Front turn signal placement on a M38

[skyjeep50]

Where did the military mount turn signal lamps on the front of a M38? I've seen various locations in the Gallery pics but the instructions for the electronic system don't mention a specific location. Was there a standard position?

[wesk]

The most common for the M38A1 was the use of the original BO markers with yellow lenses.

The M38 was quickly phased out of service for the most part by 1960 when the transistorized system came out and since most M38's were active in the inventory during the 50's it stands to reason the M38's that had a need for turn signals (IE used in civvy traffic a lot) would have used the MWO 9-2300-263-20 system which was the only system available then. The Guard units continued on for a few years with a few M38's in the 60's but I don't see enough of a sampling of transistorized signal system m38's to establish any standard.

Keep in mind that you are installing a very expensive system to maintain mostly because the component cost is sky high. A simple brand new civvy Signalstat 900 series switch with civvy flasher is a much better investment and will give you 20 years or more of trouble free service with replacement parts availability being very good and reasonable. You could buy a scrap MWO 9-2300 system and use it's Signalstat switch or a new Signalstat 900 switch with a standard 24 volt civvy flasher hidden in the old junction box and look like a perfect motor pool resto with a stock 1950's system military signal system. For the 12 volt guys the M715 site even has a complete 12 volt conversion article for the old junction box which they actually replace all the relays with transistors.
http://www.m715zone.com/vb/view.php?pg= ... ox_convert

If you are still stuck on the transistorized system a civvy 24 volt flasher is easily adapted to that modern military switch.

[skyjeep50]

I wanted to keep the blackout lamps original and functional on my M38 for demonstration purposes so I ordered a new wiring harness with accessory leads for separate turn signal lamps. I had already found the transistorized switch and flasher module at pretty resonable prices. It is a fairly "plug and play" system. I guess its probably not at all what the military would have used but they wouldn't have had Gama Goat lenses on the rear either! But I wanted to be seen in traffic.

[wesk]

The extra lamps on the fenders or bumper look ridiculous. My preference is to change the lamp sockets to offset pin dual filament sockets in the standard BO light housing using the yellow lens covers.

[skyjeep50]

I agree. Thats why I've been struggling with this minor step and what would work best and still preserve the blackout lenses. I think I'm going back to using amber lenses on the blackout lamps and skip the extra housings. If I switch power leads between the turn signal circuits and blackout light circuits and change the lenses, I can still preserve the cat eye functions for demonstration purposes/car shows/parades.