Flush tail lights on my 1953 M38A1

C5loadmaster · Post by **C5loadmaster** » Fri Jan 18, 2013 10:36 am

I'm going with no turn signals. I don't like the turn lights on my grill which are blocking the BO markers anyway. Before I put the cart before the horse, I'll wire in the lights I have and evaluate the electrical system first then decide if there are any issues with the harness.

Post by **wesk** » Fri Jan 18, 2013 11:42 am

If you use the jeep as a driver you really should switch to more visible turn indicators. Todays drivers have no clue what hand signals are. Besides today's traffic moves too fast for it. Also the more visible full red lens that John posted are the best to make sure a 60 MPH clown that's texting behind you sees your brakes well enough to get distracted from his dumbarse texting exercise.

If she's gonna be a trailer queen or museum unit then stock is fine.

The use of the original front marker lights as front turn signals will not look as bad as what is currently mounted on the front of your jeep and they will still look stock and original.

The advice you are getting here comes from folks who have been there and done that.

timjuhl · Post by **timjuhl** » Fri Jan 18, 2013 11:44 am

FWIW regarding turn signals - it is possible to modify the front teardrop lamp sockets to accept a dual filament bulb and the lens to remove the cats eye to make a functional running light / turn signal.

In my case I chose safety over being "correct" but each of us has to go with what we feel comfortable with.

Tim

RICKG · Post by **RICKG** » Fri Jan 18, 2013 12:27 pm

Lots of ways to use the stock type front fixtures-heres one..

C5loadmaster · Post by **C5loadmaster** » Fri Jan 18, 2013 12:29 pm

All good points. Once I get the electrical up and running, I will be making those modifications.

THanks for the info.

Matt

Bretto · Post by **Bretto** » Sat Jan 19, 2013 7:50 am

And another idea. Sometime after I took these pictures I replaced the plastic reflector material with red glass and also painted the inside of the housing white to help brighten things up.

C5loadmaster · Post by **C5loadmaster** » Sun Jan 20, 2013 9:52 am

Nice look

Post by **wesk** » Sun Jan 20, 2013 2:32 pm

Bretto has a non-stock look that works OK but he's living in the upper western states. For the traffic found on the eastern seaboard more red lens is needed.

A little safer in heavy traffic

A lot safer in heavy traffic

The second and third illustrations will work fine on the show floor in the motor pool class.

53a1 · Post by **53a1** » Mon Jan 21, 2013 11:14 am

Nobody is going to criticize you for how you choose to restore it... each of us have had to decide how far our skills and wallets can take us.

Amen!

Personally, When I choose to deviate from original, I try to think of a clever non-destructive way to do so, so one could return to the original configuration without cutting and welding.

Post by **wesk** » Mon Jan 21, 2013 12:07 pm

All the tail lights above are two bolt mounting with quick disconnects on the wires making the switch from stock to modern road worthy a 5 minute task. No cutting, welding or heavy work.

Flush tail lights on my 1953 M38A1

Lights