Turn signal assembly in column help

[Square_78]

Need some install advice

My turn signal assembly broke into pieces on my 78 (2wd non tilt auto) on the way to work last night. That was fun. Steering wheel jammed up while driving. Pulled on it really hard and broke all the plastic inside the turn signal assembly, horn blaring and signal lights going off randomly left and right. That was fun. And of course no brake lights. Anyways bought a new turn signal assembly today with the wire than runs down into the dash. I got the wheel off and the lock plate off and all the broken plastic out...

My question is, How the heck do I get the wires and harness connector run through the column down into the lower dash? And also need to get the old harness out without just cutting all the wires. Do I need to pull out the ignition switch and shift lever and take the whole upper column apart? This is a lot more involved than I thought with my basic hand tools at home in the driveway. Anyone have a link to how to do this? I messed with it for a couple hours today and gave up.

Lonnie.
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[Square_78]

I've searched the forum and found out about the lock plate puller and went and got that and there's some threads about the turn signal assembly itself but nothing about actually installing it and getting the wires through the column.

Thanks!
Lonnie
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[Rubble]

It's been a long time since I done my 80 K20, but I think it's the same as yours only on a tilt column.If you unplug the turn signal harness down at the end of the column,you should be able to fish it out thru the steering wheel end.I never took anything apart other than what it sounds like you done already.I might have missed something,this was close to 20 years ago when I repaired mine...
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[LynnJr]

How to replace Turn signal switch Saginaw GM/...

[Square_78]

That's a good video. I have that part figured out. It's pretty straight forward. I just can't figure out how to get the wires run through the column. There is literally no wiggle room in there. I tried taking out the 4 bolts under the column and it loosened things up a little bit but not enough where I can get that giant wire connected to go through. Maybe if I use some force I can tear the old harness out (cut the wires) and then try to rip out that old soft square plastic covering around the wires. That might give me some more room.
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[Sodell]

Once you get the old one out, fish a straight coat hanger up through the column and then tape the wired end onto the hanger with electrical tape and pull back through. Tape the plastic plug onto the hanger sideways and it will fit through with a little effort.

[Square_78]

I finally took out the 6 bolts holding the steering column in place and dropped the column down. Then there was lots of room and the harness slid right down no problem. Thanks everyone for the help
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