C-1 Tung-Sol Flasher

[Nicholas L.]

I just came across a Tung Sol emergency brake flasher with no part number on the back. Other ones that I seen have a 642 or 624 on the back. I removed the cover and it has an ink stamped date of 12-53. Any idea on what cars this would have been used and is it 6V or 12V? Thanks.

[Mike M.]

Re: C-1 Tung-Sol Flasher

if its 12 volt, could be an olds ,caddy or buick flasher as they went to 12v in model year 1953. if its 6 volt, could be chevy or pontiac pre 1955. hook it up to a 12 volt system MOMENTARILY and if it goes crazy, its probably a 6 volter. mike

[Michael L.]

Re: C-1 Tung-Sol Flasher

Mike, define "crazy", I'm in the same boat, I have a Tung Sol for the brake flasher and don't know if it is 12 or 6 volt. Would it just flash faster? I don't want to fry it if it is 6 volt. I spent 3 hours at the Hot August Nights swap meet looking for a #650 12 volt, no luck...

Thanks.

[Mike M.]

Re: C-1 Tung-Sol Flasher

6 volt flasher being fed 12 volts will flash about 2-3 times faster than it would being fed 6 volts.mike

[Michael L.]

Re: C-1 Tung-Sol Flasher

Until I find the right 650 Tung Sol, I wired in a 552 hazard flasher ( $3 at the FLAPS) works great. I just made up some "jumpers" to hook up the 552 flasher and did not have to touch my replacement wiring harness. When the right one surfaces, I just plug it in. I never had the switch before, nice to see the jewel flash for the first time in 36 years...

[Bernard M.]

Re: C-1 Tung-Sol Flasher

The 12-53 is a date code; December 1953. That would more likely make it 6V. I measured the resistance of a 632 (6V used in 53-53 Corvettes) and a 650 (12V used in 56-57 Corvettes) with a digital ohm meter. The 632 measured 1.1 ohms, the 650 measured 2 ohms. I measured two 632s with the same results, I have only 1 spare 650 I was able to use for measurement. The flash rate is determined by a number of factors; voltage, internal resistance and load resistance as well as physical characteristics of the internal components. The 632 is intended for use with a #81 bulb. The 650 is intended for use with a #90 bulb. The resistance may help you determine its intended use.