Evan's 6-way Turn Signals

[Big Jon]

Hey guys,



I just had Evan Beck wire in his six-way turn signal conversion to my rig last weekend, complete with the side-markers. He also put in a custom back-up light system using two 55 watt floods and a switch-relay so I can now flash something at those jerks that come up behind me on a country road with their high beams on .



I gotta tell you, I'm impressed. The amber rear turn signals with the brake lights both burning a steady red look great. The side-markers, which are on the turn signal circuit, look sweet and are handy too for visibility/warning for those small cars that can get in the blind spot right on the side of the bed.



Evan was thinking that if there was enough interest here, he would consider putting together a kit with some detailed instructions and make it available to members. The schematic he's posted before is nice (and he referred to that while doing my truck) but to have all the parts available and some step-by-steps would be even better (I might have attempted the job with a kit, but tearing into the steering column wiring without some how-to's? No thank you!).



So guys, it's up to you. If you'd buy such a kit for say, under $50 (depending on what kind of back-up lights you go for) say so on this thread. I'll let Evan know if there's a ground swell of interest.



Thanks,



Jon

 

[chucksram]

A kit sounds good to me. Maybee he can build one for the guys who already have aux. back-up lights.

chuck

 

[Ken B]

Sounds very interesting! Does anyone have any photos of what this conversion looks like? Specifically the side markers and the turn signal/brake light combo?



Big Jon, what back up aux. lights did you go with? Tractor utility? I installed a dual pattern halogen with both wide and narrow patterns... I like them very much, but I have a lot of condensation in the lens... . hmmm it must be the wet season in the PNW. Just curious.



Thanks, -Ken

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

Love mine

Evan Beck did his TS magic on mine nearly 2 years ago . When it comes to wiring, Evan is the man!



I didn't do the side markers but plan to eventually. But you are right Big Jon, I like the amber TS lights independent of the brake lights so they are always steady.



Vaughn

 

[redneckdr]

rear light rewire

i rewired mine, but let the ambers work like the current brake light turn signals, ie the reds stay on steady with braking, the ambers also come on with braking, and then if the turn signal is on the amber only on that side flashes. i figure the more light on on braking, the better! fairly easy rewire, and the real backup lights are a must!!

 

[wcaldwell]

Yes - I certainly would buy it.

 

[Evan A. Beck]

Looks like there is definately some interest here!



The backup light part of the system would be separate, but the wiring would include the provisions needed to add backup lights.



I could probably throw together 5 or 10 kits, with instructions included. Its not too bad of a job, nothing that can't be done on a Saturday.



The best part of the conversion, is the trailer circuitry doesn't change a bit.



On a side note, Jon... Have you talked to Mr. Havens yet?

 

[Big Jon]

Back-up Light Type

If you do a search on 6-way Turn Signals, I think you'll come up with a couple of pictures and Evan's schematic. I was going to throw those on the original post here, but then found out the forum rules are "no attachments".



Ken B. - I used the round 55 watt tractor utility lights for $8. 00 apiece. Plenty of light for seeing where you're backing into and flashing those high-beamers behind you. You can get the round ones with a halogen element in them for about $20. 00 each. Evan had some nice low profile ones that look almost OEM. I wanted the bucolic look the utility lights give me .



Evan - I'll PM you on the locomotive story . :{

 

[mberry]

Heck YES!!Oo. Oo. Oo. I would like to have one of those kits for sure. Better hurry before the bonus check is completely gone though!:-laf

 

[Mark_Kendrick]

One more 'Kit' for the wish list... Count me in!

 

[Scollins]

I'd be interested! I've wanted to add cab lights and the side markers as well. The other thing I've wanted to add is a turn signal indicater just behind the front wheel well (like european cars have. )

 

[Dkevdog]

I've already got a setup just like this, although I am interestred in the side turn signal lamps. What brand/type of lamp did you use for the sides??



Kev

 

[Dsl_Duo]

I too would be interested.

 

[drwish62]

6-way turn signal

Big Jon, I would be interested in one also.

 

[HVAC]

Will you be going to Calgary Evan???



Maybe we could do my dually there. Me likes trick electrical stuff

 

[Big Jon]

Side marker lamps

Dkevdog:



I don't have a part number (Evan might), but the lamps we used for the side marker/turn signals were a NAPA clearance light. It had a black plastic base, and a snap-in sealed amber lens/bulb assembly. If the bulb burns out you'd replace the sealed lamp. They are nice and bright, but also low profile and look like they should be stock. If you wanted to really get creative, you could wire in a larger lamp assembly that had two elements, one for clearance (on the headlight circuit) and one for signaling, but, you're not going to wind up with something as compact as the NAPA part Evan used.



Jon

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

Re: Locomotive story

Originally posted by Big Jon



Evan - I'll PM you on the locomotive story . :{

Hey Jon you have a good locomotive story? I love RR stuff, if you have a good one drop me a PM too



Vaughn

 

[Mactruck]

Evan,

I'll take one of those sets if your going to make up a bunch. Oo.

I have wanted to do this mod for a long time but when it comes to splicing wires, I don't trust myself. I'm better at installing new wires than modifying the existing wires I guess.

 

[Big Jon]

Mactruck:



The kit Evan would be putting to together is not plug and play. You'll still need to locate the appropriate wires and tap into them. Evan removes about a 3/8" of insulation carefully, and then solders the splice in and tapes it up tight. I suppose you could use Scotch-locks but don't tell Evan . Really, I think soldering is the only way to go, otherwise you'll probably wind up with a failure down the line.



After watching Evan, I don't think the task is quite as daunting as it sounds. There really is a lot of room to get at the wires underneath the dash by removing the shroud that covers the lower dash under the steering column. The one that probably is trickiest to tap into is the back-up light circuit that you'll need to activate the relay. It comes out of the main wiring harness from the power center under the hood.



I betcha Evan would make the instructions available to anyone who wants to take a look at what all's involved before you buy a kit. The other alternative is to take a road trip out to the Great Pacific Northwest .



Jon

 

[redneckdr]

rear wiring

it isn't that difficult. there is a backup light wire in the factory trailer harness. it can be used to trigger a relay at the rear of the truck, if you want to. there is also a "hot" wire for 12v+ supply.

if someone finds a source for side markers with two filament bulbs, please post. i know some of the members are looking for side marker lights that can also be wired to flash with the turn signals.