| Author |
Message |
Ossipon
Samba Member
Joined: May 12, 2021
Posts: 622
Location: KS
|
 Posted: Fri Aug 15, 2025 7:43 am Post subject: steering column circuit board question-Early |
 |
|
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
_________________
Ossipon
--Two truths in life: Volkswagens Rust and everything will die at some point --
VWs in my life:
Air
Type 1 - 59, 62, 63, 71 Super 68 KGhia/ Type 2 - 59 Single Cab / Type 3 - 64 Notch
Water
GTI 83, Jetta 81, 85, 87, 91 TDI, 98 TDI, 09 / New Beetle 99 / SportWagen 05, 13 / Tiguan 18 / T3 92 /Taos 24... And don't about me and my experiences with my Dasher and Quantum |
|
| Back to top |
|
 |
ALLWAGONS
Samba Member
Joined: June 03, 2000
Posts: 4637
Location: Pasadena CA/DTLA soon China
|
| Posted: Fri Aug 15, 2025 8:28 am Post subject: Re: steering column circuit board question-Early |
|
|
Yes, just make sure you get the right style if your car has side markers.
_________________
I'd be UNSTOPPABLE if not for Law Enforcement and PHYSICS.
I recycle old cars and parts, other than when I rot, that's as Green as I am going to get.
Thanks to my Tesla driving neighbors, I feel more relaxed driving my SUBURBAN and old VW's.
Everything sounds good on paper! |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
sctbrd
Samba Member
Joined: May 06, 2013
Posts: 297
Location: Moravia, Czech Republic
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Ossipon
Samba Member
Joined: May 12, 2021
Posts: 622
Location: KS
|
| Posted: Fri Aug 15, 2025 9:39 am Post subject: Re: steering column circuit board question-Early |
|
|
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
_________________
Ossipon
--Two truths in life: Volkswagens Rust and everything will die at some point --
VWs in my life:
Air
Type 1 - 59, 62, 63, 71 Super 68 KGhia/ Type 2 - 59 Single Cab / Type 3 - 64 Notch
Water
GTI 83, Jetta 81, 85, 87, 91 TDI, 98 TDI, 09 / New Beetle 99 / SportWagen 05, 13 / Tiguan 18 / T3 92 /Taos 24... And don't about me and my experiences with my Dasher and Quantum |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
sctbrd
Samba Member
Joined: May 06, 2013
Posts: 297
Location: Moravia, Czech Republic
|
| Posted: Fri Aug 15, 2025 12:17 pm Post subject: Re: steering column circuit board question-Early |
|
|
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)
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Bobnotch
Samba Member
Joined: July 06, 2003
Posts: 23435
Location: Kimball, Mi
|
| Posted: Fri Aug 15, 2025 1:16 pm Post subject: Re: steering column circuit board question-Early |
|
|
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.
_________________
Bob 65 Notch S with Sunroof
71 Notch ...aka Krunchy; build pics here;
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=249390 -been busy working
64 T-34 Ghia...aka Wolfie, under construction... http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=412120
| Tram wrote: |
| "Friends are God's way of apologizing for relatives." |
| Tram wrote: |
| People keep confusing "restored" and "restroyed". |
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Ossipon
Samba Member
Joined: May 12, 2021
Posts: 622
Location: KS
|
| Posted: Fri Aug 15, 2025 3:17 pm Post subject: Re: steering column circuit board question-Early |
|
|
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.
_________________
Ossipon
--Two truths in life: Volkswagens Rust and everything will die at some point --
VWs in my life:
Air
Type 1 - 59, 62, 63, 71 Super 68 KGhia/ Type 2 - 59 Single Cab / Type 3 - 64 Notch
Water
GTI 83, Jetta 81, 85, 87, 91 TDI, 98 TDI, 09 / New Beetle 99 / SportWagen 05, 13 / Tiguan 18 / T3 92 /Taos 24... And don't about me and my experiences with my Dasher and Quantum |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Bobnotch
Samba Member
Joined: July 06, 2003
Posts: 23435
Location: Kimball, Mi
|
| Posted: Sat Aug 16, 2025 9:17 am Post subject: Re: steering column circuit board question-Early |
|
|
| 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.
_________________
Bob 65 Notch S with Sunroof
71 Notch ...aka Krunchy; build pics here;
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=249390 -been busy working
64 T-34 Ghia...aka Wolfie, under construction... http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=412120
| Tram wrote: |
| "Friends are God's way of apologizing for relatives." |
| Tram wrote: |
| People keep confusing "restored" and "restroyed". |
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
raygreenwood
Samba Member
Joined: November 24, 2008
Posts: 23209
Location: Oklahoma City
|
| Posted: Sat Aug 16, 2025 11:00 am Post subject: Re: steering column circuit board question-Early |
|
|
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 |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Bobnotch
Samba Member
Joined: July 06, 2003
Posts: 23435
Location: Kimball, Mi
|
| Posted: Sun Aug 17, 2025 12:30 pm Post subject: Re: steering column circuit board question-Early |
|
|
| 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.
_________________
Bob 65 Notch S with Sunroof
71 Notch ...aka Krunchy; build pics here;
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=249390 -been busy working
64 T-34 Ghia...aka Wolfie, under construction... http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=412120
| Tram wrote: |
| "Friends are God's way of apologizing for relatives." |
| Tram wrote: |
| People keep confusing "restored" and "restroyed". |
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Ossipon
Samba Member
Joined: May 12, 2021
Posts: 622
Location: KS
|
| Posted: Sun Aug 17, 2025 2:09 pm Post subject: Re: steering column circuit board question-Early |
|
|
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
_________________
Ossipon
--Two truths in life: Volkswagens Rust and everything will die at some point --
VWs in my life:
Air
Type 1 - 59, 62, 63, 71 Super 68 KGhia/ Type 2 - 59 Single Cab / Type 3 - 64 Notch
Water
GTI 83, Jetta 81, 85, 87, 91 TDI, 98 TDI, 09 / New Beetle 99 / SportWagen 05, 13 / Tiguan 18 / T3 92 /Taos 24... And don't about me and my experiences with my Dasher and Quantum |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
