WTB: TCS Steering Column Switch Gear

[Bryan Boyle]

Hoping someone is breaking a TCS...I'm looking for the directional/wiper/horn switch assembly (Part #9 on page HA of the TC parts manual, part # 074M6019W) in good condition, or, perhaps, the whole column/switch assembly in useable condition (Item 8 on same page...I can/will refurbish).  Federal, obviously...cash in hand, etc. 

[4129R]

https://rimmerbros.com/Item--i-GRID005829 for 1972 TC

https://rimmerbros.com/Item--i-GRID005830 for later TCS

Triumph Spitfire.

[kram350kram]

Can’t recall exactly, but the switches from a period Spitfire were somewhat different from my 74 TCS. Think the turn signal cancel was different and the mounting plate too. Had to swap the plate and cancel from old to new drilling out rivets and replace with screws/nuts. The wiper switch is different too, maybe the year I got as wrong, but the wiper speed locations on the stalk were different. I found that a 1972 Austin Marina wiper switch was a direct replacement, Lucas # 39819.

[FourLoti]

Coincidentally, I just (stupidly) had mine apart ('74TCS) and had to teach myself how to put it back together. That Rimmer part in the 2nd link looks similar, but the devil is in the details. See below. First, the TCS connector is square, not boat shaped and, more problematic, the self-cancelling cam collar spool on ours protrudes less and has a thicker wall in order to reliably catch the thin roll pins on our steering wheels. I don't think that black one would work.

Ron

[Bud]

I have always found that buying old parts that are really old can normally lead to more frustration and lengthy time delays. buy from a trusted source and if it doesn't fit you can always send it back for a refund

[FourLoti]

Bryan, are you dealing with one that isn't working, or is it that you don't have one period?

If it's the former, it might be repairable based on my dissection project. I took several photos and was thinking about posting a tutorial if you or others might be interested.

Ron

[BDA]

I believe the only difference between the Lotus and the Spitfire (later model, try '74 or so) turn/beam/wiper/washer controls is the mounting plate the switches are mounted to. I'm pretty sure (the only reason I'm not positive is that I did it several years ago and you know a geezer and his memory!  ) that I replaced my Lotus switches with Spitfire units by just bolting the Spitfire units on my Lotus mounting plate.

If you do take the switches off the mounting plate, be sure to catch all the pieces that pop out when you open them up! They are rollers that actually conduct the electricity for the switch in different positions.

[Bryan Boyle]

That's why I'm looking to source an original; what's on my car right now is the triumph replacement...and doesn't cancel properly, and the mount looks like the (D)PO just wrapped the top of the column with gaffer tape to make up the difference in diameters.

The electrical renovation is something I can handle; but I'm starting from something that was already replaced when I picked up the car.  Not high on the list of tasks to fix...but if one's out there...

[BDA]

Hmmm… I hope you find one but I’d expect one would be harder to find than an ashtray. You may have to borrow one to make your own copy.

[FourLoti]

This won't address your mounting diameter issue, but in case you can't find an original and feel like doing a little fabrication to fix the cancelling issue, this may do the trick?

The first photo is the same aftermarket Triumph part that is sold by several sources. Note the thin wall of the black bobbin as compared to the that on my car. That bobbin needs to rotate along with the steering wheel so that cam bumps on its internal sides can push the stalk plate back to neutral (cancelled) position.

On our cars the meshing of the steering wheel and this bobbin is accomplished by the two very thin roll pins on the back of the steering wheel fitting into the notches in the face of the bobbin. Other cars that the replacement was apparently made for must have another way to connect with the black bobbin, since the margin for error of our pins actually catching the sides of the notches is unreliable at the  best.

Therefore, one solution might be to fabricate a plastic sleeve to fatten up the wall of the thin bobbin. Again, only if you have to give up finding an original.

Ron

[kram350kram]

Maybe a square delrin sleeve pressed on the stock round pins, less chance of slipping off the black Spitfire bobbin. Sort of like this.

 Also, if I remember correctly the Spitfire turn high beam and flash to pass were wired differently. Just have to follow the wires in detail when chanding the plug.