Vintage Cars: left turn signal, left turn signal, turn signals


Question
79 450sl left turn signal does not return unless severe left, mechanic said that's the best they can do.  Left signal only, begins to click rapidly, battery dies, radio has to be reset.
Replaced battery, signals began rapid clicking, shut off car, when started,radio needed to be reset. Claim I need a new radio.
Am I nuts,doesn't this sound like a short connected to the left turn signal.  Have owned her for 18 years

Answer
sure does , Id pull the signal lever, easy to do , 2 screws behind rubber boot, then disconnect harness.  See if battery and radio issue goes away. If it does issue is in stalk.  Has the turnsignal relay been changed out?
stop lights, turn signals, instrument cluster, tachometer, cruise control should be on one fuse , so that is the circuit to check.  radio should be by itself unless an aftermarket