Turn Signal Switch Replacement Tips
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Pro
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 676
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From: Usa
Turn Signal Switch Replacement Tips
I need to replace the turn signal switch on my 73 Tilt-n-Tele Steering Column. I plan on using Jim Shea papers. But was hoping some of you might have tips on how to make this job a little easier.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 4,883
Likes: 11
From: North Easton Mass
Also, you can tie a piece of string to the harmonica connector on the wiring harness when you pull the old harness out. It may make it a bit easier to pull the new harness down through the column.
Rick B.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,001
Likes: 113
From: Saginaw Michigan
Jim's papers should have all the info that you will need. You can borrow the tool needed to get the big retaining clip out from AutoZone. I happened to have some 1" threaded Allen-head studs that I screwed into the column in place of the star wheel to hold the telescope mechanism in place. The AutoZone tool won't work unless the tele mechanism is immobilized.
Also, you can tie a piece of string to the harmonica connector on the wiring harness when you pull the old harness out. It may make it a bit easier to pull the new harness down through the column.
Rick B.
Also, you can tie a piece of string to the harmonica connector on the wiring harness when you pull the old harness out. It may make it a bit easier to pull the new harness down through the column.
Rick B.
What you want is a 5/16-18 UNC set screw or a #20 Allen screw to insert in place of the star screw to keep the upper shaft from telescoping when you use the AutoZone tool.
You probably are going to require a new plastic c-clip retainer since an original one will probably break into small pieces when you attempt to remove it from on top of the metal, toothed, locking plate.
Zip Products SC-517
Willcox 780838
And also available through most Corvette suppliers.
BTW, without the retainer, the large telescope spring will touch the metal locking plate and your horn will blow continuously.
Jim
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 850
Likes: 12
From: Shakopee MN
For me, the only real hard parts were getting the wire back into the plastic tube that goes from the top to the bottom of the column and connecting the emergency flasher rod to the back of the new switch, everything else is pretty easy.
Last edited by StingrayLust; Apr 28, 2014 at 11:40 AM.
