1978 turn signal issue
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Jun 2013
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1978 turn signal issue
I just replaced the turn signal assembly, lots of fun, and found that I still cant get the left turn signal to click in place. it is like I need to pull the lever down another 1/4" and there is no more room to pull. with the assembly visible I can move the mechanism and it works.
Any help? Would a later model turn signal arm that has the steeper angle help?
This is my first restore and I have gotten really ambitious with what I am doing myself. Lots of little successes, but this really sucks.
Any help? Would a later model turn signal arm that has the steeper angle help?
This is my first restore and I have gotten really ambitious with what I am doing myself. Lots of little successes, but this really sucks.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,001
Likes: 113
From: Saginaw Michigan
You have to be losing some motion between the turn signal lever itself, the dimmer pivot mechanism, and the crossover arm since you have a new turn signal switch.
If the crossover arm was bent or somehow damaged that might explain the problem. Otherwise, I would guess that the dimmer pivot itself is worn (possibly the hole where the turn signal lever plugs in.)
Jim
If the crossover arm was bent or somehow damaged that might explain the problem. Otherwise, I would guess that the dimmer pivot itself is worn (possibly the hole where the turn signal lever plugs in.)
Jim
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Jun 2013
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OK, feeling much better after reading your documentation. Funny thing is, everyone I mentioned my problem to said it was new to them. In your doc it says clearly that a loose pivot arm will cause you to lose the left signal. Thanks again! I did fix it. Now, as a novice I do not know how to get the spring compressed and the lock ring in place. My puller does not look like the one in the diagrams. I have bolts and not a set of U shaped arms on mine.
So how do I compress that spring?
So how do I compress that spring?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,001
Likes: 113
From: Saginaw Michigan
First of all, borrow the correct tool from a major automotive supply store. Most will loan the tool for a small security deposit.
Now you will need to prevent the upper steering shaft from telescoping. You will need a 5/16-18 UNC set screw or a #20 Allen screw to install into the threads in the upper steering shaft. Tighten the screw so the upper shaft won't telescope. Now the tool that you borrowed will work correctly.
Hope that you have already purchased a replacement plastic c-clip retainer. Most of them are 30-40 years old and will break into pieces when you try to remove them. Without that part, the big spring that helps telescope your upper shaft will touch metal parts in the steering column and your horn will blow continuously.
Zip Products SC-517
Willcox 780838
The part may also be available in the Help Section at large automotive stores.
Good luck,
Jim
Now you will need to prevent the upper steering shaft from telescoping. You will need a 5/16-18 UNC set screw or a #20 Allen screw to install into the threads in the upper steering shaft. Tighten the screw so the upper shaft won't telescope. Now the tool that you borrowed will work correctly.
Hope that you have already purchased a replacement plastic c-clip retainer. Most of them are 30-40 years old and will break into pieces when you try to remove them. Without that part, the big spring that helps telescope your upper shaft will touch metal parts in the steering column and your horn will blow continuously.
Zip Products SC-517
Willcox 780838
The part may also be available in the Help Section at large automotive stores.
Good luck,
Jim
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Jun 2013
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OK, so I fixed the turn signal and somehow messed up the high beams. Glad I checked before ZI put it all back together. Any diagrams or info on that? I thought I lined up the plastic piece that just floats on the cover with the rod that bent up on the side. But there is also a spring attached to another silver rod - I don't know what that does besides slide into the larger cover just above the dimmer pivot. It breaks my heart that I have to take the turn signal back out again. ARRGH!
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Jun 2013
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OK, new problem. I got the Locking Plate installer and got everything installed okay, EXCEPT there is a grinding noise now when I turn the wheel. Do I just need to grease up the spring that gets compressed? The sound only happens after I put the locking clip back in. Before that it turns without a sound. thanks again for your insight. I might actually get this back together!
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Thread Starter
Cruising
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I have taken it apart again to the point where the spring is located. behind it is a washer (?) and a ring of bearings. They appear to be greased and did not make a sound before.
when I take the lock plate off and turn the column there is no noise - only when the spring is compressed and the plate in place. Please help.
when I take the lock plate off and turn the column there is no noise - only when the spring is compressed and the plate in place. Please help.
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
I have taken it apart again to the point where the spring is located. behind it is a washer (?) and a ring of bearings. They appear to be greased and did not make a sound before.
when I take the lock plate off and turn the column there is no noise - only when the spring is compressed and the plate in place. Please help.
when I take the lock plate off and turn the column there is no noise - only when the spring is compressed and the plate in place. Please help.