Turn Signal Switch headaches...

[Oystercopy]

Hey guys.. so just today, I ended up trying to replace my switch in the column. I had bought one from RockAuto (I was ordering other stuff) and what came was a defective switch. The manufacturer is Standard Auto Products and the switch itself looked OK, but it had a significant defect. It was nearly impossible to move the cam (yellow plastic piece) left and right, which engages each turn signal switch. I could hardly move it with my hands until I manually released the little tang (screwdriver touching it in the picture). Once I attached the lever to it, there was NO WAY the lever was going to move it any better than my own fingers doing it. I noticed that each time I moved the cam left and right, the mounting screw would loosen a little bit, which made it impossible to trust it not coming loose in the column. So, I modified the little tangs to take some pressure/tension off the things and it worked for a while, but after about 10 times back and forth, one of the tangs ended up breaking off and I was back to square one. The metal washer/retaining ring also didn't fit properly, so I ended up having to shave some of the white frame to get it to fit also (see pics). So, now I'm looking at different manufacturers. But it seems like ALL of them come with a yellow cam now, so they might all be the same. Beware of trying to use this item, because it will end up damaging/wearing down your turn signal lever if left unchecked. Hope this helps someone!

 

[EW1BH27]

How about just trying to replace the cam. There’s several suppliers selling them. I actually never recall seeing a yellow cam on an original, they were always white. Maybe different plastic, but I can say for sure.
https://www.yearone.com/Product/challenger-cuda/bh330

 

[Oystercopy]

I thought about trying to do that, but in order to pry the cam off the old one and put it on the new one I think I'd do more damage to the plastic than it would help.. Plus you've got to transfer the wiring over as well of that cam.

CORRECTION: Not Standard Auto, but Skyward Auto Products.. see picture.

 

[EW1BH27]

Quote: "So, now I'm looking at different manufacturers."
If you didn't see it, member TWS has this for sale.

FOR SALE - NOS Turn Signal Switch, 3488804

An NOS turn signal switch, part number 3488804. Fits a variety of applications, including 1973-74 Cuda Challenger E-Body. $180, plus shipping. I'm never offended by offers. Parts located in Cleveland, OH. Free delivery to MCACN in November, or other possible delivery. I have other six-pack...

www.forebodiesonly.com

 

[EV2RTSE]

Hope this helps someone!

Well, count me as one. I'm rebuilding my column and the exterior parts of it just got done at the powdercoater. I also ordered that exact switch from Rock and only took a quick look at it, but noticed it seemed cheap. I have a couple of original 70 switches that look ok but I'm not thrilled about the idea of reusing a 54/55 year old electrical part that is so critical. Changing the cancel cam shouldn't be that bad but I'm not crazy about the appearance of the hazard switch either. I know you have to grind it down to match the shape of the 70 so it fits in the housing but it still looks way different. I've heard of drilling out the rivets that hold it together & using the original hazard switch and putting it back together with small nuts & screws. Fun fun fun.

 

[EW1BH27]

I have a 54/55 year old 1970 switch that I wanted to keep because the flasher button uniqueness and still works great. It was taken apart and thoroughly cleaned, burnished the brass contact rivets, slightly bent the cam's "wire" connections so they'd make good contact, shrink wrapped a couple frayed wires and greased moving parts.

 

[EV2RTSE]

I was poking around on the ebodies.org Facebook page and found a post from 2022 saying that the switch that Roseville Moparts sells is made in the USA, might be worth verifying if this is still the case.

Turn signal switch 70-76 A/B/E-body Single connector | Roseville Moparts

 

[Oystercopy]

Thanks for all the replies. Yeah, I might have chosen to rip the thing apart and drill out the rivets and all that stuff, but I didn't want to cause more damage to the unit... But since i'm probably throwing it away, I guess it wouldn't matter

I'm waiting on a new one to come that I've confirmed with the seller that the cam is easy to move. It'll be here in a few days and we'll go from there.

One of the sellers I contacted said that their part was made in the USA so if this one that's coming doesn't work, that's the way I'm going to go.

 

[Xcudame]

I know this sounds crazy, but for years I bought drill bits from China because they are so cheap. I would even resharpen them on my grinder. The recently I bought a nice made in the USA drill bits. Not only me, but my son, notice how much faster and longer they last! And I will only buy engine motor mounts from 440 Source as they always fit great!

 

[Oystercopy]

That's hilarious. I recently bought some USA made bits as well! And they drill through steel, where the cheaper, DeWalts don't hardly even drill through steel...how funny.