HELP! Changing the turn-signal switch

[Harleys 4 You]

I'm wanting to change the turn signal switch on a 1970 Chevy pickup. I have a new switch. It has the plastic plug-in on it. Do I need to take the old plug-in off the switch to slide it out of the steering column? If so, how do I take the plug-ins off without damaging the wiring? If I don't take the plug-in off the new switch, how do I get it slid down through the steering column?

[69GWC]

There is a cover on the bottom of the column that comes off and you pull the wires through there.
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[Harleys 4 You]

How do I get the half moon plastic plug that the wires are attached to through the steering column? If I need to remove the wires from the plug to get it throught the steering column, how do I remove the wires?

[Harleys 4 You]

ttt

[jmking9]

Look on the underside of your column and you will see the cover that just needs pryed off. The wires go under that cover and do not actually go throught the column. Replacing that switch was actually alot easier than I anticipated. And that doesnt happen too often.

[69GWC]

The end of the column will all come off there will be 2 pieces and then you can feed the plug through.
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[tarro]

I need to do this also.
If anyone has pictures that would help.
Thanks,

Paul

[TheSeeker]

Seconded the request for pictures, I am doing this tomorrow afternoon, and Have all my parts ready. Could someone go out to there truck and take a few pics of the general area where the wire cover/where they plug in at is? Doesnt have to be dissembled... Also, does the gauge cluster need to be removed to complete this? im replacing the whole switch, turn signal knob, and hazard knob. Thanks!

[69GWC]

Pull the steering wheel, pull out the turn signal switch then take the column apart as you do this you will see how it comes apart then you can feed the wire threw.
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[Senorx]

I'm bringing this thread back up. Anybody have pictures of this procedure? Tips? Tricks? Words of wisdom? I'm changing the turn-signal switch as soon as the part comes in.

[Already Gone]

Subscribed

[TacBlade]

I am doing this also? Pics would be GREAT!!!

[WIDESIDE72]

I recently replaced the switch in my 72 with tilt. No way to get the new wires through with the half moon connector on without disassembling the column. I decided to de pin the connector. That was a pain in itself. I couldn't get the connectors out with a paper clip. I had to use a pAir of forceps that I had previously sharpened down to get the clips to release. Each connector has two on the sides, not one on top like all other connectors I've worked on..

[Senorx]

How far down did you have to disassemble the column. I've removed the plate that runs under the column and exposes the wires already. I'm just waiting for my new switch to come so I can get back at it. Why can't one thing be easy with these rigs? LOL.

[Aussie Ol' Blue]

I did this just yesterday and had all the questions being asked. With some research of old threads on this site I did the job in twenty minutes.

!.remove steering wheel
2. remove the white plastic cam
3.remove the indicator lever screw and remove lever
4.remove the three screws holding the indicator switch and carefully lift the switch out and over the steering shaft
5. remove the pin holding the gear shift lever.(auto) Mine just pulled out, but if you need to "convince" it, use a small punch from the underside.
6.remove the gear shift indicator.(only to prevent possible damage )(2 screws)
7.Remove the gear shift indicator lamp from the housing. This is a fibre optic cable leading to the back of your gauge bezel. don't cut it because its not a re-spliceable wire!
8. The tricky bit! take the cowl that the switch was sitting in, in both hands and rotate it counter clockwise about 90 degrees while putting some downward pressure on it,and pull it towards you.It may need a bit of a wiggle. If it hasn't come off go back to your starting position and try again, this piece has a couple of little locator bumps on it to hold it in place and these are what you need to manoeuvre past. When you do this the bearing and bearing holder will slip off at the same time.
9. Slide the shift lever housing/cowl back towards you and remove.
10. On the underside of the column is a slide plate. slide the rubber around the column/under the gauge bezel thingy up the column and with a small screwdriver push the slide plate forward and remove. there should be a small lip.
11. Disconnect the wiring loom and remove.
12. Feed the new switch loom and basically reverse your procedure.
Be sure that when you put your new loom in to put the switch in place over the shaft and make sure the loom doesn't twist un=naturally and cause breakage down the line.. once you are happy with the loom position take it off the shaft and put everything back in reverse order of removal,
The gear shift cowl may not slide straight back on, so lift the steering shaft with a screwdriver as you slip the cowl back on.
Also make sure the loom sits in the notch at the six o'clock position of the top cowl
Don't force or feed any of the of the loom with a screwdriver or similar.
If you take care and patience its an easy (and when your done quite logical) procedure. I'm writing this under the influence of pain killers and may have missed something, so my apologies in advance but I'm pretty sure I have the main points covered

I hope this is helpful. Good luck.

[Senorx]

Seems pretty involved. I'm kinda freaking out a tad bit. Hope I didn't bite off more than I can chew. Wish somebody had pictures or a video would be a godsend.

[Aussie Ol' Blue]

It is a little involved but no need to freak out. What part is stressing you out? maybe I can help you through. I'll try and get some photo's to help you out but the step by step should be a start?

[WIDESIDE72]

Does anyone know if a tilt column comes apart the same way?

[chiefcfd]

No the tilt columns are a little bit more involved. Post # 5

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=447180

[jondancer]

Would swapping the whole column be easier or no?
Thanks

[slikside]

Sub'd!