1969 Turn Signal Switch Rebuild

[clockworkbox]

I rebuilt my original SWF turn signal switch. I had a Classic Line aftermarket switch that was broken and I used it for parts. It was really weird how well Classic Line copied the original design but still made a crappy switch.

The plastic parts were all identical to my SWF switch as were the springs. The brass contact parts were slightly thinner but still very close. The big difference was the the switch arm. The SWF arm was way heavier and well cast. The CL switch arm broke and had a lot of rough casting marks. My SWF switch had broken plastic bits for the dimmer so I swapped that part and used the oe parts for the rest.

This was not a lot of fun to put back together and I found that having an extra set of hands is the way to go.
The big thing to know is that you can't get the rivet that holds the switch together. It is ok because a M4 x 16mm Chicago Screw is available on Amazon that works perfectly. I did have to chuck in my drill and "machine" the long end to fit with my bench grinder as well as take a little bit off the female end to get the perfect size but it really wasn't too difficult. I also sourced a longer M3 Allen screw at my local hardware store because the one the Chicago screws came with was too short. Since I already had the busted CL switch, this job only cost me $8 and the switch works like new. I used Super Lube to hold things in place during reassembly and for its dielectric lubricating properties.
Chicago screws aka bindery post:

Sorry if the photos are in a weird order, I'm posting from my phone and I can't see the thumbnails very well. I hope this helps anyone trying to save an original switch.
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'69 Beetle (pieces)
Learning the hard way is still learning...

[Cusser]

NOW you post this ! Seriously, just yesterday I replaced my German SWF TS switch (that I installed in 1989 into my 1970 sedan) with one made in China and sold by Parts Geek.

I broke my TS switch when I pulled it rearward last week as Mrs. Cusser ould not get the ignition switch to turn (it was NOT a steering lock issue) and I had to pull out the tumbler cylinder to clean and lube it, and the TS switch dropped its ball, 2 small springs, 2 brass contacts, and a couple small plastic pieces; the plastic came loose on its RH side. I kept it all, but even if I did rebuild it, I'm leaving the new TS switch in place.
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1970 VW (owned since 1972) and 1971 VW Convertible (owned since 1976), second owner of each. The '71 now has the 1835 engine, swapped from the '70. Second owner of each. 1988 Mazda B2200 truck, 1998 Frontier, 2014 Yukon, 2004 Frontier King Cab. All manual transmission except for the Yukon. http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/album_page.php?pic_id=335294 http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/album_page.php?pic_id=335297

[scarabee]

This is great! I also replaced my original switch with an aftermarket one. Now I'll try rebuilding the original.

[clockworkbox]

[baldessariclan]

Excellent work and thank you for sharing!

I did one of these several years back, also substituting a suitable part or two from new aftermarket switches where necessary (e.g. horn ring contact spring). Happy to report that this particular switch is still going strong and working fine to the present day: https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=677572

Have to say that I wasn't near as brave as you though! Good to see somebody successfully take one all the way down to the "bare bones", and then build it back up again -- cool beans!!
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1971 Standard Beetle — fairly stock / driver

baldessariclan -- often in error, never in doubt...

[heimlich]

I like it. I'm more interested in how well it works now. The China switches fail easily. I would like to know why so that these parts aren't used in rebuilds.
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[maddave2000]

Thanks for posting this. My cars previous owner cut the indicator lever short after fitting a small diameter steering wheel. I've gone back to a stock wheel and now have to do a weird hand bend to reach the lever. I bought a second hand indicator switch from ebay, which I've dismantled so far, but can't get the lever out. This has helped and shown it can be done.

[Schepp]

This needs to be added to the "List" in the stickies section.