IamScotticus Posted January 26, 2022 Share Posted January 26, 2022 (edited) Yes I said it. Trafficator. Traffic + Indicator = Trafficator. They are those mechanical flags on the 50's European cars used to indicate your intention to divert your current directional course. They're a hit at auto shows. Although the Seven never got Trafficators, the early 60s cars often got the switches, along with various other Morris & Triumph parts. Indeed, the prince of darkness ruled the world in those days. So why am I bringing these up? Well for one thing, Caterham was still using Morris parts as late as my build, 1996. I'm still trying to find the origins of the hand brake...So why not add another charming Morris part? This led me to investigating why this particular indicator switch was used. I found out it has a built in timer! Vacuum operation and adjustable! Typical English, over engineering things! A red Lamiplate instrument panel is required, of course. So is this self-canceling switch better than the toggle lever switch that we invariably neglect to cancel? Edited January 26, 2022 by IamScotticus Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John B Posted January 29, 2022 Share Posted January 29, 2022 My XK140 has one and it works great. It's an odd little device though, it's vacuum operated with a leather diaphragm inside. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lotusfan Posted January 30, 2022 Share Posted January 30, 2022 (edited) Coincidentally, I just today received an email from Holden that they have a reproduction of the Lucas switch https://www.holden.co.uk/p/lucas-31250-self-cancelling-vacuum-indicator-switch-1?utm_source=mailchimp&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=week4_holden&utm_content=lucas_switch Edited January 30, 2022 by Lotusfan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kayentaskier Posted January 30, 2022 Share Posted January 30, 2022 I don't mean to hijack this thread, but there is an after market product, designed for Caterhams that adds self cancelling capability to blinkers: https://www.pgmsussex.com/product-page/indicators I have not bought one, so don't know how well they work. Jim Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
speedwagon Posted January 31, 2022 Share Posted January 31, 2022 I remember using these solid state delay off timers. years ago. googled a search for then and they are still available, and cheap. https://www.google.com/search?q=delay+off+timer+12v&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&client=firefox-b-1 remember using the mars brand and you can set the time you want. Worst case you would need 2 NO WAIT they might just turn off after each blink. but it is worth investigating. john Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SevenAmerica Posted January 31, 2022 Share Posted January 31, 2022 I was surprised to see that Holden carry them now... I have several "parts" switches and one complete spare beyond the one in my '61 Seven. I understand that Moss now carry them as well, perhaps a little more "local" : https://mossmotors.com/switch-turn-signal-on-dash?assoc=51009 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnCh Posted January 31, 2022 Share Posted January 31, 2022 There are a few companies that make self-cancelling electronics. I've used one from Cadent for many years (17?) on my car. Works great, but they stopped selling to the public to focus on OEM business. Signal Dynamics make one for motorcycles and BlinkSTOP in the UK makes a unit that's been wildly popular in Westfield circles for well over 10 years. It is configurable to work with either the classic ON-OFF-ON toggle switch or a momentary pushbutton or rocker. I'm going for this one on my new build. However, for a genuine Lotus Seven, there is a cool factor with the mechanical timers that's tough to beat. -John Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IamScotticus Posted February 1, 2022 Author Share Posted February 1, 2022 (edited) Thanks foe the responses and suggestions! I have seen on vids that one of the vacuum operated have an adjustment screw for delay duration. Holden is interesting... they still offer the Lucas L516 torpedo side lamp that was fitted to early sevens. Another retro bit Im considering. I like the idea of mounting it through my clam's wing stay for added rise support. Ken sent me a shaft size. It would take up the entire inside width of the square wing stay tube. Still undecided and may not do it unless Im required to put a marker up there by my official scrutinizer. I honestly don't know how those small low profile bolts provide enough retention? I need replacements of those, btw. Edited February 1, 2022 by IamScotticus Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IamScotticus Posted February 1, 2022 Author Share Posted February 1, 2022 (edited) On 1/30/2022 at 10:45 AM, kayentaskier said: I don't mean to hijack this thread, but there is an after market product, designed for Caterhams that adds self cancelling capability to blinkers: https://www.pgmsussex.com/product-page/indicators I have not bought one, so don't know how well they work. Jim This is a great idea! Thanks. I think I would want to replace my Cat sw with a momentary style to use with this. This is the Blink-Stop module Edited February 1, 2022 by IamScotticus Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now