blinker switch is broken - fix?

BrianK · Post by **BrianK** » Wed Jan 18, 2006 10:40 pm

I've seen this on several buggies - the blinker switch is broken off. Seems like a common enough problem - how have people solved this? Mine is broken too close to the steering column to clamp it back on so I'm guessing I'll need to replace it. Is there something better than the stock VW part? If not, where can you get it (the stock piece)? I haven't seen them in casual browsing of some of the on-line sites. Thanks.

UncleBob · Post by **UncleBob** » Wed Jan 18, 2006 10:48 pm

I rotated my unit 180 degrees so it points to the passenger side, in hopes that it may prevent breakage. Plus, if I ever lose an arm in a buggy accident, my passenger can work the turn signal lever for me on the way to the hospital. You can get replacements at http://www.cip1.com , but I'd try and find an original at a junkyard, or at http://www.thesamba.com

CairoManx · Post by **CairoManx** » Wed Jan 18, 2006 11:13 pm

I I repaired mine. I got one of these billet levers and knobs, the one in the second picture down on the link, with the hole through the flat part. I fit the flat end of the lever into the hollow back side of the broken off stub section of the switch. Then JB Welded the new lever in place and just for extra security put a self tapping stainless screw through the switch from the front side into the hole in the lever. The new lever is stronger than the original. http://www.sachserodshop.com/pdf/112.pdf

Gene-C · Post by **Gene-C** » Thu Jan 19, 2006 5:36 pm

you could wire in 2 switches for turn signals. with 2 switches you still have emergency flashers too. there is a problem with switches, they are not self cancelling, which sucks, because I forget to turn them off sometimes. one of these days, I'm going to wire in an audio sound (maybe a back-up warning horn or something) to the switches (the switches have lights, but I seem to not to notice them at times). I've been running with switches for YEARS and they work fine. I had a aftermarket turnsignal assembly on my column, but kept kicking the arm and breaking it getting in. Flipped it to the other side, but you gotta remember left is right and right is left. I can provide my wiring diagram if you would like. AZSpeedBuggy

BrianK · Post by **BrianK** » Thu Jan 19, 2006 8:02 pm

Thanks for the suggestions, guys. AZSpeedBuggy: If it's not too much trouble, I'd love to see a wiring diagram. My blinker doesn't self cancel anyway (maybe just needs some lube?), so turning off the blinker isn't too much of an issue.

90volts · Post by **90volts** » Thu Jan 19, 2006 8:18 pm

you might want to consider just shortening it. i cut mine off with a dremel about 3 inches or so from the column and rounded/smoothed the end. i was always catching it with my leg. but since the shortening i haven't hit it once. you can sort of see it here:

Gene-C · Post by **Gene-C** » Fri Jan 20, 2006 12:26 am

[QUOTE="BrianK"]Thanks for the suggestions, guys. AZSpeedBuggy: If it's not too much trouble, I'd love to see a wiring diagram. My blinker doesn't self cancel anyway (maybe just needs some lube?), so turning off the blinker isn't too much of an issue.[/QUOTE] Not too much trouble, how it helps. I have swapped out 3 sets of switches over the years...better switch each time...just to update and for a change.

AZSpeedBuggy