Technical Steering column switch

[carpeter]

Hi
am restoring a 1970 500L RHD. The lighting/indicator switch seems to be not working. Voltage goes into the switch but nothing comes out (lights or indicators). All the circuits can be seen to be working by bypassing the switch so I must assume it is worn. Apparently it has been taken from a 126 and is not now available as a new item. The original 500L switch will not fit the steering column which may have been changed along with this switch. There are similar 126 switches available, they have 3 stalks instead of 2. Can anyone recommend a replacement switch, it needs to have plug in type terminals?
Thanks
Alan

 

[the green vanper]

Hello,

I remember the 126 having 3 stalks, the right one for the wipers, the left one closer to the steering wheel for the indicators, the other one for low / high beam.

I cant remember though where the right one has been installed on the column, closer or further of the wheel. Checked that now and it seems it was installed in the middle of the two, so the plastic rings are different than on the one you've got.

I assume the 500L has the wipers operated from another switch somewhere on the dashboard.

If you won't be able to buy a correct one perhaps you should try the 126 one and replace the worn contacts on the inside?

You could also try dismantling yours and try to repair it.

At least this one does not look complicated:

The description says it's Italian made by CEAM.

 

[carpeter]

Hello,

I remember the 126 having 3 stalks, the right one for the wipers, the left one closer to the steering wheel for the indicators, the other one for low / high beam.

I cant remember though where the right one has been installed on the column, closer or further of the wheel. Checked that now and it seems it was installed in the middle of the two, so the plastic rings are different than on the one you've got.

I assume the 500L has the wipers operated from another switch somewhere on the dashboard.

If you won't be able to buy a correct one perhaps you should try the 126 one and replace the worn contacts on the inside?

You could also try dismantling yours and try to repair it.

At least this one does not look complicated:

View attachment 457775

The description says it's Italian made by CEAM.

Is it possible to do repairs or is there somewhere they can be sent to be repaired. I just assumed I would have to buy new. The prices of new switches seem reasonable as long as I can buy the right one.

 

[the green vanper]

It's an easy mechanical switch, changing position makes contact between different metal parts. Such almost 40 years switches are more sturdy than the modern ones, should not be a big deal I think.

Looking at the photos I thought that if you remove the black ring marked with the red arrow pressing the grey parts together on the three sides of the switch you shall be able to remove the bottom part and have access to the interior. But I've read on a Polish 126 restoration page that the segments are however riveted, so need a drill, so it's not that easy. Pity there are no photos of how it is build.

Beware, 40 year old plastics can be fragile. Don't do it in a workshop, bring it home and leave it on a heater to until it gets warm.

There could be small springs / balls / parts inside, I'd suggest dismantling it in a big string bag, it will prevent you from loosing them.

Could be it only needs thorough cleaning.

 

[Toshi 975]

The column switches have often suffered when owners fit uprated headlamp bulbs without fitting a switching relay. The increased current tends to melt the switch internals.