Turn signal housing question.

[Bruce B.]

While putting the turn signal housing on the steering column I noticed a lot of play between the housing and steering column. It appears that the housing is worn at the raised surfaces.
Is there anything that can be done to shim the housing?
Or any other suggestions?
Thanks in advance.

[Bruce B.]

Re: Turn signal housing question.

The question involves my 62 Corvette.

[Richard M.]

Re: Turn signal housing question.

Bruce, Is the clamp there, the one with the phillips screw facing away from you, up against the inst cluster.......which is nearly impossible to tighten.
Rich

[Bruce B.]

Re: Turn signal housing question.

Rich,
Yes, I put in a new clamp and the housing is still loose. I also put a bunch of shims under the raised areas in the housing and it helps a lot But I wondered if someone has a better fix. I do have a new housing but I am saving it for the restoration of my 62 in a few years.
Bruce B.

[Richard M.]

Re: Turn signal housing question.

I'm wondering if the column is caved-in where the clamp contacts. If it is you won't get a tight fit. I'm not sure what else to do besides shims as you thought. Trial and error I suppose, or use the one for the 62 and find another later.

Rich

[Bruce B.]

Re: Turn signal housing question.

Rich,
The idea that the clamp (or wedge) could have caved in the column is interesting. I will check it out tomorrow.
Thanks,
Bruce B.

[Mike E.]

Re: Turn signal housing question.

Bruce--
This is a very common problem. Recently (in the Restorer?) the suggestion was made to dip that tapered block in the rubberized liquid that is used for putting handles on pliars, etc. I dipped mine twice so there was a double thickness of rubber on it, put it back in, and it worked like a charm. Keep the rubber away from the threaded surface, of course.
In my 40+ solid-axle cars, and dozens of extra steering columns, I've never seen the column caved in at all. I don'think that that wedge and screw have enough oomph to do that.

[Bruce B.]

Re: Turn signal housing question.

Mike,
Thanks for your input and I do remember that posting.
Bruce B.

[Dennis C.]

For those who can tolerate a blatent disregard...

...for originality, I heard of one person who exchanged the philips head screw for a allen head screw - then shortend an allen wrench to fit the tight clearance. Its amazing how easy it is to tighten that hub now. At least, that's what he told me...

[Mike E.]

Re: For those who can tolerate a blatent disregard

Dennis--
I can't believe that you would stoop so low as to consider such a desecration of a solid axle Corvette!! Shame on you--after all these years!!

[Dennis C.]

I think it might have been a GM accessory... *NM*

[Mike E.]

From........?

A vacuum-operated tissue dispenser?

[Richard M.]

Re: Turn signal housing question.

Hmmmm, good idea, I missed that. I guess my idea of the column caving in was reaching a bit, it is pretty thick steel now that I think of it.

Rich