The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The Electrical Bay Adding turn signals to 1946 Chevrolet pickup

Using Guide 6002 turn signal switch (7 wire setup with rear brake lights also acting as turn lights).
Where is the recommended (best) resource to access battery power for the fused switch connection?

Here is the schematic used on my 46 using Jim Carter's El13312 Switch.
Hope this helps,
Harold

You probably want it to go off when the ign. is shut off. If so wire the fuse to the ign. switch.
George

There are probably times when you want 4 way flashers (if available on the system used) when the truck is shut off (as in dead on the side of the road). So a constantly powered source would be needed for that. If it's just turn signals, then a key-on powered source would be best.

My ‘52 3100 headlight switch has three screws on a connected terminal block, where the switch is supplied with power. Since the turn signal switch is located near the headlight switch, I used one of those terminals to supply the fused turn signal supply. I looked at the switch for a ‘41-‘46, and it appears to also have those same three screws, although a totally different switch. I could be wrong, but it is something you can look for.

Thanks, all.
I am certainly enjoying reading your responses. Please keep your thoughts coming.

I am not new to electrical wiring. But, I am a little bit in a quandary.

In 1946, things were much simpler. So therefore the obvious battery connection to power an accessory, which were limited in scope, came either directly from the headlight switch, the ammeter or the ignition switch.

Several people have told me that the ignition switch was not constructed in such a manner to facilitate a number of accessories. Doing so, could have a negative effect on the switch contacts. So, currently I have a stock heater and stock radio (both with inline fuses) connected to the switched side of the ignition switch. There are NO accessories on the HOT side of the ignition switch.

The question is᠁do I ADD the Guide 6002 turn signal switch ((7 wire setup, using brake lights as turn lights in addition to brake lights) to the switched side of the ignition switch OR to another HOT point? The overall goals here are (1) to be safe and to (2) protect the integrity of all the truck’s equipment. The turn signal switch has an inline fuse for the battery connection. It does not have 4 way flasher capabilities, only basic turn signals front and rear.

The entire truck remains 6 volt.

“The ignition switches in those days weren't designed for much current. That's why so many accessories on old cars are always wired hot when it seems obvious to switch them.”

A reply from a respected “ole timer”.

Your "Old Timer" is correct about the Ignition switch, I wouldn't pull power from there. On my '46, the turn signal power was tapped off the headlight power input. If you follow the wire from your ammeter to the headlight switch, you will see two additional screws for tapping power at that terminal. As stated previously, you can tap power at either side of your ammeter. Either of these connections will give you unswitched power to the turn signals, I personally don't see that as a problem as a flashing turn signal is quite easy to notice from inside or outside the vehicle.

If you wanted switched power to the signals I would suggest using a standard 30 amp relay triggered by the ignition switch to power the circuit. You could get a larger relay and a small add on fuse block and use that combo to power the radio and heater fan also.

Steve

Say Hi to Jerry for me.

Occasionally we get a customer for a restorod that wants a factory stock interior including the ignition switch. We use a relay of whatever amperage is needed between the ignition accessory terminal and a 6/8/10 post terminal strip that is remotely mounted. A 12g or even 10g wire then feeds the relay while a 16g wire from ignition switch can activate the relay. This allows radiator fans, p/w, seats, sound system, wipers, and any other toys to operate from the factory switch.

Darling Use fused ignition key source,so people don't come in and say hey your turn signal is running your battery down out here !!

Darling Did you understand that it only takes 3 wires to run the whole rear of the truck ?? Turn signals,brake lights,tail lights all with just 3 wires.

Thanks all. Turn signals project is complete and everything is working like a charm. Original unmolested Guide 6002 switch looks like it has alway belonged. Wired turn signal switch power directly to ammeter.