Front side marker lights as turn signals

[dmoralesbello]

For some time I felt I wanted to update the safety aspect of the 280Z by making the front fender side marker lights work as turn signals along with the front turn signals on the grille. Since I didn't want to experiment with my stock lights I purchased a set of marker lights from Thailand on Ebay. The quality of the metal case was surprisingly good, much like (or perhaps better than) the Datsun part.

I pulled it apart and removed the 1156 socket, widened the resulting opening to accept a GM 1157 socket which snapped into place and sealed the joint with black silicone.

 

I did have to lift the front end of the car in order to remove the fender liner and do the electrical work which included a new 3 wire connector and an extra wire from the front turn signals to each side marker ( green/red on the left side and green/white on the right). 

Now the Z turn signals incorporate the front side markers and bring that aspect to today's safety standards.

https://youtu.be/45hY5xX59rA

 

Edited August 12, 2016 by dmoralesbello

[goob_os101]

are you going to do the same for the rear?

[dmoralesbello]

I decided to do the fronts only to mimic what I see in today's vehicles. I've yet to see a contemporary car with rear fender turn signals. I think those front fender turn signals are meant mainly to warn vehicles in your blind spot that might not see your rear turn signals due to their advanced position in relation to your vehicle as to your intentions to turn or change lanes.

[ihiryu]

If you are using a regular bulb, you could have done the floating ground method.

 

Basically leave the power as is, and take the ground, snip it, and wire it to the turn signal.  

 

Some cars require a diode when you do this to prevent backfeed.  I've done it on several different cars over the years and had no issues

[dmoralesbello]

If you are using a regular bulb, you could have done the floating ground method.

 

Basically leave the power as is, and take the ground, snip it, and wire it to the turn signal.  

 

Some cars require a diode when you do this to prevent backfeed.  I've done it on several different cars over the years and had no issues

That's an interesting option. You mean leave the original 1156 socket and bulb, snip the ground wire and splice it into the intermittent hot front turn signal wire (green/white or green/red) ? I guess the turn signals would not be synchronized (like in some cars) but definitely much less work. Would it work with LED bulbs? 

[Hypertek]

very nice. I may do this to my Z

[88dangerdan]

They are synchronize when the lights are not on. But not when they are turned on.

[socorob]

WhATS the part number of the socket?

[dmoralesbello]

WhATS the part number of the socket?

I'm not sure about the part number but here's the link for the part on EBay: http://www.ebay.com/itm/GM-1157-Halogen-LED-Turn-Signal-Brake-Light-Bulb-Socket-Connector-Harness-Plug-/280888088661?hash=item41663c1855