running lights/turn signal mod.

[cajun2wheels]

Has anyone wired a trailer light converter to make your turn signals into running lights and turn signals?I know it can be done but not sure how to wire it in.

[cactusjack]

A trailer converter utilizes the same light filament for turn and brake, not tail and turn. I suppose you could wire the brake circuit input wire on the converter to the taillight circuit of the bike.

Or you could change the socket in the turn signal housing from single to dual filament, install 1157 bulbs instead of 1156's, and connect the second filament to the taillight circuit.

If the rear turn signals are converted to taillights, you have to change the lenses from yellow to red.

[VulcanE]

Here's what you need, but you'll still need the red instead of yellow turn lenses. I went with clear lenses and used red LED bulbs.

http://www.kuryakyn.com/index.cfm/go...etail/IMID/732

[cajun2wheels]

I'm familiar with the commercial units but I like to DIY and save a few bucks at the same time.

[ringadingh]

Using a trailer converter may be something to think about installing. I can buy one of them at Princess Auto here for about $10.00 verses $40.00 for the Priority Signal control.

[jandreu]

I replaced the sockets inside the stock housings with a 1157 socket and wired the extra filament to the running lights. NAPA Part # ECH LS6114 will press fit into the stock housing after removing the stock socket, a some silicon to keep it from vibrating out and that's about it. I did this several months ago and have had no issues. Description says it's a backup light socket but it takes a 1157 bulb. The "spring" bracket around the socket fits just right in the stock cutout inside the stock housing with a little press fit. The only issue is if you seat the new socket all the way down in the housing the bulbs are a bear to take in and out so leave a little room behind the socket.

http://www.napaonline.com/Search/Det...114_0059467671

[cajun2wheels]

Good info James.Thanks.

[trosco]

James. THANKS A BUNCH

I have been trying to find a dual filament socket for my rear turn signals stock housing for 3 years. Will head to Napa tomorrow! If this works and you actually do the trip to the mainland like you talked about come to Jax (FL) and the first beer is on me!

T Ross

[ringadingh]

I was once thinking of trying to install just the double contact that goes in the bottom of an 1157 socket rather than replace the complete socket on the bike. Im not sure if it would work, but I may give it a try over the winter. Replacing the entire may be the best alternative though.

[trosco]

Our front and rear signals are interchangable except the socket inside front is two filament and the rear is one filament. It has got to cost Kaw more to do that and run two sets of inventory than to just wire the front and rear identical and make their bike safer??? I tried to find a wrecked Nad whose front singals were torn up so I could buy them and steal the sockets but no luck and obviously at Kaw I had to buy the whole assembly when all I needed was the socket. I am going to Biketoberfest tomorrow but hitting NAPA on Friday.

[jandreu]

Trosco, my pleasure. Hope this works out for all....I have had no problems just note when test fitting that you need to leave a little room behind the socket for the wires to stick out after the bulbs are installed. While the sockets will press fit you do need to add some silicon to keep from vibrating loose.

Trosco you are on for the brew...I was born in J'ville, lived as a kid out at Mayport before the Navy took everything over. My dad's home was beside the old lighthouse.

Hope to meet up with ya...

[jandreu]

One more thing...the stock turn housing are plastic so you have to run a ground wire. I used a small ring connector with some wire on it and pop riveted it to the metal bracket on the replacement socket.

[wheelie]

I got my set up from the electrical connection, the red led ring makes the stock amber lens red until you hit the signal then it flashes from red to amber. I think I paid $55 shipped.
http://www.electricalconnection.com/