �Some municipalities may require this function. �Or, you may want to have a safer road experience that turn signals offer. �Older modifications usually included the addition of auxilary lighting for turn signals, but this just won't do if you are trying to have a more original look. �

You have the original parking lights, but you will find it nearly impossible to find a bulb that fits in this very confined space and has the dual filament needed for turn signals and parking lights.

 
I finally got around to snapping a photo of how I added turn signals and dual filament bulbs to the original parking lights on the grille.

This is similar to the modification done by Johnathan to his 3A restoration on our home page.

I cut the opening a bit larger using a hole saw. �I bought sockets at Autozone that would accept the very common 1157 dual filament bulb. �I welded on two legs made out of conduit clamps. This material is just flexible enough to easily shape for the proper mounting position, but stiff enough to hold the socket securely. �I made them long enough to utilize the same holes that are used to mount the bezel and to set the bulb far enough back to accomodate the larger bulb.�

I welded a nut to the back side of the newly shaped conduit arm, both for correct light bulb spacing and to hold both the socket and bezel in position. �The bending and shaping was by trial and error, but eventually I was able to get the angles correct and the arms/nuts to line up with the mounting holes.

I then removed the poly covered wires that came with the socket and soldered on the wires that came with my Walcks wire harness. �I think it turned out pretty nice.

This is just another option for those of you that want or need turn signals.

Tim [/size]

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[Bedrock]

Thanks, Tim, for the photos and description of how you did your modification.  It is very well done.  I like it and I am sure others will benefit from it as well.  


George

[garage gnome]

Good write-up Tim.

[athawk11]

Thanks George.  Thanks Nate.

It's not perfect, but it may give others a starting point that they can improve upon. �I would like to come up with a boot of some sort, that would protect the bulb from moisture.

Tim

[garage gnome]

And that would stop the light from bleeding back into the engine bay and making the signal dimmer too.

[athawk11]

Dang Nate.

You keep sneaking in responses.  I went back in and thanked you for your comment.  I bounce out... and bamb!!  You posted again!

You are right.  It does bleed some light into the engine compartment.  But that just makes my Willys "GLOW" during night time driving!!

Tim

[garage gnome]

Remember, I can seee everything...  8-)

[gmcjr]

Very nice work as usual [smiley=thumbsup.gif]

I wish I had known about that idea few years ago..... Mine are just turn signals only