Unique Owners: A fix for those blinkers!

excelguru · #1 (**permalink**) 10-11-2003, 06:02 PM

Here's how to modify your non-cancelling blinkers to make them self-cancelling. (Many thanks to the fine folks at www.uniquecobra.com for showing me how to do this.)

Prepare the upper steering shaft for removal. You'll need a 1/2" wrench and an Allen wrench.

As you can see, the wheel will need to be removed before the shaft can be removed (the wheel hits the seat). You'll need a 3/8" nut-driver and a phillip's head screwdriver.

Here's what the switch looks like in "neutral". The upper and lower "triggers" are equidistant from the steering shaft.

When the right-hand blinker is engaged, the lower trigger moves towards the shaft. You'll need to install a small "post" on the shaft to hit this trigger.

Mark the shaft at the trigger's location and use a 1/4" drill bit to cut a shallow hole (there's no need to dig all the way to China). Then hammer in a 1/4" roll pin, as shown here. The new pin's location is approximately 1/2" above the existing pin (but please measure your own car to make sure!).

Cut the pin to 3/8" length and chamfer the edges with a file.

Re-install the shaft and you'll no longer look like a dork driving down the road with your left blinker on!

pgermond · #2 (**permalink**) 10-11-2003, 06:30 PM

Keith,
Thanks for posting this. I saw a less detailed version on the Unique forum. Great stuff! Thanks again.....

GeorgiaSnake · #3 (**permalink**) 10-12-2003, 08:17 AM

Keith that is one of many winter projects I have planned. How long did it take you ? I figured about three hours. By the way I nearly T-Boned a guy the other day, seems my blinker was on and he thought I was turning - yikes it was close.

Randy

excelguru · #4 (**permalink**) 10-12-2003, 10:40 AM

It took me about 3 hours, but that included: (a) Taking a break to watch some college football. (b) Running to Lowe's to get supplies. (c) Watch more college football. (d) Taking the shaft to a friend's house down the road because he has a drill press. (e) Football again... you get the idea.

Assuming you already have the drill bit, roll pin, and drill press, you could easily finish in about an hour. It's very easy.

TerryK · #5 (**permalink**) 10-12-2003, 10:49 AM

Thanks alot Keith. I'll be doing the change this weekend now that I've seen it.

chill · #6 (**permalink**) 10-12-2003, 11:28 AM

Nice idea Keith...

but, is that RUST on the steering linkages??? You been out riding in the rain again???

Hey Keith BTW, Alan wanted a few more pictures put in the Unique Assembly manual from some discs he had. I added a cover picture and Appendices for various assemblies that included more detailed pictures and have sent it back to him on CD. We should be done now.

GeorgiaSnake · #7 (**permalink**) 10-12-2003, 01:35 PM

Keith I have all the pieces, infact I've had them for months - to busy ridin to finish the details.

Chill how can you be finished I haven't given you all of my notes and pictures

Randy

jhaynie · #8 (**permalink**) 10-12-2003, 05:43 PM

Keith,

When are you coming to do mine?

John

excelguru · #9 (**permalink**) 10-13-2003, 03:24 AM

Chill - Man, I knew somebody was gonna say something. I almost used Photo Shop to remove it. It's not called rust, it's called patina!

I've been trying to cut back on the rain driving.

Sounds like the manual is gonna be a keeper. Can't wait to see the finished product.

John - Pick any fine weekend and call me. Or you're welcome to drive out here. Either way, one of us gets to enjoy a nice drive.

joe garland · #10 (**permalink**) 10-13-2003, 05:20 AM

Keith, Thanks for the pics. These are a much better shots than the ones on Unique site.

P.S. Why don't you get the rest of the southern group togeather, and come on down to our BIG Texas fling at the end of Feb.

Cobra20646 · #11 (**permalink**) 10-13-2003, 05:56 AM

The turn signal that came on my older Unique did not have provisions for self canceling, so I had to take a different path.

Went to Radio Shack and bought a 12 volt piezo buzzer and connected it to the flasher. Cheap fix, albeit a little annoying when your sitting at a traffic light and listening to that noise...... but you won't forget to turn it off!! Just make sure to mount it somewhere so you can hear it over the pipes

- Jim -

BB427 · #12 (**permalink**) 10-13-2003, 06:52 AM

Took 30 min. works perfect.

casaleenie · #13 (**permalink**) 10-13-2003, 07:20 AM

Damn, you guys are good!!!!!!

BB427 · #14 (**permalink**) 10-13-2003, 07:58 AM

Well, when your car is not done and the shaft is lying on the bench it does cut down the time (-:

Brent (guy working in garage while everyone else is driving in this awesome weather)

Steve R · #15 (**permalink**) 10-14-2003, 03:47 AM

Keith,
Great info.
THAT must be why my 5 yr old daughter calls me a dork.

Steven

hound dog · #16 (**permalink**) 10-17-2003, 11:54 AM

Keith,
Now I know what I'm going to be doing to the cobra this winter! Grrrreat idea!
h dog