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Classic/Antique Car Repair/1939 Plymouth p8 turn signals

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Expert: - 9/20/2008


Question
I have an after market turn signal system for this car which does not work right. You have to turn the signal on a mile before the turn and it might start to blink by the time you get to your turn. It is a 6 volt positive ground system and I have purchased a 6 volt flasher for it as well as the one it came with and neither seem to work right. Any ideas on the slow to react turn signals or how to narrow down the problem?

Thanks,

Chris

Answer
Most flashers are heat sensitive devices. That is the more current that passes through them the hotter they get and the more frequently they flash. So, if you have the system wired to small tail light bulbs they will flash slowly. They need to be wired through bright bulbs used for stop lights in order to work correctly.
Brad

Classic/Antique Car Repair

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Brad Sears

Expertise

All automotive including antique and collectible. However if the car has been modified I can only answer in general terms and maybe get you pointed in the right direction.

Experience

Automotive tech instructor. Syndicated auto columnist 1970's though the early 1990's. Syndicated auto radio talk show, Ask Brad About cars, CBS Radio 70's through 90's TV Show "Last Chance Garage" 1980's PBS-TV syndicated. Auto instructor for the following companies: Fram Autolyte Holly Carter AMF Ford Motor University Of Conn Blue Hills Technical School Sugar River Technical Center Grew up in a family garage in Needham Mass and turned wrenches from the age of 14.

Publications
Manchester Union Leader, Nashua Telegraph, Motor Service Magazine, Yankee Magazine, Popular Mechanics (Saturday Mechanic early 80's), Los Angeles Times, New York Times, and lots more.

Education/Credentials
More than I care to remember. Basically Franklin Technical Institute in Boston, Northeastern University, Fitchburg State Teachers College, Tufts University, and a lot of factory schools along the way.

Awards and Honors
Moto Award winner. And much more.

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