hi guys - really want to get my semaphores working! this is what's going on:

car's a 59 beetle converted to 12V. when i bought the car, the semaphores were already disconnected

one day i took them out, sprayed grease on them. I tested them for a few sec on a 12V battery (just a few sec!)
they light up, they stay up, when i disconnect the power they even come back down
BUT they don't move up by themselves

having the semaphores there was one of the big factors why i bought this car. if anybody in brisbane think they can have a go at fixing them for me (for a beer or some $$$) please let me know! thanks

mine where jammed up when I got my 58 from a barn... I just worked them with a 6v for a while, also using a but of penetration oil, and they still seem to go up and down fine..

i'm missing something....


logic would suggest that if ur wiring semaphores into a 12v, and they worked out of vehicle, they should work in it.

unless reason for thei not working is that they are physically not on vehicle right.

If they are, next step is to put ur indicator on, and ensure the power is getting to teh semaphores at least...if power is getting there, problem with semaphores.

if powers not getting there, then use power light to chase it back and fix that way.

Understand??...i'm not very good at explaining myself I know....

maybe wait for more professional point of view.

All semaphores were 6 volt, you might need a volt reducer if you have 12 volt.
If you run 12 volt through them for too long you can damage them.

If your running 12V through them..... make sure you fit a 12Volt globe and its not touching the yellow lens.

also make the bulb flash which isnt too hard and involves adding another wire.

without the bulb flashing you will melt the yellow lens with the extra heat the 12 V globe puts out.

do u want me to have a look at them. The coils will handle the voltage but make sure you clean them and paint with lacquer to insulate.

thanks guys
i think the problem is in the coil. I don't know how to clean inside there though

when i get them working I plan to use resistors to reduce the voltage to 6V. but thanks vw54 the idea of a flashing 12V globe is good too!

do the semaphores have to be upright for them to move up? I've only been testing them when they're out of the car lying on the ground

No they can be in any position to make the move or jump out to the position.

Wash the coils in kero... to remove dirt n grease then flush with metho or acetone or paint thinners.... to remove the greasy kero give them a good blow out with an air gun compresed air. then paint with " nacker lacker " or clear laquer n a small paint brush, a few coats is good allowing to dry between each.

how do I get to the inside of the coils? do I just peel off the paper from the outside and work from the outside?

thanks!

If You take the enamel off the enamelled covered wire that the coil was wound in... You will make it short circuit...
the enamel is the oNLY covering on the wire....

If Your trafficators don't pop out when laying flat, try holding them vertical, as that was the position they were made to be used in.... the shaft in the coil may be sticking....

Penetrating fluid and then oil any moving parts....

The Shaft was ONLY made to go up & down....
the shaft could be catching inside the coil when laying flat..

These were called trafficators in Australia in the 50s & 60s...
The US call them semaphores but they had blinkers in 1957

Don't leave it on 12 volts too long....
Best to use an old headlamp bulb in series to help lower the voltage.... If it shorts out the headlamp bulb will go brighter..
If You are going to use it on 12 volts, I would use a different
light bulb... with small wattage or two 6v festoons in series might be OK... especially if they are flashing....

I was going to do all this to My Sons 56 Beetle... but never got round to do it....
I haven't got any trafficators here, My Son has heaps of them
but lives in another town.. otherwise I could have had a look at one for you...

Lee

thanks for that lee I'll give it a try

if they are out of the vehicle would they ( A STAB) be NOT earthed...??

meaning will not work too good??