49 Desoto turn signals

[Guest 69RRGuy]

Hi all,

New guy here! I have a client of mine that wants turn signals installed in his 49. He found an oem kit but there are no schematics in the kit. This car is a little before my time so I'm a little lost. I scanned the net looking for a schematic but no luck. Anyone know where I can find one so I can complete the install?

Many thanks!

[Rusty_OToole]

What do you mean OEM kit? A genuine DeSoto accessory? There were different aftermarket models offered too like Signal Stat and others.

It does make a difference. Also are the wires color coded or is there any letter or number markings?

I have some old DeSoto wiring diagrams. If it is some other brand I am sure someone has the appropriate wiring diagram.

[Guest 69RRGuy]

Yes, it's an original Desoto accessory, or at least the box it's in is marked as such. I already have the switch installed in the column and the wires from fished through, but after that, I'm kind of lost. I figured out where the new two filiment bulb sockets for the front lights go, but there were no two filiment sockets for the rear lights, so I assume that the rear lights just blink the single filiment and the other brake light if applied will remain on. There are several harnesess in the kit, a flasher, a bridge, some connectors, and ome screws and nuts. I can't figure out the color codes, someone painted the wires and then retaped them (the on car originals) and I can't seem to see where the switch would get its power supply from either. Thanks for the reply and help!

[Rusty_OToole]

Your car came with a single high mounted brake light (just like the new cars, another example of Chrysler being ahead of its time). So the 2 side lights are tail lights only. I suppose the OEM system made them flash for turn signals.

When I get home I will see if I can find the info you need. Right now I do not have my manuals at hand.

[Guest 69RRGuy]

Thanks Rusty, that would be great. I really appreciate the info and help.

[Rusty_OToole]

Am home now and found the S13 (49 DeSoto) wiring diagram. It shows a very simple directional signal switch with only 3 wires.

Red = power, connects to the flasher by way of the hand brake switch. In other words the red wire from the turn signal switch goes to the hand brake switch and another red wire, connected to the same terminal, goes from the hand brake switch to the flasher unit L terminal.

Brown = right turn, connects to right parking light and right tail light by way of the appropriate junction blocks. There is a note on the diagram that the rear junction block was eliminated on later production.

Green = left turn, connected the same as the right turn.

The flasher unit has 3 wires. This is the can shaped gadget that makes the lights blink.

Red = L terminal connected to turn signal switch

Red = + terminal connected to Ign terminal of horn relay. The same terminal on the horn relay also connects to the Bat terminal on transmission control box on the air cleaner support. So this is the live connection to the battery

White = P terminal connects to the directional signal indicator light on the instrument panel.

Hope this helps. Took some time to type it all out but not as much as it would take me to figure out how to copy the diagram and post it.

[Guest 69RRGuy]

That's absolutly perfect! I'll clean the paint off the wiring with some thinner and I should be good to go. I can't tell you how much I appreciate this.

Many thanks.