Turn signal/Smart Switch
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
Originally Posted by bmankin
Does the column have to be disassembled inorder to replace the turn signal/wiper/dimmer lever on a 1977 ? if not how might one replace it ?
I have not done this yet, but I saw someone get into it a little bit. The short answer is yes. First the horn button, tele lock assembly, and steering wheel have to come out. That's where I left, but he had to keep digging to get down to the signal lever. Good luck. Take pictures, and use zip locks to holds screws and suck. Don't forget what order things came out in, and DON'T drop any springs or tiny pins...
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,001
Likes: 112
From: Saginaw Michigan
If all you want to do is remove the turn signal lever (NOT switch, my typing error), it is very easy. Just pull it straight out. It presses into a plastic part called the dimmer pivot. (In the case of your 1977 column, the pivot also has the wash/wipe switch). The lever has a groove on the end. The dimmer pivot has a spring loaded ball the snaps into the groove.
Note, on T&T steering columns (1969 through 1976) the turn signal lever screws into a steel post that is inside the steering column and is part of the turn signal switch.
On standard (non-adjustable) steering columns (1969-76) the lever is attached directly to the turn signal switch. You need to remove the steering wheel, hub, and the cover over the locking plate. Then you have access to a hole in the locking plate that allows you to reach down inside the steering column and remove the screw that holds the lever in place.
If you need to replace the dimmer pivot or the turn signal switch, you will need to disassemble the upper end of the steering column. Those instructions can be found at www.corvettefaq.com
Click on Jim Shea Steering Articles and then click on Corvette Steering Papers.
Jim
Note, on T&T steering columns (1969 through 1976) the turn signal lever screws into a steel post that is inside the steering column and is part of the turn signal switch.
On standard (non-adjustable) steering columns (1969-76) the lever is attached directly to the turn signal switch. You need to remove the steering wheel, hub, and the cover over the locking plate. Then you have access to a hole in the locking plate that allows you to reach down inside the steering column and remove the screw that holds the lever in place.
If you need to replace the dimmer pivot or the turn signal switch, you will need to disassemble the upper end of the steering column. Those instructions can be found at www.corvettefaq.com
Click on Jim Shea Steering Articles and then click on Corvette Steering Papers.
Jim
Last edited by Jim Shea; Aug 20, 2006 at 11:20 AM.
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 87
Likes: 0
From: TN
I just had the whole column gone through at a steering column shop in Nashville TN. Came home and dropped it end and the dimmer switch was stuck. When I tried to dim the lights I bent the crap out of the lever.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
Originally Posted by bmankin
I just had the whole column gone through at a steering column shop in Nashville TN. Came home and dropped it end and the dimmer switch was stuck. When I tried to dim the lights I bent the crap out of the lever.
This happened after all the work? Bummer man, that's tough rocks to walk on on. Call the shop...see if they will perform any courtacy work.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,001
Likes: 112
From: Saginaw Michigan
Just to make myself clear (after the typing error in my last post.) All 1977 through 1982 Corvette turn signal/dimmer levers snap into the plastic dimmer pivot that is part of the steering column. You push them straight in and pull them straight out.
Jim
Jim
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
Originally Posted by bmankin
I just had the whole column gone through at a steering column shop in Nashville TN. Came home and dropped it end and the dimmer switch was stuck. When I tried to dim the lights I bent the crap out of the lever.
You going to be able to fix the lever or do you need a new one?
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Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
Originally Posted by bmankin
It seems as after that lever has been bent it looses its integrity, so I’ll have to purchase a new one.
Try Ebay before you go with a more expensive ordering catalog. They have great deals most times.
Racer
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 435
Likes: 2
From: Boise Idaho
I just ordered one from Corvette America (plus other essentials 
)
It was $18.95.
I was under the impression you just give it a 1/4 to 1/2 turn Counterclockwise and it pulls out.
That is what mine does now, but then it is missing the tip (hence the replacement) and wants to fall out on its own.
Previous Bubba used a wad of duck tape to keep it in.
77 4spd L82
)It was $18.95.
I was under the impression you just give it a 1/4 to 1/2 turn Counterclockwise and it pulls out.
That is what mine does now, but then it is missing the tip (hence the replacement) and wants to fall out on its own.
Previous Bubba used a wad of duck tape to keep it in.
77 4spd L82
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
Originally Posted by supercalvin
I just ordered one from Corvette America (plus other essentials )
It was $18.95.
I was under the impression you just give it a 1/4 to 1/2 turn Counterclockwise and it pulls out.
That is what mine does now, but then it is missing the tip (hence the replacement) and wants to fall out on its own.
Previous Bubba used a wad of duck tape to keep it in.
77 4spd L82
)It was $18.95.
I was under the impression you just give it a 1/4 to 1/2 turn Counterclockwise and it pulls out.
That is what mine does now, but then it is missing the tip (hence the replacement) and wants to fall out on its own.
Previous Bubba used a wad of duck tape to keep it in.
77 4spd L82
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
Originally Posted by Jim Shea
There is a comment in my T&T Disassembly and Repair paper that states, "Make sure that the wiper switch is OFF when installing and removing the lever."
Jim
Jim
Yeah, I mean who wants the wiper swiping back and forth across your windshield while you're trying to fix you signal stalk. I don't blame them.
