Richie54 -
DADS50 added the green turn signal indicators to his '50. 1954 was the first year that a socket for an indicator bulb for turn signals was installed on an AD truck at the factory. The indicator is a single bulb that blinks for both left turns and for right turns. It is located at the bottom of the speedo dial between the "0" and "90" mph numbers. You can see it on this page of the Operator's Manual.
> Fig. 4 - SpeedometerPics in your album show that you have an aftermarket turn signal attached to your steering column. Looks like it has a single indicator light that comes on and is moved under the appropriate green lens when you move the lever. The indicator bulb is probably connected to the center terminal of the flasher. The terminal is sometimes marked with the letter "P" for "pilot light".
If your speedo gauge has a socket at the bottom, then you can insert a #51 6v bulb into the socket and wire the socket to the center terminal of the turn signal flasher to make the indicator in the speedo flash when you activate your turn signals. If the speedo does not have a socket, you can buy one like the your high beam socket at a parts store or electronics house. It takes a BA9s miniature bayonet base bulb.
There should be a cardboard tube with a green lens inside the speedo housing that baffles the light from the turn signal lamp and creates a green light when activated. If the lens is missing, you can paint the bulb green. A light coat of green spray paint works. That's what I did on my '54.
> Painted indicator bulbsFYI - these are the correct 6v bulbs for your '54 dash:
One bulb in the ignition switch housing:
6v = #51: 1 candle power, 1.7w @ 7.5v
Two bulbs in gauge cluster:
6v = #55: 2 candle power, 2.9w @ 7v
Two bulbs on each side of speedo:
6v = #55: 2 candle power, 2.9w @ 7v
Two indicator bulbs in speedo. Both bulbs are surrounded by 1/2" ID cardboard tubes with colored plastic lenses. Red for high beam, green for turn signal.
Top lamp is for high beam indicator
6v = #51: 1 candle power, 1.7w @ 7.5v
Bottom lamp is indicator for factory installed turn signals. '54 was the first year with an indicator lamp for turn signals.
6v = #51: 1 candle power, 1.7w @ 7.5v
If you have an orginal Chevrolet optional 6v cigarette lighter -
6v = #51: 1 candle power, 1.7w @ 7.5v
> This type of circuit tester is handy, cheap, and easy to useDADS50 and cletis -
Good call on the dangling sockets.
- Lonnie
