Restoring semaphores

[MALCOLM THOMPSON]

Hi Can some one help me please. i have swf smooth semaphores which wont return down after turning off. It will park down with a bit of manual persuasion. I have bought a replacement spring set from Kaefer nostalgia? but despite requests they wont send any instructions as to replacing these springs. The main culprit must be the return spring which is missing so i have no idea where it goes.
many thanks .

[Matts Bug Parts]

PM sent.

Matt

[Ted2]

I had Matthew Ross restore the semaphore for my '55. The work was excellent and they work perfectly.

[scarroll]

What semaphore part number is correct for my November '54 Bug? SWF or SHO? VW logo? Smooth or ribbed? Thanks very much!

[Matts Bug Parts]

Smooth, SWF or SHO are both correct. Dark orange lenses.

Matt

[Matts Bug Parts]

Go here for more detail;

https://www.thesamba.com/vw/archives/info/semaphores.php

[scarroll]

[vw_costa]

Hi. My 59 beetle has a 12V system and I am using a stepdown reducer to deliver 6V to the semaphores (6V output adjusted using a multimeter). But, even with the 6V feed, the semaphores are heating, something like 60 tto 70ºC. Is It OK or i am in troubles? Thanks

[Bruce]

Get a 6V battery and connect it to your semaphore. Then run it and measure the temperature every 30 seconds. Let it run as long as you want.
Now hook it up in your 12V cct in the car and repeat the test. If the temps are the same at the same time interval, you're good.
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[Bruce]

[markendee]

[Suboval]

[56Cabrio]

(From EverettB's gallery)
Semaphores from my '54 Barndoor Single Cab
I'm pretty sure these are the originals.
SWF. Part # AL 143.001.1

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1956 Rag Top owned since 1988
1956 Convertible owned since 2000
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RIP Dad 4/20/1951 - 2/4/2023

[Bruce]

[Bruce]

[EverettB]

[Bruce]

A bus guy like you Everett should have an opinion on this. Do you see mostly SHO semaphores in Type 2s?
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[EverettB]

[tunes]

Hi all! I'm a newly when it comes to semaphores. My right hand side one comes out only a bit and doesn't spring or jump up like the left side one. I have a '56 Oval.

Could it be the semaphore spring isn't strong enough anymore, or something else that is failing? It does release, but not enough. Opens quarter to half way. It sometimes opens all the way, but VERY seldom!

Now, I'm wondering if it could be the semaphore spring? (looks like a normal round spring when I look on websites like the one I've attached) and if it is indeed this spring , how does one find this spring on the semaphore to replace it? How difficult is this?

I also see new 6v semaphores for sale on a few sites. And as I've read some are of bad quality, I don't want to simply spend so much on a new one, when perhaps it could be a simple spring replacement on my original one.

Also, the new semaphores one buys online, come with a black cover plate over the lens. Mine is the painted the same color as the car, do I somehow swap out my painted one and remove the new black one, or do I have to spray paint the new one, even though I have a perfect one already painted?

Looking for some advice.

Thanks!

Best,
Alex

[Bruce]

The springs in semaphores have nothing to do with how well it pops open. The spring in your pic is part of the mechanism that holds the semaphore in the down position when it is not powered on. You may have noticed that when you turn right quickly, the left semaphore doesn't swing out.

Virtually all weak semaphores are due to voltage drops in the cct. You have to verify every connection from the positive of the battery to the negative of the battery. Use your volt meter to measure the voltage at the bottom terminal of the semaphore. Compare readings on both sides. The weaker side will have a lower voltage there.
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