Problems w/turn signals on a '57

[Michael Jones]

My ‘57 turn signaling system doesn’t work very well at all. First, when I turn signal left the switch doesn’t cancel and the signal lamp continues blinking. Second, when I turn signal right the switch won’t stay on and I have to manually hold it as long as I want it to blink.

I replaced the entire turn signal cancelling switch assembly. That seems to have taken care of the second problem, but now I still have the left turn not cancelling problem. And now there doesn’t seem to be much of a neutral position between the two turn positions. I’m used to a nice “detent” feeling between the two turn positions as in all my other vehicles. Do I need to replace the turn signal switch which the cancelling assembly drives? Does anybody have any experience working with the ‘57 turn signal system? I could sure use a little advice.

Michael

[Ed Jennings]

Re: Problems w/turn signals on a '57

The cancel cam assy should work with out the switch even being installed. How about the roll pins on the back of your steering hub that activate the cancel mechanism? Bent perhaps? One too short?

[Jack H.]

DANGER!

If there's ANY appreciable play in the TS housing to column attachment, you'll see 'funnies'. More important (this was mentioned in a prior thread), the TS is a break before make switch that selects between normal tail lamp function and TS blinking mode. The system is borrowed from early 50's Chevy car/truck designs and outlived its useful life WELL before it was designed out of Corvette in '63.

If the cancelling pin doesn't promptly and accurately return the TS switch to its center/OFF position (no built-in detent in the switch itself....), the rear lamps of your car can wind up in no man's land. This means no illumination at night and no brake light function!!!!!

A Corvette in true factory concours condition 'snaps' sweet and true to the off position when the cancel mechanism is engaged. Most all driver cars we saw at the shop, had varying degrees of 'slop' in them due to internal wear (mounting bolt holes wallowed out, housing wedge wear, Etc.).

If you're driving a Corvette with these conditions, be AWARE that may be tooling down the road without rear lamps functioning if you don't get the column fixed and/or manually insure the TS lever is accurately repositioned to center after invoking a right/left turn indicator.

[Mike E.]

Re: Problems w/turn signals on a '57

Is your steering wheel properly positioned? When you're going straight ahead, the cancelling pins on the back should be to the left of the sttering column, and perfectly perpendicular. Often, if that's not the case, you get the "won't turn off---won't stay on" syndrome.
Good luck!
Mike Ernst

[James F.]

Re: Problems w/turn signals on a '57

Michael,
"Corvette Restorer," Volume 15 # 4 Joe Calcagno authored an article on '53-'62 Turn Signal Switch & Cancelling Cam. Basically you'll need to take the "C" shaped casting out and repair the two round studs on either side of the center retaining hole. The pins are worn and need to be resized using 1/4 brass hobby tubing. Regards,

[Doug Flaten]

Re: DANGER!

When you have the no tailight syndrome, you can then use the ingenious brake light and turn signal indicator funtion engineered into the fuel guage. Since my car has about all of the typical C1 maladies, loose turn signal housing, bad fuel guage ground etc, I have gotten in the habit of tapping my brakes to see if the fuel guage rises. If I see no rise, I center the turn signal and repeat. Upon seeing the fuel guage rise, I know I then have operating tail and brake lights. The only problem is that with all lights and heater on, I probably read 1/4 tank high. Oh well, some day I'll get a round to fixin' them.

[Michael Jones]

Re: Problems w/turn signals on a '57

Thanks to everyone for your ideas and suggestions. I have that issue of the RESTORER and am glad you brought it to my attention. It's a good treatise on how the system works which should help me diagnose my problem. Yesterday I reinstalled the new cancelling mechanism. The cancelling function works on both sides now but I still don't have a good "off" detent and the overall movement doesn't have a very good "feel". I wonder if they had a good "feel" from the factory as this is quite subjective. Today I'm going take it apart again and check out some of the tips from the RESTORER.

Mike

[Jack H.]

Wonder no longer.....

Had the honor of seeing a truly low milage '61 at one of our chapter meets a few years back. The cancelling mechanism snapped to DEAD CENTER, rock solid with a reasuring 'CLICK' when she turned the corner.... It can be done, mon!

[Michael Jones]

Thx, Jack, I'll accept nothin less! *NM*

[Cheryl Anderson]

Re: Wonder no longer.....

My husband and I have had a on-going battle for a year over this very thing. He is NOT thankful to you Jack, but I am! There is nothing worst than driving a my car down the road with a blinker on..how embarassing.