I recently acquired a 98 EV which is in decent shape, but the turn signals stocks are baked and brittle. The signals themselves work fine. I know this problem is pretty common and was wondering if anyone knew of some good, cheap, red suspender-type replacements that would work or if anyone has tried 3d printing them.
(https://i.ibb.co/89KgzSr/Screenshot-20210705-085118.png) (https://ibb.co/89KgzSr)
Nice bike, why dont you spend a little and get some period correct from MG Cycle https://www.mgcycle.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=37_156
Failing that the rice burners from the 70s had some pretty nice lamps.
I glued and clamped my signals when they broke. The epoxy seems stronger than the original plastic. The key was clamping them with rubber bands and perhaps a screw clamp. I let it set over night with generous amount of glue and it seems real solid.^^^^^^^^
The bigger issue is that light fixture attached to the fender. I've got mine jerry-rigged with with nuts and bolts to attach the signals. Surprisingly, this has held up for years. I think Harper's has come up with a metal replacement. I'm sure I'll have to get one someday.
I still like the idea of using one for a pattern and getting someone with a 3D printer to spit them out which will fix this issues permanently.
Suitable is the key word I suppose. Somewhat subjective. I certainly respect pursuing the stock arrangement.
This. Seems best if keeping 'stock' long term is the goal.
I'm really REALLY happy with the solution I settled on. My riding mates are all astounded at the improved visibility. Admittedly I've abandoned the 'stock' requirement. I recycled the original metal frame which supports the original 'double tail light' assembly, added all metal light housings.
(https://i.imgur.com/WUGsHbm.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/9a98duM.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/qi5zdT9.png)
figured I'd match it up front. 3D printed standoffs set them off nicely, I think. The turn signals are VERY robust.
(https://i.imgur.com/8HvXoOu.png)
I don't see the point of replacing those awful, precrumbled plastic stalks with awful, precrumbled plastic stalks. When I ran into the issue with my bike I moved the rear turns into my side bags -- simply replaced the 1156 sockets with 1157's and wired in 2-element bulbs. The front turns are "switchback angel eyes" surrounding my 4" driving lights. The switchback lights are white DRLs that become flashing amber for the turns and then "switch back" to white. I glued them to the rims of the driving lights. So nothing sticks out to get knocked off, and there is no shabby plastic involved. The best part is that they look unusual so oncoming drivers notice them.Thing is RK, if that cheap rubber stalk was replaced with a good quality nylon or ABS there would possibly be no more breaking down of the material for the rest of the bikes life?
When I was restoring one of Tex's bikes, we had the same problem, and Tex isn't a fan of plastic. So I modified some old loop driving light bars to mount some old GUIDE turn signals -- the kind that a lot of loops and HD came with back in the day. All metal. Zero cost.
Here are some for 14 bucks a pair!
Rick
https://www.ebay.com/itm/266078016818?hash=item3df37c5532:g:5fEAAOSwwQljvMhZ&amdata=enc%3AAQAIAAAA8KCROx8EysqAwhXv6RkLi0j0E81UIRpbVoJXkDlLJywhuyMsTUvaC1YVcu8C4sZ%2FwTrOMygJW6APS2tj%2BsjgZRqZUho5v4utABNL8iXvjku0gruq3kBvVCWjpL3Kc6oOQVJ60DsL8JSMm9rzZGLVcY%2FFyYY%2Ff2RtZpRz9rcP0MA%2FDlm69Nso4OxpfX%2FgFoMwnWAoSy2rpI%2Bz2k5WYFvjM%2F7bCWQQkGoOFLJ0%2FqKg6PsfiUQoDt1em6qldiCB9MisD46P4gvmny0FWmnhN%2BORylfpdC7k6W81Km8XcB8ay5Z7QLA9w9G3joxwMpjncW6klA%3D%3D%7Ctkp%3ABFBMysmq5pNi
I mounted mine on my Aluminum, which had the "Bassa "type of taillight in the fender top housing, the signals attached to. I made a small adapter plate out of aluminum, with a hole drilled i the center. The lights proved to be sturdy, and I used them for quite a few years before I sold the bike.
Am I the only one who thinks solid will be subject to vibration stress and failure? Would too stiff just transfer the stress to another part?