CCKW Visibility

[Hammerhead]

A question for you guys. When my CCKW was restored, I removed the post-war blinkers that had been rigged up. (mine was an Army of the Netherlands return). I wanted my CCKW to be in it's original configuration. The problem is the visibility from the perspective of vehicles following me is poor when I give the proper hand signals. Hand signals are great when driving a jeep but nearly as effective in the CCKW. My question is do most of you have blinkers? I've considered using a flag attached to a thick dowel rod so the vehicles behind me can see my intentions on left turn, stopping etc. What do you guys do?
Hammerhead

[joel gopan]

You have an antique vehicle, hand signals are the norm, and if you drive according to your registration and antique insurance, myou should not have much traffic exposure. It is a parade vehicle, remember?

[John V Cliche]

I live in southern Maine. An area frequented by LOADS of tourists,and I use all my vehicles quite often during the summer months,therefore 2 mirrors and turn signals are almost a must ( for safety and courtesy ) so I have added turn signals.
The installation is as follows, I contacted Joe Hall from Vintage Wireing of Maine and he fabbed an additional harness that I ran along side my original wires I added a set of military style rear tail lites below the originals and a set of 50s style (arrow ) lites in the grill. Power is taken from the brake lite switch ,so there is no permanant holes or cuts in the harness or body so I can revert to the original at any time.And the tourists DO KNOW where I'm going at all intersections Especially going to and from shows and parades
Hope this helps
John

[Bill_Wolf]

I also have added signals to all my vehicles.

It is not as extensive as John has accomplished. I replace the right rear taillight (blackout bulbs only) with a left rear asssembly complete. It gives me normal running lights all the time. I then added motor cycle front signals to the diagonal front fender support. (It is tucked far enough up under the fender so it is barely noticeable) I painted the housings OD. I then added a column switch also painted OD.

I live in a heavily traveled tourist area full of "flatlanders" on weekends. Some of the worst drivers in the US. They now can't say "but he didn't have any signals". Never mind that it is a huge CCKW, or a Chevy Fire Truck, or an Ambulance with a Big Red Cross on the Rear.

I also do the same rear tailight switch to my trailers so I have signals on
them too!

Below is a picture of one on my Dodge Ambulance. The mount is different than the GM products.



Bill

[Chris_M]

Where I live modern blinkers are a must by law. Otherwise you are not allowed to drive on public streets.

[dr deuce]

I too added intergreted (with the stoplight) directionals and added another WW2 light on the passengers side. I too have the front directionals tucked up under the front fenders.

I have driven behind my wife in the GPW and can barely see her hand signals... It will get directionals this coming year

Ask yourself, how many kids know what hand signals are (especially when they are text messaging...)

[Thundercat97]

I added them to my CCKW when I rewired my truck this past summer. I purchased a repro harness from Joe (VintageWiring of ME) and had him add the blinker set up. I then used to cherry lights in the back on both sides. They are now brake lights and blinkers. It looks original and works well. The front blinkers are the black out lights.

[armydriver]

Cool set up's and they look original to the untrained eye. A lot of drivers today do not know what the hand signals mean.

[Hammerhead]

Thanks guys for all the suggestions. I have been worried for quite some time that I needed to do something to enhance safe driving in my vehicles. I've already had some close calls and knew I had to do something different. I'll be giving Vintage Wiring of Maine a call! That's where I've gotten all my wiring harnesses from; good people to work with! Thanks again, Hammerhead