Headlight turn signal

[Divco one]

If I use the parking light in the headlight, as a turn signal, will it be visible? Do they sell 6 volt Amber bulbs?

[barkleydave]

Yes! I have amber bulbs in mine and they show up very well. I do not know about 6 volt bulbs. Mine are 12V

[31Tudor]

I would think that it wouldn't be very effective if you had the headlights on? If your car has cowl lights, people use those for turn signals or a separate light set up.

[BillLee/Chandler, TX]

I use the amber bulb in the headlight for turn signals.

I rarely drive when the headlights are needed, but they are visible with the headlights on, as good as most moderns since most moderns have the turn signals right next to the headlights.

On my car, the socket for the parking lights inside the headlight can is a 2-connector socket. I ran a second wire to it, one wire for the parking light filament, and the second for the turn signal filament.

My system is 12v.

[Patrick L.]

I use both parking and cowl lights as turns. 6v. Fronts can't be seen well with headlights on, but, I don't use them often.

[CarlG]

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In this part of the country, we are required to have our headlights on at all times (while touring). I would think that turn signals in the headlight bucket, with the headlights on, during our 24 hour daylight (at this time of year), would not work very well.

I use my cowl lights both as parking and turn. Very visible.

[Bruce Adams]

When you think about it, front turn signals are a fairly low priority, useful mainly for left turns at traffic lights. Based on this thought, amber lamps, even if you purchase amber glass paint at HOBBY LOBBY, should do the job in a satisfactory manner.
My cowl lamp turn signals are more than satisfactory.

[1931 flamingo]

The fog lights on mine are the turn signals.
Paul in CT

[62pan]

Originally Posted by Bruce Adams

When you think about it, front turn signals are a fairly low priority, useful mainly for left turns at traffic lights. Based on this thought, amber lamps, even if you purchase amber glass paint at HOBBY LOBBY, should do the job in a satisfactory manner.
My cowl lamp turn signals are more than satisfactory.

This was my thoughts when installing turnsignals on my roadster. I have amber painted bulbs in the headlight. I am more concerned about those behind me seeing what I am doing then those I can see in front of me.

[Hoogah]

There are many posts on this forum about the lack of awareness of other drivers about anticipating what our old cars are doing. For our own safety I think we owe it to ourselves to make our stopping/turning intentions as obvious as possible (e.g. third brake light) to all road users including pedestrians at an intersection.

Expecting other road users to perceive a small flashing amber light in the middle of a headlight doesn't sound like a clever idea to me. Modern cars have turning signal lights that are separate from the headlight - this is what other modern-day drivers are looking for (if they're looking at all!) Why make it harder for them to avoid you?

The parts suppliers sell suitable turning lamps that are specially adapted to fit the A Model bumper, and are well separated from the glare of a headlamp. That's what I use on my '28 Phaeton - back and front!

[redmodelt]

Even in modern cars amber turn signals in the head lights are hard to see even with the lights off. My OP is front turn signals should be where and at the height people would expect to see them not in the head lights or the parking lights.

[CarlG]

Originally Posted by redmodelt

Even in modern cars amber turn signals in the head lights are hard to see even with the lights off. My OP is front turn signals should be where and at the height people would expect to see them not in the head lights or the parking lights.

And not in the middle of the bumper!

[Gyrodoc]

My turn signals are on the headlight bar. I also use hand signals. The most danger I see is changing lanes not turning. Defensive driving is a must but most motorist give my car respect.

[KGBnut]

I have never been able to find Amber Bulbs in 6v, so I started making my own. I am asked about it often enough that I keep saying I should write out instructions, but I haven't gotten around to it yet.

In short, look in a craft store...Michael's...Hobby Lobby...or something like that. Find the paint for making stained glass, and select an amber color that you like. I fill a paper bathroom cup with the paint, wrap a wire loop around the base of the bulb, and dip them completely coating the glass. I hang them until they are good and dry, and then bake them in the oven. The instructions on the paint will tell you how hot and how long.

I make a bunch at a time, and keep plenty of spares in the car. I often find I can trade them for stuff as shows.

Ken