Turn Signal Source

[Doc76]

Can anyone please provide thoughts and experiences installing a self-returning turn signal system for the Mk4?

Russ Thompson system looks great however his site doesn’t mention the Mk4 and I have emailed several times with no response.

[herb427sc]

Russ Thompson passed away a couple years ago. RIP

[Doc76]

Russ Thompson passed away a couple years ago. RIP

Sorry to hear that to those that knew him :(
I see a little info floating around on IE427 Garage possibly dabbling in these turn signals as well but their website is inactive and FB Messenger for whatever reason will not allow messages to be sent. Never seen that before on FB.

[Blitzboy54]

I just checked. I can IM him without any issues. Frank does indeed have a turn signal system. I am hoping to send my hub to him this coming month. I am also going to purchase his drop trunk. He’s pretty responsive via email as well. I have purchased a number of parts from him over the years. He’s good people.

[Doc76]

I just checked. I can IM him without any issues. Frank does indeed have a turn signal system. I am hoping to send my hub to him this coming month. I am also going to purchase his drop trunk. He’s pretty responsive via email as well. I have purchased a number of parts from him over the years. He’s good people.

Do you have a direct email or other contact for IE427?
Even when I try via the “Vendor” list on this site I get his website error. Super weird. My IT guy says it’s not in our end.
When I google I get this on his website (first pic) and when I try via FB I get the second pic. Never seen this before and don’t get this on FB with anyone else.


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[PNWTim]

Do you have a direct email or other contact for IE427?
Even when I try via the “Vendor” list on this site I get his website error. Super weird. My IT guy says it’s not in our end.
When I google I get this on his website (first pic) and when I try via FB I get the second pic. Never seen this before and don’t get this on FB with anyone else.


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205803

He will respond via Facebook Messenger. Make sure you put periods in after the i and e or you won't find his page correctly.

[Jeff Kleiner]

As Tim said, if you fail to put the periods in you won't get through but if that still doesn't work just shoot Frank a Private Message here through either:

"i.e.427" https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/private.php?do=newpm&u=22850

OR

"frankeeski" https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/private.php?do=newpm&u=414

It's a quality part and Frank is a quality guy.

Jeff

[Oshkosh Rob]

I worked with Frank through his email address, i.e.427garage@gmail.com

I really like his turn signal setup and was probably 3 weeks turnaround after sending him my hub.

[Doc76]

As Tim said, if you fail to put the periods in you won't get through but if that still doesn't work just shoot Frank a Private Message here through either:

"i.e.427" https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/private.php?do=newpm&u=22850

OR

"frankeeski" https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/private.php?do=newpm&u=414

It's a quality part and Frank is a quality guy.

Jeff

K thanks guys.
I’ll try to PM him here.
As my screenshots show when I go to his site or try him via FB I get multiple errors.
Don’t seem to have this issue with anyone else.

[Blitzboy54]

I sent you a DM

[john42]

I use the i.e.427 one. Very easy install and works well.

[i.e.427]

Dave did get a hold of me. Not sure anyone really even notices this in the modern world of Uber, Grub Hub and Amazon, but it's Sunday folks. Luckily, I've been out in the shop since just after breakfast (I never miss a meal) and I caught up on fb messages and email. I had to get a bunch of packages ready to ship tomorrow and I was on the computer anyways. Thanks to all of you that steered him in the right direction.

About that website. Well, they cost money. Money to design and money to maintain. While I was quick to secure the domain, the website just hasn't been a priority. Facebook allows us to park product pictures and pricing on our i.e.427 page for free so......... If you go to the link on the vendor page here, it will take you directly to our facebook page. Take a look at our albums page in the pictures file for all of the products. Or just email me at i.e.427garage@gmail.com and I can give you direct links like this: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063745612711&sk=photos_albums

I always answer email and messages within 24 hours (except perhaps weekends)

Frank

[skidd]

Here is what I did (shameless plug)

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?24625-DIY-SolidState-Arduino-Self-Canceling-Turn-Signals

https://www.ludicrous-speed.com/hotrod-blinkn/

[danmas]

I have one from Frank and he is a quality guy. He spends hours telling people how he does a build. He built me a drop trunk, sold me a mk3 trunk lid for my hard top and is a stand up guy. Highly recommend. Maslowski builds a quality product.

[Kevin-C]

I used the Microflex Labs (https://microflexlabs.com/) lights controller and turn signal switch. You will need to fabricate your own 2" diameter steering column. The controller uses motion sensors like a smart phone or drone to detect when the car is turning to self-cancel the blinkers. Turn signal switch looks like it was from the factory.

