trafficator

[emmett1010]

Hello Gentlemen:
Whilst trying to reassemble my trafficator from scratch--I didn't dissamble it, I soon realized that this is a puzzle thats outside of my ability.
Does anyone have any pictures, diagrams, web sites ect. that could help me?
To further confuse the issue, I'm not convinced that all of the parts are here.
Oh well--
Thanks, Emmett

 

[poolboy]

Better tell 'em what car, Brooks.

 

[martx-5]

Well, his profile says he has a '74 MGB and a '57 TR3. Being that this is posted in the Triumph forum, I would assume the TR3...but you know about assume! :crazy:

Anyway, if someone doesn't have any info to pass on, my trafficator is out of the car right now, and I could open things up and take some pics if need be. Hang in there, we'll get you some help.

 

[Twosheds]

I think Emmet has a TR3, which makes this really confusing, as the TR3 doesn't have trafficators. They have turn signal lights (blinkers).

Did a box of parts from a different car (like an 1800 Roadster?) get mixed in with the TR3 boxes?

 

[poolboy]

Yeah, I guess it's not hard to look it up. But I know the guy and I was ribbin' him.

 

[martx-5]

I think Emmet has a TR3, which makes this really confusing, as the TR3 doesn't have trafficators. They have turn signal lights (blinkers).

Did a box of parts from a different car (like an 1800 Roadster?) get mixed in with the TR3 boxes?

I think this is symantics here. I assume (there we go with that again) the OP is talking about the turn signal stuff in the steering wheel control head. I've often seen it called a "trafficator". Or are you guys pulling his leg again!

 

[TR3driver]

Sorry, I don't know of one about assembling, but this link should give you a ZIP file containing a MS Word article about disassembling the TR2-3 (Mayflower, etc.) control head. Hopefully that will be enough to get you on the way.
https://www.tr-register.com.au/Files/technical/ControlHead.zip

Someone really needs to do one about assembling ... but I've got more important things to do at the moment, like trying to get the Stag diff back together and the new air compressor wired up (and plumbed). Plus a never-ending list of honey-dews ...

 

[MGTF1250Dave]

Aloha Emmett,

Here is a website that has a link to an illustrated article on the disassembly of the TR3 control head (turn signals and horn switches).

https://www.tr-register.com.au/files/technical.htm

The article link is in the archive section, firth article. Although it does not address reassembly, I'm sure you can figure it out as I did. It is an excellent reference article because of the pictures and descriptions so you can determine if you have all the pieces to it. I found it very helpful when a few bits went flying while I was taking one apart. Luckily I found everything and knew when I could stop the search.

Trafficators are small arms that flip out from the car as a turn indicator and where used on car older than the TR3.

 

[martx-5]

Whoa...after reading that disassembly process, I'm not so sure I want to take mine apart. The thought of springs flying across the shop at the speed of light is very discouraging.

 

[Twosheds]

I think Emmet has a TR3, which makes this really confusing, as the TR3 doesn't have trafficators. They have turn signal lights (blinkers).

Did a box of parts from a different car (like an 1800 Roadster?) get mixed in with the TR3 boxes?

I think this is symantics here. I assume (there we go with that again) the OP is talking about the turn signal stuff in the steering wheel control head. I've often seen it called a "trafficator". Or are you guys pulling his leg again!

For once I'm not pulling a leg. Am I like the boy who cried "Wolf!"?

I thought trafficators are those quaint pointers that stick out the sides of the car in the direction of the intended turn. 1800 Roadsters have 'em, but not TR3s.

I call the thing in the steering wheel "control head".

Sorry to muddy the waters.

 

[TR3driver]

It's not really as bad as all that. I've done mine numerous times and rarely have to go looking for parts. Though if you do it sitting in the driver's seat as I did last time, I do recommend laying a clean bath towel on your lap

IMO you should remove the lever and it's screw before separating the halves. Then when you do separate the halves, put some pressure on the very center (the piece that turns with the lever) to hold it into place in the back half while you lift away the front half. Unless things have already come apart inside, you should be able to carefully lift the front half away while keeping all the moving parts in their slots in the rear half.

Then you can hold the two springs on the curved wire in place with one hand, while you remove the piece that turns with the other hand, keeping a finger on the brass piece that carries the wheel and a spring inside. That releases the pressure on the springs on the curved wire, so they don't fly anywhere when you remove it (although they do tend to slide off and fall into your lap).

Although somewhat obsolete, I believe "trafficator" was proper British for what Americans call a "turn signal"; regardless of whether it was mechanical or electrical.

 

[emmett1010]

Yeah- its that basic, simple, I wish they still made cars like that, TR3.
Actually many moons ago I had a 59 VW bug that had the side turn signal arms. Bought the car new, but they never extended. Great conversation piece though.
Thanks for all the help,
Emmett
Poolboy- Why didn't you tell me how expensive these cars are nowadays? Over 6 grand, and still need another 6 in body work.
Instead of making money, Mr Obsessive, spends every waking moment working on that TR, spending money like its going out of style.
My last restoration--not

 

[TRDejaVu]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trafficators

 

[TR3driver]

https://www.thefreedictionary.com/trafficator
https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/trafficator
https://www.wordwebonline.com/en/TRAFFICATOR
https://www.answers.com/topic/blinker-turn-signal-turn-indicator-trafficator

Which of course doesn't prove anything either

 

[Silverghost]

I like trafficators if just for the novelty of them. My dad's 28 Rolls had them, but they didn't work. I'd like to have a car that has them.