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.

 

[Birglor]

Thanks, hoping I can keep my cool when I try to install it. Haha

 

[SquirlyDan]

There are 'repair kits' on ebay that include all the parts. Idk if this is the exact one for yours, but should include at least most of what you're missing. I have the exact same problem right now but also my rod to the dimmer/high beam switch is bent to nonfunctional somehow.

 

[Steelbuddha]

Unless there's some secret method I don't know about, you're going to have to pull the steering wheel and the turn signal switch to get at the high beam switch (which on my '84 is also the wiper switch). Might also have to drop the steering column in order to be able to fish the wires through.

When I work on a 40-year-old GM steering column, I replace everything that moves or conducts electricity. Otherwise you will wind up go back in later. And those parts are dirt cheap.

 

[bucket]

Unless there's some secret method I don't know about, you're going to have to pull the steering wheel and the turn signal switch to get at the high beam switch (which on my '84 is also the wiper switch). Might also have to drop the steering column in order to be able to fish the wires through.

When I work on a 40-year-old GM steering column, I replace everything that moves or conducts electricity. Otherwise you will wind up go back in later. And those parts are dirt cheap.

The high beam switch is mounted down low on the column, with a linkage rod that engages with the turn signal stalk. It is separate from the wiper switch and separate from the turn signal switch.

 

[Steelbuddha]

The high beam switch is mounted down low on the column, with a linkage rod that engages with the turn signal stalk. It is separate from the wiper switch and separate from the turn signal switch.

Agreed. I meant the lever, not the switch itself. Sorry for any confusion.

But that still apparently leaves the OP with having to pull the steering wheel.