TheSamba.com :: View topic - steering column circuit board question-Early

Fri Aug 15, 2025 7:43 am

This is a question I dread to ask
Is it possible to replace my 1964 steering column circuit board with a newer column circuit board. Mine is basically turning into dust. I am afraid to touch it because I don't want it to fall apart. Otherwise, what are my options.
Thanks

Fri Aug 15, 2025 8:28 am

Yes, just make sure you get the right style if your car has side markers.

Fri Aug 15, 2025 8:38 am

Yes, you just need to find one- try asking type 3 suppliers from the classifieds.
Part number is 311953559 from the parts list. One on eBay in Egypt... :lol:

https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/profile.php?mode=viewprofile&u=17427
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/profile.php?mode=viewprofile&u=32539

Try local:
http://thebuggyshop.50megs.com/parts/used.html

If it is the signal part for the turn signal, they are available too p/n 311 953 551

https://type3headquarter.de/epages/7b2adfc2-5ed3-4...3HQ9_53551

Fri Aug 15, 2025 9:39 am

sctbrd wrote: Yes, you just need to find one- try asking type 3 suppliers from the classifieds.
Part number is 311953559 from the parts list. One on eBay in Egypt... :lol:

https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/profile.php?mode=viewprofile&u=17427
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/profile.php?mode=viewprofile&u=32539

Try local:
http://thebuggyshop.50megs.com/parts/used.html

If it is the signal part for the turn signal, they are available too p/n 311 953 551

https://type3headquarter.de/epages/7b2adfc2-5ed3-4...3HQ9_53551

Yep, the part in Egypt is what is turning into plastic dust. This last time I was in there, a piece broke off and I glued it back on. It reminds me of other plastics that dust and breakdown of that period. I honestly don't have trust in the plastic utilized.
I was hoping to find a more recent made unit and not a used piece. I wonder if anyone has done a 3D creation of the plastic. I may even create one this winter with a friend's printer if I can source a replacement. I will use the existing spade connectors from the old unit.

Thanks

Fri Aug 15, 2025 12:17 pm

The early originals probably didnt use the plastic, mine doesnt. Board is bakelite or whatever they used, maybe you can find something like that.
Mine is in good shape, no signs of crumbling. (this photo is from the ebay ad)

Fri Aug 15, 2025 1:16 pm

The one that was in my 64 T-34 was a bakelite sort of material. Those didn't really crumble unless you did something you shouldn't to it. You could probably replace it with some sort of thin Delron sheet or strip, or some thin bakelite. Keep in mind that you really don't need something super strong there, as it's kind of tucked under the dash, and really only needs to last your life time. It mainly needs to be electrically non conductive.

Fri Aug 15, 2025 3:17 pm

The image SCTbrd used is closer to the color of mine. But I know with phenolytic plastics and similar like bakelite become brittle with age and heat. They just become fragile. I know my old plastic radios (different hobby) have the same issue.
I like the idea of just making a non-conductive substitute. I hadn't thought of that until you suggested. I would not have to do a 3D print. I have some non-conductive plastic sheets I use with my radios. I can easily mold and trim to be similar. When I attempt this later, I will take pics of before and after.

Something I should have mentioned. PO had removed the column ignition switch and basically ripped out bits in the column. Likely where some of the damage is from as well. He put a Type 1 ignition switch in a created hole on the dash. So, it uses a VW key, just not the correct location or type.

Sat Aug 16, 2025 9:17 am

Ossipon wrote:
Something I should have mentioned. PO had removed the column ignition switch and basically ripped out bits in the column. Likely where some of the damage is from as well. He put a Type 1 ignition switch in a created hole on the dash. So, it uses a VW key, just not the correct location or type.

Yeah, my 65 Notch had one of it's PO's do something like that as well (relocated ignition switch). In my case, since I went to a late model unit (from a 71, but I screwed up and didn't know it was a 1 year only part), I filled in the hole with a cigar lighter. I gave my old column head to John J for parts, as he has 2 early cars to take care of and might need some parts some day.
But yeah, the PO probably broke yours when he "tried to fix something" and ripped it apart. I know the wires are short inside the early units, as I replaced the ignition switch in my 64 T-34. Now that was a job I wouldn't want to do again.

Sat Aug 16, 2025 11:00 am

There are hundreds of places online you can buy FR4 or Garrolite G10 blank boards.

Here is one

https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/vector-...WTEALw_wcB

They probably have many thicknesses and sizes of this material. Typical is 1.55mm thick (0.061"). You are looking for "unclad" meaning no copper plating. Just plain FR4 board.

Cut it to size, drill your holes and either install small screws or usee rivets to reinstall.

You can also most likley buy the terminal connectors at Digikey as well.

That would be an easy build.

Yes, the original boards were the same material that you find as the board on headluight switches. It lasts a long time but with enough pressure it cracks.

Ray

Sun Aug 17, 2025 12:30 pm

raygreenwood wrote: There are hundreds of places online you can buy FR4 or Garrolite G10 blank boards.

Here is one

https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/vector-...WTEALw_wcB

They probably have many thicknesses and sizes of this material. Typical is 1.55mm thick (0.061"). You are looking for "unclad" meaning no copper plating. Just plain FR4 board.

Cut it to size, drill your holes and either install small screws or usee rivets to reinstall.

You can also most likley buy the terminal connectors at Digikey as well.

That would be an easy build.

Yes, the original boards were the same material that you find as the board on headluight switches. It lasts a long time but with enough pressure it cracks.

Ray

Or if you do something to it that you shouldn't do.

Sun Aug 17, 2025 2:09 pm

Thanks Ray,
Garrolite is what I have. (3/16 thickness) Just didn't say that earlier. I use it as a barrier material for some of my old radios. Many old radios use asbestos as a spacer/barrier between the wood or case. I spray seal and then cover it with the Garrolite.
It never occurred to me to use it for this purpose