Trafficators for later models

[Zwyllie]

Hiya Everyone,
I have a 1964 4-door saloon (5 door for people who like to make the boot feel included) and I'm wanting to install some trafficators in addition to the indicators as I find I can't quite stop smiling when I see trafficators so they'd be a perfect addition

Now I can see where they would've gone on previous models as if I have my history right, they were phased out by 1964 (I believe they stopped in 1961?) but still retained the holding for them (see attached file at the bottom for what I mean, I'm not sure of how to attach the image a more normal way).

I was wondering if there is an easy way to remove the cover where they would sit? Non-destructive of course as I'd like to see if there is anything still sat underneath so I know what parts I'd be needing to order and can ideally put the small panel back on in the interim which does bring me onto the next point,
is it possible to order the main part of a trafficator from anywhere? I can easily find arm replacements or trade-in options like on ESM morris minors where you exchange an old one for a reconditioned ones but can't seem any places which supply the parts as I suspect there won't be any remnant of a trafficator in there outside of there being a slot there. - I have found 2nd hand options on things like ebay but I do prefer more reputable suppliers so I know I'm not buying a dud part

I know people will be ready to warn me about not wiring straight into the indicators to not destroy them but don't worry I am well aware! I'm working on circuits most days at work so the wiring side I am very confident on, its just if I've missed a way into that part of the car from the inside etc or if it is welded on and would need removal by a professional

thanks!

[myoldjalopy]

There isn't any 'non-destructive' way as the covers are moulded into the pressing of that pillar. You would have to cut a slot in the metal. You can see whats behind on the inside by removing the trim piece between the two doors.

[myoldjalopy]

There isn't any 'non-destructive' way as the covers (as you call them) are moulded into the pressing of that pillar. You would have to cut a slot in the metal. You can see whats behind on the inside by removing the trim piece between the two doors.

[geoberni]

I'll await confirmation from owners of post 61 cars, but I'm pretty sure that at the change to fitting 'Indicators' to the Home market, even if it was the 'American Style', the body pressings were changed and the slot was removed.
In the case of the 4dr, it received a bulge on the middle pillar, perhaps for strengthening or just simply aesthetics, but it's not removable.
I'm basing this on the various part number applicability information in the original parts lists.

I see that myoldjalopy has confirmed my thoughts as I was writing.

[Bill_qaz]

Mine is oct 1962 4 door so early series 5. The shape is just a strengthening bulge in the B pillar, it's not a panel. You would have to cut the panel to do what you want. Also, the factory seat belt mounting is in the same area internally.

[ManyMinors]

It would be a BIG job to fit trafficators into a later car that didn't have them originally. You would have to not only cut an accurate slot in the outer panel but also modify the inner panel as well as this was changed at the same time.
If you really wanted to do this, the best way would probably be to source the pillars from an earlier car which was being broken up for parts. These parts could then be welded in to your car. It would be a big undertaking though involving, at a guess, welding, bodywork and paintwork, removal of the headlining, wiring, etc etc.
Then as somebody else has already suggested, you have to think about the seatbelt mountings. Only for a very short while were Minors produced with trafficators AND seatbelt mountings. It was a bit of a compromise, with the mountings being either too high or too low! After about 1967, the seatbelt mountings were moved to much better positions.
I did have to replace the pillar on a Traveller once. It involved a great deal of work!
Trafficators themselves are not that hard to obtain. Many of the parts suppliers advertising in Minor Matters will have them available. I had to replace one of mine fairly recently.

[Zwyllie]

Thanks for the very fast replies everyone

Looks like it'll be job I probably won't be doing then, or at least not in the near future, at least its one less job on my to-do list!

There was some pretty good information in some of the replies so on a positive, the post will likely help a lot of people thinking of doing similar

Ta all!

[myoldjalopy]

Anyone who wants a car with trafficators is best off buying one that had them originally, as this thread has clarified. Same as people wanting to convert later models to have a split-screen

[Chief]

I guess if you got a jacket with LED orange strips on the arms you could trafficator for right turns by sticking your hand out of the window

I'd be loathe to cut into a car that, from your photograph, looks in really good condition.

Would probably be easier to wire up the rear brake lights and front side lights as indicators and pretend to be a '62 car.

[firedrake1942]

Rather than butcher the B post, and if you really want to do this, have you considered. externally fitted trafficators , often seen on earlier Minor LCV's as they were not fitted with trafficators? See them frequently at auto jumbles.

[myoldjalopy]

Yes, that thought also crossed my mind - but can you imagine how ugly they would look fixed to the outside of the OP's nice, shiny car?

[firedrake1942]

He could always paint them body colour....

[myoldjalopy]

Alternately, paint the whole car black! But I still don't think it would look right.............

[Zwyllie]

Rather than butcher the B post, and if you really want to do this, have you considered. externally fitted trafficators , often seen on earlier Minor LCV's as they were not fitted with trafficators? See them frequently at auto jumbles.

Now that is an idea I like, Definitely would require a bit of a paint job to make it suite my car and find a way to make them fit nicer. Defnitely worth thinking about!

[geoberni]

Rather than butcher the B post, and if you really want to do this, have you considered. externally fitted trafficators , often seen on earlier Minor LCV's as they were not fitted with trafficators? See them frequently at auto jumbles.

Now that is an idea I like, Definitely would require a bit of a paint job to make it suite my car and find a way to make them fit nicer. Defnitely worth thinking about!

You do realise the external ones are in a box.... hardly "aesthetic"...
And I'm not sure they are as frequently seen as Firedrake suggests, this pair for refurbishment are £380
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/267369662565

[firedrake1942]

I saw numerous sets at both Beaulieu and Enfield in the last few weeks, and nowhere near that expensive.

[geoberni]

I saw numerous sets at both Beaulieu and Enfield in the last few weeks, and nowhere near that expensive.

Fair enough.
I've seen regular Trafficators at Newark Autojumble, but I don't recall seeing the Lucas100s there.

[myoldjalopy]

I would not recommend playing Dr. Frankenstein in this way. Not only do I think it will look ridiculous on the car, but it will require damaging the bodywork by drilling holes to fit them. If trafficators are so important to the OP, a better option is to buy a car that has them as original, and sell the existing car to someone who will appreciate it for what it is.

[Owlsman]

I can't contribute much to the trafficator discussion, I'm afraid - well, nothing that hasn't been said already. I have, however, sent you a PM, as I think your car may be a Dual Personality Minor.