I'm stuck - 83 column wiring for lights

[steverino66]

My truck is road ready EXCEPT…
I put an 83 tilt column in the 66, kept the dash ignition, which works fine. I connected 7 wires from each vehicle column plug, color to same color with only brown hazard wire on the 83 column left disconnected. I studied 66 wire diagram and the partial 83 which wasn't 100% clear.
Headlights, dome, dash lights are okay.
Problem - can't get turn signals or tail lights working (bulbs are good, new wires on both, tail lights work with power attached directly to plug at firewall); right brake light works when depressing brake pedal; installed new dimmer switch, headlight switch, flasher unit on fuse box, new fuses all there.
Will the Amer. Autowire plug adapter solve this problem? Other thoughts welcome..
I had it at the local mechanic who said he'd need 6 hours labor to sort it out, so I'm probably looking at a whole new harness if I can't solve the mystery here.

[bama63]

that adapter is offered by lmc & speedway motors just to name a few and should cure your problem it worked great for me hope this helps

[steverino66]

Originally Posted by bama63

that adapter is offered by lmc & speedway motors just to name a few and should cure your problem it worked great for me hope this helps

thanks, bama-
I'll definitely try that before starting over, since all the wires are I haven't replaced seem to be in good shape, just a matter of sorting out the puzzle.

[aggie91]

I had a similar problem when I put in a column from a 71 or 72...

Make sure that the switch that you push in for the hazard lights on the "new" column is pulled out so that the circuit is not made. Mine was pushed in and gave me the same issues that you mentioned above...

[nomrlz]

would using a van colum without the ignition cure this problem? i'm thinkin of goin that route in when i do the swap in my boys 66

[steverino66]

Originally Posted by aggie91

Make sure that the switch that you push in for the hazard lights on the "new" column is pulled out so that the circuit is not made. Mine was pushed in and gave me the same issues that you mentioned above...

That's a very good thought also; since I didn't want it (or the key cylinder), I removed that hazard switch with my favorite hacksaw, maybe made contact in the process; I'll tear into the column to look at it and check out the turn signal switch at the same time. Probably also go with the AAW wiring adapter to make sure connections are right.

[steverino66]

PROGRESS REPORT!
I found and fixed a combination of minor problems, I now have taillights and brake lights, but this one mystery remains:
Rear turn signals work fine; however, when both front turn signal bulbs are in place, the 2 front signals flash together with either rear turn signal activated. If I remove one front bulb, the remaining front signal works properly with the same side back signal.
The 83 truck had a separate signal and hazard flasher on fuse box. I've doublechecked all my under-dash wiring, the brown hazard wire coming out of the 83 column is not connected anywhere and the hazard switch on the turn signal cam is definitely not engaged.
Ideas?