UPDATE - VIDEO of Horn Rod/Light Switch

[Bob Johnson]

Put the whole thing together and then do your video. Without the switch completely assembled at the bottom of the steering column the horn rod WILL move with the steering wheel. IMHO you are trying to fix a problem that does not exist. Your horn rod / steering wheel / column are fine. If there is a problem it is in the switch at the bottom of the column. Again put the whole thing together and video what happens.


Bob

[Tom Wesenberg]

You DO NOT have a problem. The bushing and horn rod are resting inside a tube that rotates, and until you have something stopping the rod from moving, it will rotate with the steering. The light switch detents are what stops the horn rod from rotating while turning the steering wheel.

I use original parts when possible, but have worked with repro light switches, and they also work.

[700rpm]

Originally Posted by Mitch//pa

...I could be wrong on that but i remember my orig and repo did not mate together right..

I think you're right, Mitch. I had the same experience.

[ericr]

how far down on the light rod have you sanded, from your video it seems as if a bind is occurring further on down the rod and not at the top at the wheel. and sure, I would take the bushing out.

[sconnors]

Originally Posted by ericr

how far down on the light rod have you sanded, from your video it seems as if a bind is occurring further on down the rod and not at the top at the wheel. and sure, I would take the bushing out.

Eric,
I've only sanded the top of the rod about two inches and the very bottom to get the spider on.

[ericr]

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Originally Posted by sconnors

Eric,
I've only sanded the top of the rod about two inches and the very bottom to get the spider on.

have you tried pulling the rod from as far out as you can withdraw it, and then rotating it as you slowly re-insert it, to see if there is one position that feels like it has greater friction than other positions?

[sconnors]

Here is another video after I pulled the steering column out of the truck.
http://youtu.be/BoX7DjFV7Ag

[sconnors]

Originally Posted by Tom Wesenberg

You DO NOT have a problem. The bushing and horn rod are resting inside a tube that rotates, and until you have something stopping the rod from moving, it will rotate with the steering. The light switch detents are what stops the horn rod from rotating while turning the steering wheel.

I use original parts when possible, but have worked with repro light switches, and they also work.

Tom
The other day after everything was installed and the light switch was in place I had the same problem, that's why I took it all apart again. Some have said to dremel the switch contacts and build up the top contacts with solder etc. But there is a problem somewhere because with everything hooked up and the light switch in it still rotates.
Working on it again on Wednesday so I will put it all back together and shoot another video. Perhaps as a last resort I can take the wiring harness back out of the truck and reinstall it using the original light switch body?

[Bob C]

If you have your old harness or just the contact plate (remember never throw
anything away) just install it in the old switch and see if it works.

Bob

[sconnors]

Originally Posted by Bob C

If you have your old harness or just the contact plate (remember never throw
anything away) just install it in the old switch and see if it works.

Bob

Bob,
I have the old harness (and never throw stuff out) but it's pretty much shot. But I do have the old contact plate and switch body.

[sconnors]

Originally Posted by 700rpm

You have original parts on the left in your video. Use them if you can. Regarding your light rod turning, mine did the same thing with the brass ferrule in place. I know it's supposed to be there, but I removed mine and it then worked OK. Your light rod has to be perfectly straight, though, or it will turn regardless. Good video, by the way.

Thanks for the compliment on the video. I'll shoot another when I get it all back together Wednesday

[Brentwood Bob]

the new harness contact plate will work in the old light switch housing and old cover. Do not grind, file, or modify the new plate, but do get it properly positioned so you can feel the detents when the switch is put together.

[sconnors]

Originally Posted by Brentwood Bob

the new harness contact plate will work in the old light switch housing and old cover. Do not grind, file, or modify the new plate, but do get it properly positioned so you can feel the detents when the switch is put together.

Bob,
Thanks for the information. I am have to check and see if the top of my old light switch housing will fit with the lower portion of the new one since it's already in the truck and I would have to take the harness back out to use the old bottom light switch body. Will take your advice about not modifying the new plate.