C1 Dated Tung-Sol 642 Emerg Brake Flasher Repair

[Richard M.]

Last night I checked my E-brake flasher on my 59, and after about 48 years it stopped working, flashing erratically and then stopped.

For those interested, I'll share my repair work. You can carefully remove the back cover. It is not glued on. There are 2 tabs at each outer end of the cover that lock into slots in the case. You can see them in the corners of the 4 vertical slots of the case. Carefully pry up the center of the cover on both sides and lift it out of one end. There will likely be a datecode inside too. My March 59 car appears to still have it's original Jan 59 flasher. All I had to do was clean the contacts on the bi-metal strip which controls the flashing. You can see it, the flat curved part with the contact in the center. Works fine now. Hope it works next week at the Regional!

More pics:

Rich Mozzetta #13499

[Pierre J.]

Re: C1 Dated Tung-Sol 642 Emerg Brake Flasher Repa

Rich,
Could you measure the resistance across the two terminals? The one I have measures as it was opened. When I bought it was supposed to be new!!
Thanks
Pierre #34410

[Richard M.]

Re: C1 Dated Tung-Sol 642 Emerg Brake Flasher Repa

Pierre,

It should be a dead short, zero ohms. When voltage is applied using a load(the bulb), it heats the bi-metal strip, open circuits(bulb off), cools, then repeats(bulb on). Sounds like yours need surgery too........or a return for one that works.

Rich

[Roy B.]

Re: C1 Dated Tung-Sol 642 Emerg Brake Flasher Repa

Vary nice pic's and how to check and clean one. Thanks

[Rob M.]

Soon on the judging field:

Sir, could you please open your signal flasher to check the date of this item?

[Rob M.]

Re: Soon on the judging field:

PS You might consider a small article on this for the Restorer so 15000 members can take notice of this operation!!! Interesting stuff!!!