[Doc76]

I used the Microflex Labs (https://microflexlabs.com/) lights controller and turn signal switch. You will need to fabricate your own 2" diameter steering column. The controller uses motion sensors like a smart phone or drone to detect when the car is turning to self-cancel the blinkers. Turn signal switch looks like it was from the factory.

That is slick!
Can you share a picture of the finished product?

[JeffP]

Dave did get a hold of me. Not sure anyone really even notices this in the modern world of Uber, Grub Hub and Amazon, but it's Sunday folks. Luckily, I've been out in the shop since just after breakfast (I never miss a meal) and I caught up on fb messages and email. I had to get a bunch of packages ready to ship tomorrow and I was on the computer anyways. Thanks to all of you that steered him in the right direction.

About that website. Well, they cost money. Money to design and money to maintain. While I was quick to secure the domain, the website just hasn't been a priority. Facebook allows us to park product pictures and pricing on our i.e.427 page for free so......... If you go to the link on the vendor page here, it will take you directly to our facebook page. Take a look at our albums page in the pictures file for all of the products. Or just email me at i.e.427garage@gmail.com and I can give you direct links like this: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063745612711&sk=photos_albums

I always answer email and messages within 24 hours (except perhaps weekends)

Frank

Fun fact about gmail addresses - Gmail always ignores the period . so i.e.427garage@gmail.com is the same as ie427garage@gmail.com and i.e.4.2.7.garage@gmail.com and will all work and go to your mailbox.. Soo If you ever need to create an extra account somewhere and need a unique email address - toss a period or two in it!

[i.e.427]

Fun fact about gmail addresses - Gmail always ignores the period . so i.e.427garage@gmail.com is the same as ie427garage@gmail.com and i.e.4.2.7.garage@gmail.com and will all work and go to your mailbox.. Soo If you ever need to create an extra account somewhere and need a unique email address - toss a period or two in it!

Thanks Jeff. I know this only because after a few failed attempts from potential customers trying to email me. They would message me on fb or through the forum and ask why I wasn't returning their emails. My first question was always; "what is the email you emailed to?". Most would send back our email without the periods. So I attempted to procure the same email address without the periods. Not available! Well crap I said. I then proceeded to runs a couple test emails to ie427garage@gmail.com and low and behold, they made it through. Now say what you will, but from then on I began telling everyone to include the periods, full well knowing that it didn't matter. My feeling now is that it was never the periods, folks were leaving off the "ie" and emailing to 427garage at gmail dot com Since I have insisted that everyone include the periods, the frequency of emails not getting to us has diminished greatly. So for now, I continue to say in every video; "make sure to include the periods after the 'i' and the 'e' "

Frank

[Kevin-C]

Pictures and specs for the Microflex Labs turn signal switch and signal lights controller are at microflexlabs.com (https://microflexlabs.com/)

There is a wiring diagram specific for the MK4 roadster also.
https://microflexlabs.com/pages/ffr-roadster-installation
(https://microflexlabs.com/pages/ffr-roadster-installation)

[BRRT]

Pictures and specs for the Microflex Labs turn signal switch and signal lights controller are at microflexlabs.com (https://microflexlabs.com/)

There is a wiring diagram specific for the MK4 roadster also.
https://microflexlabs.com/pages/ffr-roadster-installation
(https://microflexlabs.com/pages/ffr-roadster-installation)

Thanks for the info! Who do you purchase the MicroFlex controller from?

[Bart Carter]

Here is what I did (shameless plug)

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?24625-DIY-SolidState-Arduino-Self-Canceling-Turn-Signals

https://www.ludicrous-speed.com/hotrod-blinkn/

Are these available for sale at this time?
Any problems that haven't been resolved?

[JimStone]

I used the Microflex Labs (https://microflexlabs.com/) lights controller and turn signal switch. You will need to fabricate your own 2" diameter steering column. The controller uses motion sensors like a smart phone or drone to detect when the car is turning to self-cancel the blinkers. Turn signal switch looks like it was from the factory.

Kevin,

Could you shed any more light on this option? It's the first time I've seen it and it looks really intriguing. How do you like it? Drawbacks?

It's not cheap ($370 total with the lights controller) but looks nice, would eliminate the mechanical reset mechanism from the RT turn signal that others have had wear out, and simplifies wiring. Feels like a modern upgrade.

[skidd]

Are these available for sale at this time?
Any problems that haven't been resolved?

