steering column guru's, need your help

[bigblock73]

My blinker lever, or I should say the part it connects to in the column...is broken. I am trying to get to that part inside the column, and can't seem to figure out how to get the metal plate off that you see in the following picture. I have tried lightly prying it up..but it does not want to budge, and I don't want to break it. How in the world do you remove it?

Also, my column is non-tilit, automotic. Is the part I need called the turn signal cancelling switch, or what? Anyone have a spare? LoL!

[bigblock73]

OK, I got it off and the damaged part out. There was a retaining ring holding that piece on, what a PITA that little thing was.

[impalamark]

yea there is a tool available at most parts stores used to
take that retainer ring out under $10 and worth it
Mark

[N2TRUX]

Jeff your probably going to need to find that tool. If I remember correctly it is darn near impossible to get the clip back on with out it.

[Longhorn321]

Originally Posted by N2TRUX

Jeff your probably going to need to find that tool. If I remember correctly it is darn near impossible to get the clip back on with out it.

Yes..darn near. I actually did wrestle the thing back together but I won't do it again without the tool.

[asphaltburner]

Yo!
If you search "horn", "turn signal", or "steering column" on this forum, you'll find my new pictorial. Check this link:
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...00#post3225400
A pic of the tool and step by step re-installation instructions are found there. It should answer any questions you might have.
"C" clip holds the lockplate in place. You may need a new one unless the old one popped out undamaged.
Please add any additional info you feel others might need to the linked post,...I hope it can be used as a data base for everyone in the future.
Thanks, Todd.

[bigblock73]

Todd, that is great!!! Thanks!

I did get the clip out without damaging it (I hope), so it should go back in no sweat. (I hope). If it is damaged, is that another NAPA part?

How hard were the metal parts to remove from the old turn signal switch and put on the new one? Springs look easy, the others look like a pain.

[asphaltburner]

The turn signal switch is sold as a unit. NAPA has it,...I could look up the cost for you but don't remember right off. Cheap. Goes in with three screws and the extension arm bolts on with just one screw (see second pic in my pictorial).
"C" clip I have not had to locate,...YET! But I'd bet junkyards and parts stores would have the item,...fits my '76 Camaro as well,...probably all Chevys of the era.
Todd.

[Longhorn321]

IIRC, the only challenge is the clip. The rest is a piece of cake.

[asphaltburner]

OK,...call me OLD! What the hell does IIRC mean,...sorry all. Todd.

[bigblock73]

If I remember correctly

[elwoods76]

Hey Big block73, I have a couple of 4 speed columns that I have no plans for as of yet, if you need something and can't find it at the parts store pm and I should be able to tear into one of them and get you parts. I have been there before trying to get that apart without the lock plate removal tool(best $14 I ever spent).

[Damien]

Lisle makes them. Check the parts stores. They are very common. Here is a link to Lisle. http://www.lislecorp.com/tool_detail.cfm?detail=1128
The spring in there is like trying to compres a valve spring by hand. It can be don, but the tool makes it a five minute job, versus an hour.

I will let you use mine if you want to come get it.

[Captkaos]

Jeff, get the tool, it makes it much easier to get it on/off with it.

[bigblock73]

Alright, going to NAPA tonight to get the part and tool.

I thought the install would go easier...but I'll get it just in case.

Thanks again for the help.

[Damien]

The install is the worst part without it!

[Captkaos]

you will spend a long time trying to keep pressure on it to get that ring back in, getting it out is the easier part.

[MylilBowTie]

Oh you mean its not fun compressing the valve spring without the lock plate tool...? lol

Jeff you can reuse the retaining ring but the book says to replace them. You will also need to unplug the turn signal wires so you can get the old turn signal assy out. That would be the yellowish/clear plastic part with the 3/4 screws holding it in place.

The signal canceling switch is the green plastic piece. That hooks also is used for your horn button.

[bigblock73]

Originally Posted by MylilBowTie

Oh you mean its not fun compressing the valve spring without the lock plate tool...? lol

Jeff you can reuse the retaining ring but the book says to replace them. You will also need to unplug the turn signal wires so you can get the old turn signal assy out. That would be the yellowish/clear plastic part with the 3/4 screws holding it in place.

The signal canceling switch is the green plastic piece. That hooks also is used for your horn button.

I got the signal assembly out without having to unplug the wires, it was a tad tricky, but I got it.

[bigblock73]

OK folks, update on this. NAPA did not carry just the piece I needed (the piece the turn signal level screws into...I guess it is called the turn signal switch lever cam)...so I orded one from a resto company and it got here Wednesday. It is advertised to fit 73-92 non-tilt...and that is what I have. It looks identical for the most part except the area where the turn signal lever screws into is different. My original broken one had a small opening in it that the srew holding the lever on screwed into. The new one had a larger octagnal opening and appears as if there is a piece that slides in there that the screw goes into.

Does anyone know what I am talking about, or can help me out here?

Thanks!

[elwoods76]

I will take the part out an extra column that isn't a tilt to compare. Show us the pics so we can see the differences?

[bigblock73]

OK, here are the old and new pics. I thought the new hole was octagnal, but that is the shaft behind it...the new hole is just quite a bit larger than the old one.

I just need to get the signal lever to screw down and work, everything else appears to be OK.

[elwoods76]

Let me know what you think about this. I can tear it down even further, just ran out of time cause of helping another buddy.