| Author |
Message |
LoraK
Samba Member
Joined: September 04, 2008
Posts: 24
Location: White Mountains of NH
|
 Posted: Mon Mar 14, 2011 5:44 pm Post subject: Semaphore questions |
 |
|
Hi
My semaphores have seen better days. They will not pass the state safety inspection this year. They barely come up. After looking around I read that since my '51 was originally 6 volt I should keep them 6 volt but they have been 12 volt for decades.
Is there a reliable semaphore rebuilder or should I buy a new set of 12 volt? Has anyone purchased aftermarket semaphores?
Thanks in advance! |
|
| Back to top |
|
 |
johnshenry
Samba Member
Joined: September 21, 2001
Posts: 9413
Location: Northwood, NH USA
|
| Posted: Mon Mar 14, 2011 7:44 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Are they ribbed/grooved or smooth sems Lora? If they are ribbed or grooved, they are definitely worth restoring and keeping at 6 volts. I restore the early sems and can re-wind burned and shorted coils.
If they are smooth (I don't restore those) and you are OK with that, and you have a 12 votl system in your '51, I would just replace them with some aftermarket 12 volt units....
_________________
John Henry
'57 Deluxe
'56 Single Cab |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
LoraK
Samba Member
Joined: September 04, 2008
Posts: 24
Location: White Mountains of NH
|
| Posted: Mon Mar 14, 2011 8:30 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Your name sounds very familiar. Do you know my dad Larry? I worked with him in mid-late 80's.
As far as the semaphores, I am not sure about ribs etc. The lenses are smooth. I also have heart tail lights so I doubt anything is original.
Lora |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Bruce
Samba Member
Joined: May 16, 2003
Posts: 17631
Location: Left coast, Canada
|
| Posted: Mon Mar 14, 2011 10:01 pm Post subject: Re: Semaphore questions |
|
|
| LoraK wrote: |
| My semaphores have seen better days. .... They barely come up. |
This is a very common problem. The cause is usually not the semaphore. Low voltage is usually the cause.
Turn the semaphore on and stick your volt meter leads on the terminal that supplies power to it. Then let us know what you get.
_________________
| overheard at the portland Swap Meet... wrote: |
| ..... a steering wheel made from a mastadon tusk..... |
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
johnshenry
Samba Member
Joined: September 21, 2001
Posts: 9413
Location: Northwood, NH USA
|
| Posted: Tue Mar 15, 2011 5:15 am Post subject: |
|
|
| LoraK wrote: |
Your name sounds very familiar. Do you know my dad Larry? I worked with him in mid-late 80's.
As far as the semaphores, I am not sure about ribs etc. The lenses are smooth. I also have heart tail lights so I doubt anything is original.
Lora |
Yes, I know Larry, and visited his house many years ago looking at some parts he had. I remember seeing your '51 there.
Bruce is right, first order of business is to measure the voltage at the semaphore, between the sem body and the lower terminal, while the semaphore is on.
_________________
John Henry
'57 Deluxe
'56 Single Cab |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Matts Bug Parts
Samba Member
Joined: July 01, 2001
Posts: 213
|
| Posted: Tue Mar 15, 2011 8:41 am Post subject: Semaphores |
|
|
If you send pics to me at [email protected] I will asess them re: restoration.
Matt |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
LoraK
Samba Member
Joined: September 04, 2008
Posts: 24
Location: White Mountains of NH
|
| Posted: Wed Mar 16, 2011 2:21 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Hi Matt
I looked at the drivers side one today and it was smooth with a VW logo. As soon as it warms up more I will take them off and send you a picture. If you can restore them can you make 12vlt? I really never remember the bulbs actually working, just the arms coming up.
Lora |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
