what is that thing!?

[tarps3]

This doesn't have anything to do with a TBird but I just have to know the answer.

I was at a car show recently and saw a '56 Caddy.
Above its dash was a rectangular piece of glass on an adjustable arm. It had ridges on it like the inside of a tail light lense and was clear.

Someone called it a "traffic minder".

Can someone enlighten me as to what the heck that thing is and what was its purpose?
I've seen them on other cars since then and have received varying explanations...

Casey
60 TBird hardtop

[Alexander]

RE: what is that thing!?

A traffic minder was a device to help to see the traffic light when you are close to the intersection. It refracted the light from the traffic signal.

Alexander
1959 Hardtop
1960 Golde Top

[tarps3]

RE: what is that thing!?

what sorts of cars had those?
did they work very well?

I assume they sorta "glowed" with whatever color the traffic signal was.
My idea was that they helped you see the color if you pulled too far under the light.

Did Ford ever use 'em?

thanks for the info Alexander - I knew you or someone else here would have the answer.
Casey

[SandyBoy]

RE: what is that thing!?

1955 / 1956 & 1957 over & out! No, it was a "Caddy Thing" ~
Trust me, Caddys are to me like T-Birds are to you guys.
Traffic Minder was indeed the correct name. BTW, it was an option, and NO I do not know the price. I saw some that were "guaranteed to work or your $$ back, at a car flea market like 5-6 years ago. They were fetching $50.00. Musta been a Grrreat price as guys were fallin' over each other to get them. He had like 20-25 of them in the box. I'd say he sold 1/2 that # that day.

[Alexander]

RE: what is that thing!?

These devices were simple refracting lenses. They were useful on older cars, as the windshields were not laid back as far as they are now. They were a necessity on cars with visors or chopped tops.

The advertisement for the following reproduction traffic light viewer is funny, as it states, "for off road use only." What would a traffic light be doing off road?

A high quality, reproduction of the original "Guide" traffic light viewer, this adjustable, super clear plastic prism will make seeing out of your chopped custom or hot rod much easier. Easy bolt on installation. For offroad use only.

http://store5.yimg.com/I/go-kat-go_1793_3296372.jpg

http://www.go-kat-go.com/trafligviewf.html

Alexander
1959 Hardtop
1960 Golde Top

[Alexander]

RE: what is that thing!?

Sandy,

I love your new avatar.

http://www.autofx.com/dreamsuite/effect_pages/dimensionx_files/red_X.jpg

Alexander
1959 Hardtop
1960 Golde Top

[SandyBoy]

RE: what is that thing!?

Awww, yours is bigger than mine ! ;-)