1961 Corvette turn signal housing

[John W.]

The turn signal housing on my 1961 corvette has always been loosening. Once that occurred, the canceling mechanism along the with turn signals would no longer function properly. I have a new wedge and screw from Paragon. How do I access the screw which us too close to the instrument panel?

[Bruce W.]

Re: 1961 Corvette turn signal housing

John, You need a screw driver that has a 90 degree bend in it. Should be no problem. However you will probably need to remove the steering wheel to make sure the cancellation mechanism is properly aligned. Best to jack up the front end of the car so you can easily turn the wheel to see if it works.
Bruce

[Edward B.]

Re: 1961 Corvette turn signal housing

Hexagonal screwdriver bit from one of those multi-purpose screwdriver kits with a selection of exchangeable bits. Turn the bit using a small open-end or box-end wrench.

[Terry D.]

Re: 1961 Corvette turn signal housing

You can buy small right angle screwdriver from any tool vendor. You can get more leverage that way and keep it in the glove box. Doesn't hurt to put lock-tite on it either.

[Frank D.]

Re: 1961 Corvette turn signal housing

I drove a 61 for 10 years - I don't know of any right angle screwdriver that will fit back there.....I have one of these tools that I use for a dozen different things; expensive but I think the bits can be ordered separately if you search the web site....it has a VERY short Philip's head bit that you can get a 1/4" box end wrench on and torque the heck out of that screw - the tool is also excellent for adjusting the mixture screws on the rear carb on a WCFB dual quad setup:

https://www.pitposse.com/pit-posse-90-degree-1-4-inch-hex-carburetor-driver.html

You can order the bits separately:

https://www.pitposse.com/pit-posse-replacement-bits-for-pp2821.html

Also taking the wedge that this screw tightens out of the housing and dipping the business end that rides on the steering mast jacket in some plastic dip used for tool handles (Ace Hardware) once or twice will make it grip and be immovable when tightened; do these two things and you'll never have to mess with that housing again.

[Jim D.]

Re: 1961 Corvette turn signal housing

You can buy small right angle screwdriver from any tool vendor. You can get more leverage that way and keep it in the glove box. Doesn't hurt to put lock-tite on it either.

I bought a set of them decades ago. Works great for tightening up that mounting screw.

[Terry D.]

Re: 1961 Corvette turn signal housing

Well Frank I have driven this 62 for 11 years, before that have owned 2 other 62's and the little right angle screwdrivers, ( have two of them ) fit on my cars, that's the reason I bought them!

[Stephen C.]

Re: 1961 Corvette turn signal housing

The turn signal housing on my 1961 corvette has always been loosening. Once that occurred, the canceling mechanism along the with turn signals would no longer function properly. I have a new wedge and screw from Paragon. How do I access the screw which us too close to the instrument panel?

John: Its a pain in the ass, but I use a screwdriver bit and a small box ratchet wrench to tighten the screw.

[Frank D.]

Re: 1961 Corvette turn signal housing

Use what works for you. I said I haven’t had good luck with the right angle screwdrivers and offered an alternative.

[E B.]

Re: 1961 Corvette turn signal housing

John, glue a piece of sandpaper on the wedge will help grip when tighten to mast.