Need some help understanding turn signal lever, somethings missing?

[Birglor]

Hi.
I'm nearing the end of my project '84 burb and so I'm going over the electrical..
Most things work, but there is one that has me stumped. Not sure whether it's actually a wiring issue or mechanical.
The full beam switch position doesn't really exist, it just flaps around, no click. Luckily a small panel was missing so I got som pictures.
Wondering if there is something I'm missing or if something is broken.
There's also a metal rod that comes up inside the column that just hangs out at the 'circuit board' for the lever. Any ideas?

 

[carnutjw]

Yea you're missing part of the column. There should be a cover that hides the metal rod that houses a sliding piece that allows the lever to actuate the high beam rod down to the switch further down the column.

 

[Birglor]

I tried rewording my Google search and I found that the rod is for the high beam switch. Guessing Im missing something to connect the rod to the lever then.

 

[Birglor]

Yea you're missing part of the column. There should be a cover that hides the metal rod that houses a sliding piece that allows the lever to actuate the high beam rod down to the switch further down the column.

Ah, ok. So all I need is that piece, great. Happen to know what that would be called?

 

[YakkoWarner]

Ah, ok. So all I need is that piece, great. Happen to know what that would be called?

Sounds like what you are missing is the actual high beam switch itself. If your headlights are working, it may still be hanging loose in the wiring at the base of the column since the power needs to go through it to get to the headlights.

 

[Jgonick]

Here is a good resource about everything in the column and how it goes together.

Inside GM tilt steering column LINK

 

[carnutjw]

Here is a good resource about everything in the column and how it goes together.

Inside GM tilt steering column LINK

I was just getting ready to share that same link. Specifically pg.42-46-ish. He calls your missing part the "tilt lever housing". My Suburban was missing some of the ball bearings and the sliding pusher piece ("high beam follower"-pg. 44) when I got it. Scavenged what I needed from a buddy's parts K10. I had my column partially together/apart a few times before everything was in its proper place and functioning correctly.

 

[Birglor]

Alright, I think I found the parts.
Seems easy enough to put together, I'm hoping I can do it without tearing down anything. Somebody obviously got it off at some point, so fingers crossed.

 

[bucket]

Alright, I think I found the parts.
Seems easy enough to put together, I'm hoping I can do it without tearing down anything. Somebody obviously got it off at some point, so fingers crossed.

I've always fought those things and they frustrate me. Good luck!

Lol, in all seriousness just work patiently and you should be fine.