Trying to replace the broken turn signal switch in my 68 Cat (tilt +cornering lights). Took off the steering wheel, switch came out. Took off the wiring protective cap, still: Can't figure out how to get the wires and connectors through the column. I even loosened the column a bit. Do I have to disassemble the column even more to get the connectors through?
If I remember correctly you have to write down the wires (color works fine) the way they are placed in the plastic plug. Then remove the wires from the plug. The metal end of the wire will have a " tang " on it to keep it in the plug. Then you can pull the wires thru the column. Installation is the same way . You need to remove the wires from the plug. Then once you get the wires thru the column you can reinstall the plug. Som people cut the plug off leaving enough wire to splice them together once the switch is in the column. Good luck
Lou has it right Rob - that's the easiest way to replace a harness. Cut the old flat ribbon wire at the top of the column and neatly and securely tape the new flat ribbon wire (...with the all the tangs removed from the connector), to the end of the old flat wire and simply 'fish' or pull it down through the opening in the column. Use the old harness as a guide for reconnecting the correct wires into the new connector and secure them by putting a slight bend on the tangs. There may also be a seperate connector for the cornering lamp wires, not sure about Cats, but the Riv has a seperate connector for the cornering lamp option. :TU:
I forgot to say we used to use a stiff piece of mechanics wire taped to the wires to fish them thru the column.
It never came to me to get the wires out of the connectors (2 indeed). They looked quite fixed into the connectors to me. Due to the shape of the connectors I thought they could be let through the column easily Will report the outcome here later. Thanks. :beers2: :beers2:
Hey Rob. You must have the curved plugs. Looks like it will come right out but doesn't. Look into the end of the plug and you should see the little "tang" that hold the wire in the plug. A tiny screwdriver like the ones for eyeglass screws always worked for me. Practice on the old one and once you see how it comes apart you will be set.
A thin pointed 'exacto' blade inserted into the correct side of the plastic connector plug will also release that small 'tang' to allow the wire and connector to slide out. Practice on the old one, as Lou suggested !! :TU:
Thanks Lou and Randy for all the info.. when you know this little secret it's an easy job: Can't tell whether it works yet; all the lights are off the car now... busy to give the Cat a repaint new carpet and redo the upholstery. Love this board
Did you have any difficulty obtaining a correct Red BPW switch Rob - is that an NOS switch, or a repro ?? o No: Glad our info helped, and it worked out for you !! :beer :beer
It is the one you recommended. It is the repro from classicbuicks (#7805675 DIRECTIONAL "TURN SIGNAL" SWITCH with the cornering lights option).
Forgot to report back: after I put all the lights back on the Cat everything worked fine again, including cornering lights. Thanks again Randy for the lead to the switch mentioned earlier here. :TU:
Can't find it there either anymore (sold out?). Google the part# and you'll find other vendors that sells them (repop), unless you want NOS: http://www.oldsobsolete.com/product.../1967-1968-gm-turn-signal-switch-nos-7805675/
