Headlights Not Working

[desoto1939]

You can purchase chrome spray paint and then spray the inside of the bucket to get some more reflective background in the housing. I did this with my 39 Desoto

 

Rich Hartung

[DCurrent]

I'm finally about done with my wiring. Lights are brighter and everything works. Halleluiah! I have installed a 900 signal fire turn signal switch. I'm wondering if the idiot light is supposed to light every time the turn signal blinks? It only blinks just once when I make a turn, but always blinks when the hazard lights are on. 

[Jerry Roberts]

Does your Signal Stat also have the two very small green lights that are for turn indicators ? If so , the large red light shouldn't be coming on at all when you are using your turn signals . If you have the two little green lights , then the large red light is only for your  hazard indicator . If everything is working well it might be better to leave it alone . 

[DCurrent]

Yes it has the little green lights. The red light only comes on when the hazard is on is correct and it blinks as I think it should. The little green lights only blink once when it is flipped into a turning position. It's strange. Everything works good as far as the turn signals and hazards go. I might take it apart one more time and see if I can't figure it out, but if I don't see anything that sticks out to me I'll just leave it alone.

[greg g]

are the signals blinking or just coming on??  

[DCurrent]

I fixed it. I have no idea what I did, but the thing is working like I thought it should. All I did was take the cover off and move things around a little. Works great!

 

I have made a bit of a wiring schematic for myself. I think after I make an easy to read diagram I'll post it here on the forum. Maybe someone that wants the same turn signal option along with relays to work their headlights and horn could use it. I'm very happy with the brightness of the headlights. The relays seem to make all the difference. I also integrated a fuse panel for the cigarette lighter, turn signal switch, radio, heater, and anything else I might want to add in the future.

[wings515]

I did a complete re-wire once I installed halogen bulbs in my 39 pickup.  If you were closer ( I'm in PA), I'd be happy to re-wire it for you.  I have done 3 vehicle  re-wires so far.  I added an 8 position fuse block  and relay for the headlights on my truck  to bring the wiring up to modern standards  This is also a good safety feature.  I put the fuse block and relay under the dash to keep the engine compartment wiring close to original.

 

Good luck

[Young Ed]

I see you fixed it already but just for future reference I remembered this AM while driving the 48 to work that I've had a few of the cheapy 6v made in China or Taiwon flashers fail in this manner. Just like you desribed the indicator would stop but the outside lights would still work. I have since scrounged a couple handfuls of used old USA made flashers from the junkyards and am running those in both my 46 and 48.