I need to replace my turn signal switch on my 71. It does not have tilt of telescoping column. Found instructions on Wilcox for one with Tilt and Telescoping Column. Can I use that one ok?
By the way I want to thank whomever posted instructions on how to fix a floppy side mirror.....worked like a charm

 

It should be quite similar, do not foresee any issues using them.

 

Ha!

I am in the middle of this job myself. Some tips for you, POLICE COPTER

I haven't seen the Willcox video but I have the service manual and am mostly following that. Did take a couple of pictures for reference.

You'll need a wheel puller of course. for the steering wheel.

After that you'll need to pull out the directional assembly. That involves getting the snap ring off. Unless you have three hands, I recommend that you make yourself a wide flat 'U' shaped bracket, about 3-1/2" across and maybe 1-1/2" deep with a 5/8" hole in the center. I had some 1" aluminum stock that I could bend into that shape. Putting that on the column shaft and screwing the nut on will push the plate there off the snap ring and you can now pry it out with a small screwdriver.

Don't forget to take out the emergency pushbutton. Push it all the way in and unscrew it. I assume you have disconnected the battery when you started.

Next problem I had was disconnecting that wide flat connector underneath. Turns out you can't pull it off. I tried for a while and figured out I was doing something wrong. It is set and held on a bracket attached to the column and so you first have to push it up to get it off the bracket. At that point you can disconnect it.

Now to get that ribbon cable out. I discovered my cable was set inside some sort of flat protecting sheath. Super hard after 50 years so I had to destroy it to get the ribbon cable out. Takes some wiggling and it is best to tape it as flat as can be at the connector to minimize its cross section.

Not sure what I am going to do about the sheath I destroyed. I assume it is to protect the wires inside the column from chafing. I'm sure I will think of something.

My replacement assy has completely different colored wires so I'm sitting down to check that they go to the same place as the old one.

Hope this helps a bit.

 

ignatz,

You could probably use shrink tubing to make a new sheath. You can get it in longer lengths and diameters. I had some that was over a foot long. Maybe this would work??? Nice write up you posted.

 

Good suggestion. I put a steel ruler inside to make sure it stayed flat. Stuff gets pretty hard once it shrinks. Not my best camera work though.




​​​​​​​Had some other stuff to do under there, we'll see what aches and pains develop.

 

The shrink tubing I have used does not get hard when shrunk. Maybe don't shrink it just use it as a sheath.

Good luck with your project and your picture was good.