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Turn signal handle broken

Discussion in '308/328' started by FasterIsBetter, Aug 5, 2006.

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  1. FasterIsBetter

    FasterIsBetter F1 Veteran

    Jul 22, 2004
    5,855
    NoNJ/Jupiter FL
    Full Name:
    Steve W.
    #1 FasterIsBetter, Aug 5, 2006
    Well, I'm sorting things on the '78 308 and I now have a major problem. I had not noticed until I drove the car home that the turn signal handle was broken. I found the handle itself in the door pocket, and just a stub on the steering column. Two questions --

    First, how difficult is it to get a replacement for the turn signal handle and how hard is it to replace? My concern, looking at it, is that I have to replace the entire mechanism, not just the handle unit (knowing how those things usually work). Any possible sources for a replacement unit/parts?

    Second, since I have the handle and a stub to work with, what's the chance that I can use some JB Weld and clamps or wire ties and glue the thing up and make it work? Or am I fooling myself that I can make the thing hold together?

    Any good options would be appreciated.
     
  2. Birdman

    Birdman F1 Veteran

    Jun 20, 2003
    6,689
    North shore, MA
    Full Name:
    THE Birdman
    #2 Birdman, Aug 5, 2006
    Not a chance, don't bother. The stuff is pretty much ungluable.

    Now the good news. The only person on planet Earth that I know of that fixes these is Verell. Drop him a line. He will mold an entirely new switch end on the stalk using a material that is stronger than the original, in a mold that he cast from a perfect original part.

    Birdman
     
  3. Verell

    Verell F1 Veteran
    Consultant Owner

    May 5, 2001
    7,022
    Groton, MA
    Full Name:
    Verell Boaen
    #3 Verell, Aug 7, 2006
    Birdman,
    Thanks for the nice plug... However, I've found one adhesive that will sometimes work, at least for awhile. See this thread:
    ADHESIVE FOR REPAIRING COMBINATION SWITCH
    http://70.85.40.84/~ferrari/discus/messages/256120/107784.html

    The adhesive by itself isn't strong enough to hold tho, you'll have to drill a half doxen or so holes thru each broken edge, & then slip fine steel wire coated with the adhesive thru them. The wire should be etched first with phosphoric or muriatic acid to give it plenty of surface texture, so the adhesive has something to grab onto. Once it's cured overnight, trim & file the wire ends off, then spray a thin coat of black wrinkle paint. When done properly, this makes a clean looking, hard to detect repair.

    Don't try Epoxy, JB Weld, or other 2-part adhesives, or regular super glues. None of them 'bite' into the switch plastic. They'll just peel off after they fully harden, leaving a mess to clean up.

    If that doesn't hold, then send it to me & I'll cast a new contact arm onto it.
    See this thread:
    Headlight (aka: Column, Cluster) Switch & Switch Stalk Repair
    http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=21548

    Don't bother trying Epoxy, JB Weld, Plastic Welder, or other 2-part adhesives, or regular super glues. None of them 'bite' into the switch plastic(been there). They'll just peel off after they fully harden, leaving a mess to clean up.

    Wrapping in wire & using one of the 2-part adhesives doesn't hold up either. Have had customers that tried it end up sending their stalks to me for new ends.
     

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