[T3] 71 Squareback MT/FI - Turn Signal Questions

[Jim Adney]

On 26 May 2019 at 14:52, Wisconsin Spryers wrote:

> My questions are:
> 
> 1) What type of screws (size, length) are used to secure the turn signal
> switch and where can they be purchased?

I'm not sure what they are exactly, but I probably have some. If you could 
take 1 out and measure the length (from under the head) I could be sure of 
sending you the right ones. There should also be a little metal spacer sleeve 
around each screw to keep things from compressing too much when you 
tighten the screws. I may have those, too, but I'd need to know the length 
you need. I believe some switches used 2 different lengths.

> 2) Is having only the upper contact spring normal?

Originals had 2 spring contacts, but the replacments that VW supplied had 
only one, so yours has already been replaced once.

> 3) Any tricks, things to watch out for when removing the turn signal
> switch? Mine has the cable guide rail that slips into the

Once you remove the screws and disconnect the connector, it should slide 
right out. If yours is intact, it will have a small plastic bit on the right side that 
holds the upper metal plate in position. If that loop is broken, someone has 
already been in there and attempted repair. In that case, it will be almost 
impossible to remove the switch without its coming apart.

These are quite tricky to repair. There's a spring loaded ball bearing and 
several spring loaded contacts that all have to be assembled, while, at the 
same time they are all trying desperately to escape. I've done it, but it takes 
me a long time, and, typically, several tries before I succeed and get 
everything back together successfully. To do this, I have to cut the plastic 
loop, so when I'm done, I put a nylon cable tie around the right side of the 
switch to hold it together until it's screwed into place. That cable tie must be 
removed after the screws are tightened.  

I charge $75 for that rebuild. If you try this yourself, you'll quickly find out 
that this is a bargain. Don't lose any of your parts.   ;-)

> 4) Any replacements for the 1971 Turn Signal Switches?

I don't think so.

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Jim Adney, jadney at vwtype3.org
Madison, Wisconsin, USA
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