Can I use '73-'79 TSS in a '68 ????

[kaptnkaos]

Hey Guys...

Is anyone using a '73-'79 style turn signal switch in their truck???
I keep finding them pretty regularly in wrecking yards... but seldom find one in a bump...
I know they are different, as they have the e-flasher switch built in...
What would be involved in adapting our trucks to be able to use one? Without switching the whole column that is...
It looks like the collar is the same except for the cut out for e-flasher switch...

Thanks guys,
KaptnKA S

[fordman]

if the column is the same length as the one your are using you can swap the whole column. if not then you can swap just the collar that the e-switch goes into. when you get to the bottom of the column you will have to do your own wiring because the 73-79 plugs are different than ours.

[Hawkrod]

Yes, you can do what you want to do. What you need is a 73-77 assembly as teh 78/9 is much different and won't be useful to you. the 73-77 is the same as a 67-72 except it has different plugs on the ends of the wires and has a hazard switch. All you need to do is remove the switch from the donor and then remove the two 7/16 nuts under the switch to take off the turn signal switch housing. You don't even need the collar below it but it is held on with two screws that you do not need to remove. As far as the wiring is concerned, there is only one extra wire and it is for the hazards. To make it work all you need to do is connect that wire to a flasher cannister and hook the other wire from the flasher cannister to a power source that is always hot. It really is that simple. The only warning I would give you is to put the two bolts back into the housing and screw the nuts on one thread before you try and put it back on the column. when you slide the assembly back on the column you have to manipulate the bolts by pushing the nuts around until it slips on and the bolt heads fall into the cut outs on the tube. One other helpful tip is to tie a string to the old wires before you pull them out and leave the string in the column to use to pull the new wires back through later during assembly. Hawkrod

[kaptnkaos]

That's what I wuz thinkin' Hawkod...

I wasn't sure what year the truck I was lookin' at was...
But, the collar had the cut out for the e-flasher button, other that, it visually looked to be exactly the same as mine.
I know where there are a couple of dents at a local yard...
It's gonna be a couple of weeks before I'm gonna be able to get back out there...
I goin' down to Cali this Thurs-Sunday, so prollt be the weekend after that, weather permitting.

KaptnKA S