Turn signal switch repair

[BoneStock67]

The turn signals on my '67 bug work, but the switch doesn't stay in place, so I have to hold it by hand. I haven't yet taken it apart to see if it's repairable, so I'd appreciate comments from anyone who has tried to fix this problem.

In the likely event that the switch does need to be replaced, my other question is, Does anyone have an opinion on the high quality German turn signal switch for $120 from Wolfsburg West, vs. the cut-rate knock-offs available elsewhere for half that amount?

Thanks.
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1986 Wolfsburg Westfalia Weekender 2.1L stock
1967 Beetle, now becoming my daily driver again, after a long rest in the garage

"There are two possible outcomes: if the result confirms the hypothesis, then you've made a measurement. If the result is contrary to the hypothesis, then you've made a discovery.” -Enrico Fermi

[67jason]

if you need to replace get the SWF switch..aka the high quality german switch. it is the OEM replacement. you will thank yourself if you do.

[RareAir]

The only piece attaching the switch to the column is a small metal tang & set screw. Either piece may be stripped out. I'd look for a good donor switch & replace those pieces.
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1947 Typ 11a
1954 Typ 117
1956 Typ 151
1959 Typ 117
1959 Typ 265
1961 356B
1966 Typ 151
1966 Typ 241

[Joey]

CIP1 has them for less than $50. probably not german though.

http://www2.cip1.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=VWC%2D141%2D953%2D517%2DF

[BoneStock67]

Thanks, RareAir, but I was unclear in my description. The switch to column attachment is fine. The problem is that the lever does not click into place, so I have to hold it up (or down) to make the turn signal blink.
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1986 Wolfsburg Westfalia Weekender 2.1L stock
1967 Beetle, now becoming my daily driver again, after a long rest in the garage

"There are two possible outcomes: if the result confirms the hypothesis, then you've made a measurement. If the result is contrary to the hypothesis, then you've made a discovery.” -Enrico Fermi

[Howard66]

The same thing happened on my '66 a few years back. I took it apart to repair, but the reason the turn signal wasn't sticking was becuase the internals had been worn away over the years.

Can't remember what make the replacement was, but it's been working great since '99... That cost UK£50.
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1966 Volkswagen 1300
1978 Triumph Dolomite Sprint
1962 MGA 1600 MKII
1962 Austin Mini Seven
1970 Triumph Spitfire IV
1965 Mobylette SP50
1985 Sinclair C5

[Matt K.]

Your best bet it to take it apart and see if it is something easy to fix, if not, might just be easier to replace it.............good luck
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This is my 23rd year in the Auto Body/Paint Game!
*Take a look at some of my custom paint: http://s110.photobucket.com/albums/n119/mrpaint_2006/ .( NOTE: these are some older jobs but still neat.)

[glutamodo]

If you take it apart, just be careful where you do it - the centering spring can pop out of there and roll away and get lost. The brass contact for the turn signals and the little spring that gives it its tension can also get loose.

I bought an aftermarket 66-67 switch a couple of years ago, and that thing was junk! I wouldn't even use it, it was such a poor copy that the self cancelling parts inside wouldn't work right. I later got me an NOS one off of ebay for a lot less than that 90-120 dollar range that you find german ones for. I'm still waiting for the switch in my baja to kick the bucket, which is why I even bought it...

Which reminds me, has anyone actually seen or tried this thing that CIP1 has for sale? It sure doesn't look stock, and it's cheap, but does it work?

http://www2.cip1.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=VWC%2D113%2D953%2D517%2D9

[keifernet]

Never tried one of the ones you picture here but they are sure cheap at 20.00 bucks... the other more original one they sell is Brazillian SWF and is about 50 bucks...

[vwjedi]

my newly acquired '63 rag has the same problem. I would also be interested in a detailed photo of internals if you get it fixed or other affordable replacement.
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1987 Wolfsburg T25 still riding out. A bunch of other VW's passed on...

[myk648]

Recently bought a 63 ragtop that had one of the cheap switches in it. It worked fine. Looked kind of cheesey, but it did function properly.

[[email protected]]

If you take your switch apart, BE CAREFUL!!!!! There are small springs in there that if you lose them, your done!

As far as repairing a sig switch, most advise I have heard is that it is almost impossible to disassemble, reapir,and reassemble on of those damn things!

Here a tip, loosen the screw that holds it to the column a little until the whole switch is a lilttle oose on the column.

Put some pressure on the part of the switch that attaches to the column toward the steering wheel. In other words, grab it an pull toward you (and the wheel), now while hold the pressure against the switch, tighten the screw that hold it to the column.

If you get it tight enough against the back of the wheel, the friction between the switch and the wheel will sometimes hold it in place.

This works on my 60, but I am not sure on your 67.
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How's that for a slice of fried gold!

[glutamodo]

[BoneStock67]

Wow! Thanks, Andy. Those are great pix and a great description. I'm planning to try the disassembly this weekend (I've got four kids so I need to take my bug-time when I can get it) and your post will be very helpful. Based on your description, though, I'm even less optimistic about being able to repair it, since it looks like there are no easily replaceable pieces involved in the locking mechanism, short of salvaging them from another switch.

I'll report back on what I find, and I'll post some pictures if the innards look substantially different than what you show.
_________________
1986 Wolfsburg Westfalia Weekender 2.1L stock
1967 Beetle, now becoming my daily driver again, after a long rest in the garage

"There are two possible outcomes: if the result confirms the hypothesis, then you've made a measurement. If the result is contrary to the hypothesis, then you've made a discovery.” -Enrico Fermi

[itlives]

If all the "fix-its" fail ,I know where there is a OG in a wrecked 67. PM me if you're interested.

[targa]

glutomoto

Great How to!!! outstanding

Tom

[BoneStock67]

Well, I followed Glutamodo's instructions and had no problem at all taking my switch apart and putting it back together. But, there was excess wear on the grooves in the base, and the rivet that holds one of the cancelling tabs to the housing was broken, so I decided to call it a day. Somebody could probably repair it with some fancy metalwork, but that somebody ain't me.

I'm going to take 67jason's advice and buy the SWF switch from WW. I was thinking about getting a salvaged switch, but considering how they wear, I figure I'll get the new one and then forget about it for the next twenty years or so.

Thanks everybody.
_________________
1986 Wolfsburg Westfalia Weekender 2.1L stock
1967 Beetle, now becoming my daily driver again, after a long rest in the garage

"There are two possible outcomes: if the result confirms the hypothesis, then you've made a measurement. If the result is contrary to the hypothesis, then you've made a discovery.” -Enrico Fermi

[glutamodo]

[glutamodo]

I keep forgetting to put these in the Gallery then into this thread, some misc reference photos of various 1960s turn signal switches:

-Andy

Here's a "K" brand (whatever that stands for) of a 60-61 style switch.

Here's "K" brand version of the 62-65:

Here's some unknown brand that looks like it would work for either 60-61 or 62-65 depending on how the contacts were installed

edit: I mention some cancel parts might be missing, I guess they are not. From another thread about a 61 wiper switch, here's a thread with a photo of the above type switch with all the contacts in place:

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=395517


And here are some original SWF switches in 62-65 and 66-67 versions:

Also, some detail photos of an aftermarket Schadek 66-67 variety swtich:

[lanceevox]

I need to fix this on my 63'...
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-Nikolai

1963 1200cc rag top bug

1970 1600cc SP bug. sold
1970 1600cc DP bug. sold