Foot Operated Turn Signal Buttons

Glennman · May 02, 2022, 01:01:09 PM

I'm thinking of replacing my foot operated turn signal buttons to something like one of those clamp on lever switches or ?. Even if I install some kind of toggle switch that is easily operated somewhere below the driver's window. The balancing act that takes place trying to operate foot pedals on one side and foot buttons on the other side is like learning to dance.

Anyone have any suggestions on a good approach to this?

usbusin · May 02, 2022, 01:20:44 PM

Glenn,
On my 4104 I had a three position toggle switch mounted on the left side control panel under the window. Left-Off-Right Had a toggle extension. Worked great and real simple. Was not self-cancelling, but had a dash light when blinking.

Bill Gerrie · May 02, 2022, 01:43:11 PM

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chessie4905 · May 02, 2022, 05:20:48 PM

Wow! I remember us selling those at fathers Western Auto store. Some had a rubber wheel on inside that would cancel switch by turning steering wheel back.

Glennman · May 02, 2022, 11:21:52 PM

Yep, that's a pretty cool switch. Cheap too

Coach_and_Crown_Guy · May 03, 2022, 09:11:58 PM

Quote from: usbusin on May 02, 2022, 01:20:44 PM
Glenn,
On my 4104 I had a three position toggle switch mounted on the left side control panel under the window. Left-Off-Right Had a toggle extension. Worked great and real simple. Was not self-cancelling, but had a dash light when blinking.

How did you ever get an MC8 with floor mounted turn buttons??? I've only ever seen that on GMC (city) transits, and maybe the odd MCI used for in-city routes, probably with the split opening doors to boot. You can find the best replacement possible by getting the old standby and never goes bad Signalstat 900 (black) or 901 (chrome), 7-wire, with built in 4-way flasher switch. There are a few variations on the basic model design available, but these have been around FOREVER. At around $45 you can't go wrong.

https://www.uatparts.com/turn-signal-switch-universal-7-wire-signal-stat-900/

I can't wait to get one and replace the piece of junk Douglas steering column crap installed by Crown. You may also have some fun finding a way to mount the Signalstat switch assembly in that MC8 with the typical plastic moulding MCI puts around the steering column. I've seen one modification where a guy actually mounted (screwed/bolted) a separate bracket right on the dash casting and had a short round pipe coming out of it that he used to mount his Signalstat 900 turn switch assembly. Wasn't strictly factory but it worked and it was as close to the steering wheel as he could get it. It worked, and he had the best turn switch (in my humble opinion) money can buy. It's as All American as it gets, except of course if they have it built in chyna today, which we can't control. But it started as an American product. Good Luck.

Glennman · May 06, 2022, 01:04:00 PM

Quote from: Coach_and_Crown_Guy on May 03, 2022, 09:11:58 PM
How did you ever get an MC8 with floor mounted turn buttons??? I've only ever seen that on GMC (city) transits, and maybe the odd MCI used for in-city routes, probably with the split opening doors to boot. You can find the best replacement possible by getting the old standby and never goes bad Signalstat 900 (black) or 901 (chrome), 7-wire, with built in 4-way flasher switch. There are a few variations on the basic model design available, but these have been around FOREVER. At around $45 you can't go wrong.

https://www.uatparts.com/turn-signal-switch-universal-7-wire-signal-stat-900/

I can't wait to get one and replace the piece of junk Douglas steering column crap installed by Crown. You may also have some fun finding a way to mount the Signalstat switch assembly in that MC8 with the typical plastic moulding MCI puts around the steering column. I've seen one modification where a guy actually mounted (screwed/bolted) a separate bracket right on the dash casting and had a short round pipe coming out of it that he used to mount his Signalstat 900 turn switch assembly. Wasn't strictly factory but it worked and it was as close to the steering wheel as he could get it. It worked, and he had the best turn switch (in my humble opinion) money can buy. It's as All American as it gets, except of course if they have it built in chyna today, which we can't control. But it started as an American product. Good Luck.

Sorry, I do have an MC-8, but I am referring to my '02 MCI D4500. It was a transit bus with the split doors, but I have since installed a sedan door.

lvmci · May 06, 2022, 10:04:22 PM

What does a foot operated turn signal button look like?...

Video45 · May 06, 2022, 10:54:18 PM

On my gillig bus 3 headlight switches are used.first are 2 switches for turning and headlight kinda
Cocked to the right and behind the other two. Under the left foot.

O.
O-O

Marty

RJ · May 07, 2022, 01:47:13 AM

Quote from: lvmci on May 06, 2022, 10:04:22 PM
What does a foot operated turn signal button look like?...

Tom -

They look like the old foot-operated headlight dimmer switch, except instead of "click on," "click off," they're momentary on - as long as you hold the button down, the turn signals flash. Release your foot, and the lights go off.

Some people love 'em, some people hate 'em. . .

RJ

lvmci · May 07, 2022, 07:10:31 AM

One button each for left or right?

chessie4905 · May 07, 2022, 07:18:27 AM

wire a momentary one for Jakes.

Jim Blackwood · May 07, 2022, 09:37:35 AM

... and another for the horn...

Bill Gerrie · May 07, 2022, 09:50:05 AM

Yes. One for left and one for right. I useine now for air horn and the other one for intermitten wipers.

Coach_and_Crown_Guy · May 07, 2022, 03:31:09 PM

Quote from: Glennman on May 06, 2022, 01:04:00 PM
Sorry, I do have an MC-8, but I am referring to my '02 MCI D4500. It was a transit bus with the split doors, but I have since installed a sedan door.

OK. That makes perfect sense. I see many of the D4500's used as transit/commuter/suburban vehicles with the split doors and even wheelchair lifts (shudder). I had a chance to buy for a steal an excellent condition '99 D (40ft) with a Series 60 and B500 last year since Kalifornia had deemed it Non-Kompliant and my friend the fleet owner had to sell most of his well maintained fleet. Ask me again why I hate the regulatory State. Stealing a man's means of producing an income. Anyway I couldn't do the deal, why is it the great deals always come along when you don't have the money to take advantage of them..... And in retrospect I am consoled in my thoughts that it was "Mostly" a perfect bus for me, except it had those darned spit doors which I don't think I'm ever going to want to deal with for a conversion. I may be wrong in that but it's a product of all my years and only knowing and dealing with the single sedan door.

Anyway everything about the Signalstat switch remains the same for the D as well. You should be able to make it work with some creative mounting solutions. I'm sure you'll like the result. They just WORK.