Classic/Antique Car Repair: BRAKE LIGHTS, turn signals, blinkers

Question
HI DICK,
I PUT IN AN AFTER MARKET BLINKERS ON MY 31 CHEVY. AFTER HOOKING IT UP IT WORKS FINE, UNTIL I HOOKED UP THE BRAKE LIGHTS. NOW WHEN THE BLINKER IS ON & YOU PUT ON THE BRAKES THE BLINKER GOES OFF. ANY IDEA OF WHAT IT COULD BE?
THANKS,
JOHN

Answer
Either the wiring is wrong, or the kit doesn't provide for a car which uses the same bulb for brake lights as is used for turn signals in the rear.  You may need a more sophisticated kit, or else you can add additional light fixtures to the rear of the car, so the brake lights can work independently.

If using it the way it is doesn't cause an fuses to blow, it is probably  almost as good to just leave it this way.  When someone is following you, they'll see your turn signal right up until you touch the brake to turn - so it seems pretty safe to me.

I'm sure you know, these cars never came with turn signals, so there isn't any place you can look up the proper wiring except in the directions that came with your kit.

Dick