<VV> First-timer with Directional switch question

[N. Joseph Potts]

Let me guess . . . you're over 40, and can't see quite as well as you used
to?
     Or, your car is outside under a tree, and you work in poor light in the
best of conditions.
     There's a little wire ring snapped into a groove that runs around your
steering shaft. This ring keeps the bearing (and everything under it) from
coming out. Get a STRONG light in there and/or use a magnifying glass to see
this little devil. It's pretty hard to get out, too, A very small
screwdriver can do it, but my favorite tool is a pick (they sell pick sets
at hardware stores). The best pick to use is the little right-angle pick.
You can "roll" this wire out of its groove starting at one end and, if you
don't let it fly away from you under its spring tension, it's quite
reusable, as well. Make sure not to mangle it upon removing it, of course.

Joe Potts (59 years old, and fading fast)
Miami, Florida USA
1966 Corsa coupe 140hp 4-speed with A/C

PS  Your steering shaft is kept pulled in by a spring on the other side of
the toe pan. If you pull it toward you, you will gain better access to that
little wire ring (especially helpful for putting it back in). TIP: to hold
that steering shaft out with ONE HAND, get a 9/16 box-end wrench and place
this over the steering shaft. Then screw the shaft's nut down over the
wrench. Now you've got a nice handle on that shaft that will enable you to
control it quite easily.

-----Original Message-----
From: virtualvairs-admin@corvair.org
[mailto:virtualvairs-admin@corvair.org]On Behalf Of Yellow Vair
Sent: Friday, October 01, 2004 11:23 AM
To: virtualvairs@corvair.org
Subject: <VV> First-timer with Directional switch question


Greetings everyone - I bought a '65 Monza convertible about a month ago, and
I've been lurking for a few weeks, learning about my 'new' car.  I use it as
a sort-of-daily driver, and other than a long list of little things to fix
and improve, it runs good and it's a fun car.

My main question should have a simple solution, but I was pulling my hair
out last night trying to figure it out.  The directional signal canceling
plate (the thing that the blinker lever attaches to) is busted on my car, so
I ordered a new one.  In order to replace it, I need to take off the whole
directional switch.  I was able to pull off the steering wheel and all
associated pieces no problem, but when I got to the direction switch unit, I
can't figure out how the heck to get it off the shaft.  There appears to be
a bearing on the steering shaft that is preventing the switch from coming
off, but I can't get either to budge.  Is the bearing supposed to stay there
and is the switch supposed to slide over it? Is there a secret twist to
getting these pieces apart?  Am I just being too gentle with a piece that
looks like it's been there for 39 years?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks in advance, plus thanks for
all of the other info that's been on the group over the past month.

-Dave (in Los Angeles)