Wot's this?

[dasadrew]

I'm sure it fell out of somewhere around the steering column cowling during disassembly, but I cant work out if it belongs somewhere in there or not....

BTW, I mean the BLACK BIT - not the coin!!
Any clues?

Cheers, Drew

IMG_2618.jpg

[peterrc]

Hi Drew, that looks like part of the indicator/light/horn switch.
Peter, Cupar

[dasadrew]

Thanks Peter, do you think it's something that's broken off (doesn't look that way) or does it have to be inserted somehow?

[DJT]

Looks like one of the self-cancelling tags on the indicator switch. There should be two. They are activated by the metal spring-like thing clipped to the steel column. If one has broken off you will only get self cancelling from one direction. Replacement switch is the only option.

[peterrc]

Hi Drew, I think that it is an integral part but I will check this morning as i am changing my steering column. Others may tell you before then.
Peter, Cupar

[dasadrew]

This is great stuff! Such good info at this time on a Sunday morning!

Now I come to think of it, I think I did see a similar thing when I removed the column switches too. Then this bit fell out of the column shroud. Must look in my bits boxes - new switch doesn't sound attractive to my wallet!

Drew

[jleyton]

Hi Drew,

Yep, it's definitely an integral part and I would normally say that you'd have no chance of mending it - but then again, you seem to have the ability to mend anything

It's as Dave described it and the end with the 'lump' on it is the bit that hits the metal clip. That exerts quite a bit of bending action on the length of the arm which is why I'm doubtful you could glue it - I'm sure you'll prove me wrong.

Cheers

Julian

[dasadrew]

If it's indeed broken then you are right Julian - that type of plastic is "self-greasing" so glues have difficulty. There are some ABS glues about nowadays. I've done repairs on similar bits by drilling the two opposite bits to accept a wire rod to support the join, but it's difficult to get the alignment right and I'm not sure it will be possible here.

[jleyton]

This is it !

Cheers

Julian

IMAG0621[1].jpg

[Princejohny]

If it's indeed broken then you are right Julian - that type of plastic is "self-greasing" so glues have difficulty. There are some ABS glues about nowadays. I've done repairs on similar bits by drilling the two opposite bits to accept a wire rod to support the join, but it's difficult to get the alignment right and I'm not sure it will be possible here.

If you know a friendly dentist, he might be able to fit a few of the miniature self tapping pins that are used to reinforce broken teeth. I repaired a few things when I used to be in practice. Have to watch the thickness of the glue line.

Cheers Johny

[dasadrew]

If you know a friendly dentist......
Cheers Johny

That's a coincidence! My best mate is a dentist - and one who has all the latest gadgets, tools and chemicals as well! He's a classic vehicle nut too and has a Harley and an Austin-Healey. What a good idea - he's such a DIY bloke that I'm sure he'll cancel patients' appointments to do it as well. He also has his own resident dental lab. Why didn't I think of this!!!

I can see my heater control writing being engraved there too!

Cheers!

[dasadrew]

This is it !

Cheers

Julian

Brilliant Julian. Definitely an integral bit - and spring loaded too.

[Princejohny]

I can see my heater control writing being engraved there too!

Cheers!

I'm ahead of you on that one Drew. Read the post about grouting them and was in the garage yesterday deepening the grooves with a slow speed handpiece adapted to fit my compressor!

Johny

[dasadrew]

i'm ahead of you on that one drew. Read the post about grouting them and was in the garage yesterday deepening the grooves with a slow speed handpiece adapted to fit my compressor!

Johny

[susiedeer]

Hi Drew,
Not sure if you are still posting as you used to. Did you manage to repair the self cancelling tag?
I have just found that my wife's indicator stalk has exactly the same problem (she's the "owner", I'm the oily rag that is caring for him, him being the Stag). I was going to try to use my Dremel and a tiny drill bit and some bits of cut SS spring (the straight bits) that I have and use Loctite 416 that allows a couple of mins to position before starting to set. But if you've tried and failed then I won't bother, just hate the thought of £90 just to get a bit of iffy plastic.