Convert turn signals to running lights

[lawdog]

Has anyone converted their turn signal lights to running lights?

Ie. Install a taillight converter so the turn signal lights are on all the time and only flash when signalling turning.

I ordered the converter and I am wondering how it will look. If I remember correctly my Fatboy had the lights on all the time and flashed when signalling. Anything I can do to increase visability is good.

Still haven't decided if I am going to do front and rear or only the rear. What are your guys thoughts?

Thanks!
Brett

 

[dave_xb12r]

I've wanted to do this as well, and I'm interested in how your project turns out.

 

[lawdog]

I ordered it yesterday so it should be in next week. Not sure if I am going to only do the back or all around. When I do it I will document it for reference.

Hoping to get some feedback from others on how it looks. Yeah or nea. front, back, or both....

I am all for increasing visabillity. Especially to the front and rear.

 

[Miami78]

When I installed my xblights option 6 (with integrated signals) I wanted extra visibility as well (even though the xblights are stupid bright!), went with an LED set of signals that are also a brake light. Looks pretty good imo, and having 3 sets of LED's lighting up with the brake makes me feel a little more confident about people being able to see me.

 

[7Mary3]

Definitely post some pics when you get your mod done. I've been thinking of laying a metallic red coating on my rear turn signals to get red turn signals like the old American cars. Adding the running light function would look awesome.

 

[funnythebunny]

I don't think you can make it work with your current setup. Your turn signals must have dual filament in order to do the conversion (as the converter is actually designed for trailers with dual filament lights).

You'll have a better chance of converting your turn signals by using an HD Taillight Converter and splice up the wiring harness to it.

 

[lawdog]

Sure ya can. You have two options. One is like you said funny bunny where you replace the bulbs with dual filaments and run the extra wire to the taillight and headlight.

The second option of what I am going to do is use a taillight converter which basically runs power to the light all the time (running light) then cuts power (turn signal) when it recieves power from the turn signal wire. So the light will always be on except when you activate the turn signal then the taillight converter will cut power to the bulb and it will flash.

I will also need a electronic flasher since the load will be removed from the turn signal circuit.


If you scroll down about 3/4 of the way down on this web page it explains it better then I can.[up]

 

[Baal]

I think you're complicating the project. You don't need any kind of converter to do this. You just need to either modify the bulb seat to use a dual filament bulb, then solder a wire to the running light filament and run a lead to the tail light (not brake light) circuit, or change the bulb seat itself and run a lead to the tail light circuit. The converter isn't necessary. I don't think you want to depend on a single filament bulb to go off or dim far enough to be a clear signal to cars behind you.

Now, that's the thrifty approach. This is the less thrifty approach. Kisan makes nice products, and the Signal Minder gives you running lights, 4-ways, signal flash with brakes, and self-cancelling turn signals.

 

[lawdog]

I have heard nothing but good things about the Kisan unit.

The converter I ordered came in today but it was defective. Sent it back and waiting for a new one. Sigh....

On a side note I took it apart and it looks like they use a couple diodes and a transistor for the switching. Pretty simple circuit.

 

[bguinn]

I'm not sure what kind of converter you have ordered, but you should be able to accomplish this with just a couple of relays where the flasher signal that turns the blinkers on and off, actually pulls the relays. Then use a power wire from the taillight or the tag light to actually put the power thru the normally closed contact on the relay, so when the blinker actually blinks it turns off the light.

I think you could get a relay for around $8 a piece, you would need 2, one for each side.

 

[lawdog]

Yep the taillight converter I bought was $8 and is the same principle as using a couple relays. Only difference is they use transistors and the box is very small.

 

[Baal]

So the purpose of the converter is to avoid having to switch to dual filament bulbs?

 

[lawdog]

Yep, pure laziness. It would take me about 5 minutes to solder in the wires with the converter.

Problem is I got the replacement converter in today but it too is defective. What a piece of junk. I understand for $8 I am not asking for a lot for a couple of diodes, resistors, and transistors. On both of them the transistors are bad. So back to square one.

IfI went to the dual filiment bulb I would take out the lense housing, grind it down with a dremel, and install a new socket. I may go this route. It will still probably be the cheapest. Only difficulty I see is the wire is in sheath through the turn signal housing arm which I will have to remove to make room to run an additional wire. Easy enough though.

 

[lawdog]

So a little update to this project. I went to Autozone last week and got my supplies. Here is the problem. A dual filament 1157 bulb does not fit in the housing. The bulb will fit in the socket but the glass bulb is too big and hits the lense cover. So I do not see anyway to fit a dual filament bulb in the stock housing.

Time for plan B- LED turn signals!

 

[klauder88]

any of you guys have any ideas for front turn signals? i been researching some flush mounts but I don't know if the yamaha ones will fit the Buell. Any of you have any advice?