The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk Fender Mounted Turn Signals

Hello all,
Were fender mounted turn signals a Chevy accessory or aftermarket? When did they show up? As usual thanks.

Ted,

The first year that Chevy put fender turn signals was 1940 - the same year they went to sealed beam headlights. 39 and prior were done with lamps in the headlight housing itself.

Hope that helps!

Jonathan

I think you need to clarify your question. I think you are talking about the "tuna can" turn signal lights and 39AZ thinks you are talking about parking lights.

Chevy didn't offer turn signals until 1954. Any installed before then were aftermarket and usually used the fender mounted "tuna cans" because the park lights are wired for single filament bulb.

Cletis,

My bad, yes I was refering to the parking light location. I should know better since my headlights have been replaced by sealed beams so I have neither parking lights or turn signals!

Hand signals are fun, but I don't think anyone understands them anymore.

Thanks and yes I am talking about the "tuna cans" although I have never heard that expression before. I am thinking about adding them to my 54 panel and just wanted to make sure the purists out there won't hate me for it.

A trick many of us Art Deco owners use is to change the parking light into a double filament and use a yellow bulb. You then have parking and turn signals in the same place. This is my third truck and all of them either came that way or I wired it up.

If I am correct on the front end set up of yours, you may be able to do the same thing.

Ted,

First, do not worry about purists. It's your truck.

However, the fix on the front of ypur '54 Panel is easy: reproduction dual-filament front parking lamps are readily available (and that is what was used in '54 with the turn signal option on a Panel Truck).

The rear lamps are a more difficult matter and you have at least two options:
1. "tuna cans" on the rear body-side or on the rear splash apron (as long as they allow you to open the rear doors).
2. dual filament "bullet" rear side lamps - these are now being reproduced but are expensive (and, this is what was used in the original factory option/accessory).

Tim

I remember the "turn signals" on my grandpa's '47 ton and a half. An arm just behind the driver's door, controlled by a lever in the cab. The lever had 3 nothces, 1st = stop, 2nd = left turn, 3rd = right turn. He used it all the time. I learned to drive in that truck and used them too.
Never quit working, no burned out bulbs or flashers!

Thanks all, this has been a very informative thread for me.
I will do the dual filament number on my parking lights,as suggested, but may also include the tuna cans, just because I like the look
Waldo53... It sure would be cool to get one of those mechanical signals, never seen one.
This is such a kick *** site.

Never heard them called "tuna cans" before.............but I like it!!