1962 Turn signal issues

[Richard L.]

None of the turn signals on my 62 is working. I understand that for the turn signals on 62's to function the car has to be running, a real impediment since my usual trial and error testing with electricals supposes that every time I try a possible fix (bad ground, corroded connection, bad fuse, bad flasher, bad bulb) I have to either turn on and off the engine or leave it running and risk either overheating or carbon monoxide poisoning.
So my questions: Is it really true that the car has to be running for the turn signals to work? And, if so, is there a way (permanent or temporary) that this mode can be by-passed?
Finally, what is a good ordinary current turn signal flasher that I can buy at my local NAPA store?
Thx for any all help.
Ric

[Leif A.]

Re: 1962 Turn signal issues

Richard,
First off, your car does not need to be running for the turn signals to function...the ignition key only needs to be turned to the "ON" position. You don't want to leave it there for long periods of time, as you can burn up your points. But, to check the turn signal is OK.
Here is a very common flasher available at NAPA that will work for your '62. Best of luck.

https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/NF_552

[Richard L.]

Re: 1962 Turn signal issues

Thank you Leif for the two pieces of information.

[Mike E.]

[Richard L.]

Re: 1962 Turn signal issues

Traced it to bad connections from the seven wires inside the steering column to the underdash harness and corrosion of the two front parking/turn signal bulbs. Car has been parked for 10 yrs near a lake in northern Michigan and that may account for several issues.
Mike, thank you for the tip regarding the centering of the turn signal stalk, I always make sure the dash indicators go off after a turn.