Classic/Antique Car Repair: Turn Signals--64 Bonneville, turn signal switch, circuit board material

Question
Hello Again Dick,

I have a annoying turn signal problem with my 64 Bonneville that I hope you can assist in correcting.

My right hand turn signals work properly, however when I activate the left hand signal, the left rear light blinks fine, but the front does not, nor will the turn signal indicator on the speedometer flash, THAT IS UNLESS I wiggle the turn signal lever around a few times, then everything works fine. I realize that this isn't a big issue, but it is annoying, and potentailly dangerous since oncoming traffic is alerted late that I am turning.

Is the switch defective, or can it just be removed and the contacts cleaned?  Is the flasher the culprit, or perhaps the turn signal lever or mechanism?

Thanks for your input and advice on helping me correct this nagging issue.

Vince


Answer
The problem is definitely in the switch, and to be specific, it is a poor contact on the terminal that goes to the left front bulb.  If you can get at the switch (I'm not sure what is involved on your car), you could try to tighten up the contacts and clean them - that might cure it, but my guess is that the circuit board material that holds the contacts is probably deteriorated, and your repair will not last very long.   A much better idea, if you can find one, is to buy and install a new turn signal switch. This is not an easy job, but it can be done.  If you have the factory shop manual (and you should!), it will give you step by step directions for this job.  If you don't have the manual, you  can probably figure it out yourself, but it will be much harder, a with many opportunities to make mistakes!

If you want to get yourself a shop manual, contact one of the auto literature dealers.  I use Ed Faxon at www.faxonautolit.com but there are many others.   Ed will know what you need and will have it in stock, I believe.

Dick