P15 Directionals/backup Lights

[larryconnors]

If the directionals option wasn't purchased when the car was new, the large light in the center of the truck was the brake light and the smaller lights on the rear fender were parking and tail lights. The only directionals were hand signals. Correct ? If directionals were purchased as an option, did a two filament bulb get put in the tail lights so that they could flash to signal a turn or was a separate light fixture involved? Did the tail lights become stop lights too or was the large light on the trunk still the only brake light? Did the front parking lights also become directionals? Were backup lights a separate option or did they come with the directionals? Did the backup lights go on automatically when the car was shifted into reverse? Did the switch on the steering column have a flashing light to alert you when it was activated?  Were directional and backup lights an option for every year of the P15 or only later years? Sorry for all the questions but I'm confused. My 1947 P15 doesn't have directionals and I'm having them added. 

 

 

[P15-D24]

Dual sockets were added front and back for the turn signals. Brake light was still only the center light. 

Backups were a separate option with a backlight and switch on the dash.(Not automatic)  Some added two backup lights.  

High beam indicator was changed to add left and right indicators for the turn signals. 

Factory kit was self canceling. They were definitely available on all Chrysler products for '46 onward. Maybe someone with a '41 parts book can check and see if they were listed in the accessory section.  

[TodFitch]

. . .They were definitely available on all Chrysler products for '46 onward. Maybe someone with a '41 parts book can check and see if they were listed in the accessory section.  

1936-48 parts book lists the "Directional Signal Lamp Switch Ass'y" part type code 8-50-80. Looks like 1942 P14 used the same switch as the P15 but a different housing is listed part type code 8-50-87 for 1941, 42 and 46-48. There is also a listing for the 1941 in that column with a different part number. Actually it tells you to go to note 7 which has a long list of other parts that you are supposed to get at the same time as the switch.

 

Anyway, it looks like factory turn signals were available starting in 1941.

[Jim Yergin]

It was an option in '41 but the turn signal switch is different because in '41 the gear column shift is on top of the column. I was lucky enough to find one for my '41 on eBay. For my wagon, you also had to have the optional passenger side tail light. Standard only had the driver's side tail light.

Jim Yergin

Edited April 29, 2013 by Jim Yergin

[larryconnors]

Thanks for answering my questions. I had pieces of the picture but you guys have put it all together. I didn't know at all about the high beam indicator being changed to show the blinkers working. I saw a green 28k original miles 48 club coupe from Virginia yesterday at the Amherst NH meet that had the optional backup lights. That spurred my question. What a nice car!

[BobT-47P15]

On my P15, I used the 7 wire aftermarket unit with the rubber wheel that rubs on the back side of the steering

wheel center to cancel.  I think the factory signal was a 3 wire affair.......but don't know how it was routed, etc.

The turn signal indicator (arrows) as part of the high beam indicator bezel is a pretty rare bird to find.     

 

There are other ways and places to put turn signal indicator lights inside.....just invent your own.  I have a pair of

red glass bulbs below my dash to left of the steering wheel.  Just tied them into to the flasher connections under

the dash.

 

You can buy double filament bulb base discs at O'Reilly and other auto stores that fit into the stock P15 bulb clips.

You can wire so that all 3 rear lights come on for brake lites.  Wish I had made better notes when I wired up my

lights......cause now I don't remember just how I did it.  Wiring diagram usually comes with the add on turn signals.

 

Backup lights......one or two depending on what you like.  I think the kind of egg shaped ones were most original.....

but many styles were available aftermarket.        

Edited April 30, 2013 by BobT-47P15