Yes. I happen to have 2 on hand ready to go.
And, there are no problems that I"m currently aware of.
There are a few of these out in the wild (member of this forum as well as myself), with no issues (again, that I'm aware of)

[Bart Carter]

Yes. I happen to have 2 on hand ready to go.
And, there are no problems that I"m currently aware of.
There are a few of these out in the wild (member of this forum as well as myself), with no issues (again, that I'm aware of)

Hi skidd,

What all is included? What else would be needed? How complete are the instructions?

Thanks.

[skidd]

The instructions in the PDF are pretty complete. It does expect that each install might be unique, so really more of a basic wiring guideline given a more typical vehicle setup. What could be better explained in the PDF is the black stripe on the steering shaft. I used black paint, but really any non-reflective dark material can work. Tape, Sharpie, plastic.

You get what is depicted here.
The control module, the relay block and the IR sensor.

https://www.ludicrous-speed.com/photos/pgapi/gallery/content/Shanes%20Cobra/SelfCancelingTurnSignal/PXL_20220720_032506390.NIGHT.jpg/thumbnail/480

[skidd]

What you don't get is any sort of turn switch. I made a simple lever switch for my setup. Others have used a retrofit RT turn signal, others simple momentary push buttons, and still others a momentary toggle switch.

[Kevin-C]

Kevin,

Could you shed any more light on this option? It's the first time I've seen it and it looks really intriguing. How do you like it? Drawbacks?

It's not cheap ($370 total with the lights controller) but looks nice, would eliminate the mechanical reset mechanism from the RT turn signal that others have had wear out, and simplifies wiring. Feels like a modern upgrade.

Jim,
To mount the turn signals switch I had to make a steering column tube using 2-inch tubing. It mounts using the steering shaft pillow block bearing mounting holes behind the dash.

It works great and cancels as you would expect. As a plus, the controller eliminates the trailer light combiner for the rear lights. One nice safety feature is the brake lights flash when first applied. Since the car doesn't have a center brake light, I think this adds a little safty to help prevent rear end collisions.

To me, the switch has a nice solid feel that matches the car.
Kevin

[Kevin-C]

Thanks for the info! Who do you purchase the MicroFlex controller from?

Jeff,
The controller comes from Microflex Labs, same as the switch.

[PNWTim]

Jim,
To mount the turn signals switch I had to make a steering column tube using 2-inch tubing. It mounts using the steering shaft pillow block bearing mounting holes behind the dash.

It works great and cancels as you would expect. As a plus, the controller eliminates the trailer light combiner for the rear lights. One nice safety feature is the brake lights flash when first applied. Since the car doesn't have a center brake light, I think this adds a little safty to help prevent rear end collisions.


To me, the switch has a nice solid feel that matches the car.
Kevin

Kevin - any chance you could post a couple of photos of the mounting details? Thanks.

[Kevin-C]

Kevin - any chance you could post a couple of photos of the mounting details? Thanks.

Steering column details provided below.

A PDF file is available here...
https://microflexlabs.com/pages/ffr-roadster-installation

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[PNWTim]

Thanks!

[Dave108]

I have the turn signal setup from Skidd. I have bench tested it and wired it temporarily to my lights. All works well so far, turn signals and hazard flashers. I am getting close to the final installation with the black tape on the steering column but based on what I have seen so far I don't expect any problems. Skidd's "Hot Rod Blinkin" seems to be well made.

[JimStone]

Kevin-C,

With the Microflex labs turn signal - it says the controller flashes the brake lights when braking. How much does it flash? Like twice, three times?

I think it could be a cool to maybe flash the 3rd brake light only, but I'm a little concerned it could get obnoxious

[rich grsc]

If I was behind a car doing that, I'd be wondering, is he stopping, or does he have a short in the wiring harness. I don't see that as an improvement

[Kevin-C]

The Microflex lights controller will flash the tail lights (brake lights) two times when the brakes are first pressed, then stay on while pressed.

Old cars, like Cobras, don't have a center brake light to get the attention of the driver behind you when you hit the brakes. It's easy for following drivers to not notice the suttle change. Especially at night, when the brake lights go from dim to bright. By adding a couple flashes it makes the brake lights more noticable when you hit the brakes. I like that this feature is included. For no extra cost or effort I think it adds a little extra safety.

I will try to make a short video of the brake lights and post it here.

[Jeff Kleiner]

The Microflex lights controller will flash the tail lights (brake lights) two times when the brakes are first pressed, then stay on while pressed.



Many new daily drivers are set up like this.

Jeff