Needing Help Getting Vintage Wig-Wag License Topper Working
 

I have a vintage Wig-Wag License Topper that will wig, but not wag. I have secured a couple of the wires, but I obviously have not achieved something correct to have it wag back and forth. I do not understand the mechanism to create the magnetic pull and then the release for the spring to go back to the neutral position for the opposite magnetic pull. I have removed the bulb and wiring for now, that would be an easy fix if the movement mechanism can be repaired.
I have been able to do many previous wiring projects, but this one has exceeded my limited abilities. Does anyone know of someone who might be able to evaluate and hopefully repair this vintage accessory.

Re: Needing Help Getting Vintage Wig-Wag License Topper Working
 

The solenoid coils appear to have been rewound and or damaged.

Is a simple dc electrical circuit with the contacts actuating the appropriate coil to pull on the armature thus moving the Wig Wag. A multimeter and basic dc electrical troubleshooting skills will be able to sort this out.

A neat accessory. :)

Re: Needing Help Getting Vintage Wig-Wag License Topper Working
 

i had no idea what this was so i had to google it. if you are interested too:


Youtube... start at 0:34



Tom

Re: Needing Help Getting Vintage Wig-Wag License Topper Working
 

Same, thanks Tom. Those are neat.

Re: Needing Help Getting Vintage Wig-Wag License Topper Working
 

Basically there are two separate circuits. When the left or right coil gets power it attracts the center lever. When the lever gets to the coil a contact opens for that coil and switches the power to the other coil attracting the lever to the other side. Check that both coils have continuity. I suspect there is a simple set of contacts that the lever hits behind the 2 rivets.

Re: Needing Help Getting Vintage Wig-Wag License Topper Working
 

Thank you for the suggestions, the effort to get it working will continue.

Re: Needing Help Getting Vintage Wig-Wag License Topper Working
 

I believe you have a part missing. The stiff wire shown in the pics switches the voltage to the coils as the flag moves right and left. As the wire passes across the contact plates it turns on the magnet associated. Apologize for pic quality. This unit was in a fire and I am in the process of getting it back in operation.

Re: Needing Help Getting Vintage Wig-Wag License Topper Working
 

MAG, thank you for the pictures, we were able to compare a working wig wag and realized that wire was missing. In addition to a bad winding we are working to create that wire flag.