adding turn signals to a car that has none... how?

Obin Robinson · Apr 7, 2004

ok, now this is a total puzzler here. we are doing the preliminary wiring "shopping list" for the BMW and we are puzzled about the turn signals. originally we were going to just put a toggle in the switch area, but then we wondered if there is a way to do turn signals in vehicles without stalks on the steering column?
i've seen a few neat tricks done by the dune buggy crowd and the CJ crowd. what do people here recommend for a simple and effective turn signal control that isn't steering column mounted? anyone here have a similar problem in the past?
thanks!
obin

LittleBlackGTI · Apr 7, 2004

Re: adding turn signals to a car that has none... how? (Obin Robinson)

jerk · Apr 7, 2004

Re: adding turn signals to a car that has none... how? (Obin Robinson)

LSinLV · Apr 7, 2004

Re: adding turn signals to a car that has none... how? (Obin Robinson)

Obin,
Just install the physical lights were you want, and run the base wiring thrugh a turn signal flasher/relay, with a simple 2-pole, 3-position MOMENTARY switch.
Then you just toggle the switch left or right as needed, and as you complete the turn, you just let go of the toggle.
Very manual, but very simple.....

Obin Robinson · Apr 7, 2004

Re: adding turn signals to a car that has none... how? (lsinlv)

Quote, originally posted by lsinlv »

Obin,
Just install the physical lights were you want, and run the base wiring thrugh a turn signal flasher/relay, with a simple 2-pole, 3-position MOMENTARY switch.
Then you just toggle the switch left or right as needed, and as you complete the turn, you just let go of the toggle.
Very manual, but very simple.....

that's the leading idea we have so far right now. we're going to use the stock lights, just not the stock column switch. the thing i love about the whole process of doing the electrical system from the bottom up is that you really get a great insight into how much CRAP and extra wire is in your everyday standard car

obin

rx7racr · Apr 7, 2004

Re: adding turn signals to a car that has none... how? (lsinlv)

Quote, originally posted by lsinlv »

Obin,
Just install the physical lights were you want, and run the base wiring thrugh a turn signal flasher/relay, with a simple 2-pole, 3-position MOMENTARY switch.
Then you just toggle the switch left or right as needed, and as you complete the turn, you just let go of the toggle.
Very manual, but very simple.....

what he said. but I wouldn't necessarily use a momentary switch. that way you can leave the signal on for a bit without needing your hands on it for more than an instant.

lyledriver · Apr 7, 2004

How about a steering wheel with two momentary buttons on it (connected to a flasher relay of course)?

jbell · Apr 7, 2004

Re: (lyledriver)

i would rip the stalk out of a first gen mr2.
its not connected to the steering wheel, so it should be rather easy.

jerk · Apr 7, 2004

Re: (lyledriver)

Quote, originally posted by lyledriver »

How about a steering wheel with two momentary buttons on it (connected to a flasher relay of course)?

No, those buttons are reserved for nawz!

rx7racr · Apr 7, 2004

Re: (jerk)

whatever way ya do it, i wouldn't make the actuator too conspicuous. After all - this is a car that declares its priority as performance - - not legality.
I would use the 2 position toggle switch and just put it in line with the other toggle switches you're bound to have (lights/fan/rally-comp/interior light/etc.../etc...) on the dash.
make it one of these on your equivalent setup:

adding turn signals to a car that has none... how?

Obin Robinson

LittleBlackGTI

jerk

LSinLV

Obin Robinson

rx7racr

lyledriver

jbell

jerk

rx7racr

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