Steering Column Upper Bearing/Turn Signal Horn Contact

[TimC63]

Does anyone know who sells the upper steering column bearing and horn contact (i think it's one piece)?

I just bought a new turn signal switch which didn't include this piece, and my old one seems to have the horn wire male connector tab broken off.

Thanks in advance for any help.

[Luis_gz06]

Any of the parts vendors should have it. I got mine from Brotherstrucks.

[TimC63]

Brothers...the one vendor I didn't check who actually has it...P/N: USCB063 w/horn wire.

Thanks Luis_gz06!

[1966c10shrtbd]

www.lmctruck.com has them also, on page 75 of their catalog.

[62 short step]

I got mine from Classic Parts.

[LILRED66]

You can also get from:

www.bowtiebits.com
www.truckandcarshop.com
www.oldchevytrucks.com

among the others mentioned above. Good luck and keep us posted on your progress.

[TimC63]

I haven't even seen half of those sites...thanks guys!

The kit I bought from brothers looks exactly like the below which contains a spring and spring seat/retainer deal which my column didn't have when I disassembled it.

Does anyone know in what order these go on to the steering shaft? I'm assuming the spring and seat go on before the turn signal switch and does the seat go on first before the spring? What's the purpose of this spring?

Man...nothing's easy.

[TimC63]

It's never easy...Urggg!

Mission:
To use stock steering wheel with stock horn set-up.

Problem:
Upper column bearing with horn contact wire is a POS...I really hope these are crappy aftermarket designs and not GM's original design.

Specific Problem:
The brass contact ring width is too small and has rubber on either side making the surface area minimal for the steering wheel contact button to make good contact. In my first picture of my old bearing (start of post), the contact ring is ~1/4" wide, giving plenty of space for the the button to make good contact. In the picture with my new bearing, the contact ring is more like ~1/8" and has rubber on both sides. After inserting the bearing into the turn signal switch cavity, the rubber is slightly protruding beyond the contact ring. The combination of these two issues is enough for me to not get 12V on the other side of the contact button. Hopefully I clearly explained this.

Questions:
1. Has anyone see any other type of upper bearing with contact ring sold besides the crappy one I have?
2. It seems as though '64-'66 turn signal switches may come with the bearing and good contact ring...what's the difference between a '63 turn signal switch and a '64-'66 turn signal switch...can I use?

Any help would greatly be appreciated.



1964-66 Turn Signal Switch

[protrash64]

Can you use the old bearing contact or assembly? Add a thin washer? Anything to shim/add surface area?

I feel your pain....I replaced my switch and after lubing up the new assembly it still does not work correctly all the time; the self canceler anyway. The switch did solve my other JB welded POS.

[LostMy65]

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