C1 Turning Signal Problem

[Fenwick B.]

I am having a problem with my 55 turning signal not staying in either the left or right turn position when I get ready to make a turn. I have looked for information on the turn signals but I haven't been able to find any. Does anyone know where I might find out how it works?

[Jack H.]

Re: C1 Turning Signal Problem

Check the archives. This topic has come up before...

The 'secret' is the TS assy MUST be ROCK solid in its attachment to the steering column. The design is a carry-over from earlier cars/trucks when electric turn signals were an option, so it's designed to bolt onto a standard column to create the TS feature.

If there's any appreciable 'slop' in the mount of the TS housing to the column OR in the TS housing's internal components (ratchet, prawl, Etc.), then you'll have problems of the TS not working properly.

PLUS, the switch inside is 'naive'. It lacks a mechanical detent and relies solely on the TS mechanism to take it to the RH/LH turn position and return it to dead center (OFF). The switch is a break before make style, so when it's in between positions (RH, OFF, LH), you have NO REAR LIGHTS!!!!

[Fenwick B.]

Re: C1 Turning Signal Problem

Thanks for the response. I have bought a new replacement for the circular assembly, and it still will not stay in the turning signal position. It seems that there should be an indent or something to keep it in that position until the steering wheel cancels it. I searched the archives, and could not find any information on the problem

[Dave Suesz]

Not sure

this helps, but my 55 signal wouldn't work right, either, when I got it, and cleaning the turn signal mechanism thouroughly with WD-40 solved the problem. The car was about 30 years old then, and that 1955 lubricant just wasn't up to the job anymore.

[Roy B.]

Re: Not sure *NM*

[Fenwick B.]

Re: Not sure

Thanks for the picture Roy. Does the piece that is connected to the spring hold the assembly in the turning position? I see that it contacts the piece that extends out from the steering wheel when the wheel turns back to center. This cancels the turning signal. I don't think lubrication is my problem, as I've tried all kinds of lubricant.