Problem with SNGB Direction Indicator/Flasher Unit

[wilkinsi]

Just wondering if anyone has experienced similar trouble to us when fitting the new indicator/flasher unit supplied by SNGB (Part Number C21710). When fitted correctly to the steering column the indicator cancel bracket is about half an inch too short and will not operate the self cancelling mechanism.
We have reinstalled the old unit which functions perfectly but this is a different type of design from the repros.
Only reason for buying the new one is the old stalk is badly corroded but looks like we will need to persevere.
Anybody had the same problem?

Cheers
Ian Wilkins
62 FHC 886763
Melbourne, Australia

[abowie]

Only reason for buying the new one is the old stalk is badly corroded but looks like we will need to persevere.
Anybody had the same problem?

Cheers
Ian Wilkins
62 FHC 886763
Melbourne, Australia

Just gently pull the old stalk out from the die cast bit and get it re chromed. This is what I do. The end of the stalk has a fine splining on it.

[paulsco]

Hi Andrew,

"Just gently pull the old stalk out from the die cast bit and get it re chromed. This is what I do. The end of the stalk has a fine splining on it."

I tried to do this, but it was too tight to get out without breaking it.
In the end I just rubbed off all the chrome, polished up the metal and clear coated it.
It looks fine and its only a driver.
I have been very disappointed with the quality of new parts and wherever possible I would rather use originals, even if they are not quite as shiny.

Paul

[neil4444]

Hi Ian,

Half an inch sounds like a big gap. I installed a repro one (as unfortunately I didn't have an original one) per photo below...

indicator.jpg (175.02 KiB) Viewed 8936 times

Can you share a photo of the problem ?

[wilkinsi]

Thanks for the helpful suggestions chaps - the photo was very interesting Neil and the new unit we have is certainly the one in your picture. The problem we have is that the mounting for the indicator unit on our steering column is a brazed on half circle bracket which limits any adjustment and I think this was original on 3.8 steering columns.
Your installation seems to use a moveable separate metal clamp which I imagine allows a bit of movement up or down the column thus allowing the cancelling bracket to properly strike the plastic flexible flange.
Will keep going but favoring re-installing the old item (which is of a more sophisticated design anyway).

Cheers
Ian Wilkins
62 FHC 886763
Melbourne, Australia

[cactusman]

Might be worth contacting SNGB. I bought a repro washer bottle and top mounted pump for my 3.8 a couple of years back. It was a atrocious abomination as the modern pump installed in the repro top had been installed so as to be splashed by the washer fluid. The pump motor was not sealed or intended to get damp much less soaked. Hardly surprising it seized solid within a couple of weeks. Clearly the thing was not fit for purpose so I wrote to SNGB expressing my disappointment...to put it mildly.

I have to say they were excellent. They paid for me to send back the offending top for inspection and, to cut a long story short, redesigned the whole thing. A few weeks later a top was returned completely redesigned with a different pump/motor and revised (and vastly improved) installation that has stood the test of time as three years on it is just fine. I am presuming that all the first iteration tops went in the skip where they belonged and any future customer got the new and far better design.

I am certain they will try and remedy the situation if you contact them and if it does lead to a 're-engineered part that is closer to the original others may benefit too...

[neil4444]

Hi Ian,

Some 3.8 cars had the moveable brackets per mine and some were brazed. I'm not sure what date it changed though. My car was an October 62 build date. What build date is your car ?

Regards,

[wilkinsi]

Hi Neil,
My car is a very similar vintage to yours with a build date of 5th September, 1962 - it is logical that Jaguar might have simplified the steering column as we had to remove the brazed bracket and re-attach it to the other side for the R/H drive conversion.
On closer examination today there is a bump or nodule on both sides of the column where the hole in the bracket sits so the tubular section seems to have been manufactured with both left and right hand drive in mind so perhaps later iterations used a moveable bracket which would have simplified the production process.

Cheers
Ian Wilkins
62 FHC #886763

[abowie]

"

I tried to do this, but it was too tight to get out without breaking it.

Paul

I usually disassemble the indicator, put the stalk in the vice and then gently lever/tap the die cast end off. Haven't broken one yet...

[288gto]

I'm sure there was someone who sold just the stalk, can anyone remember who? I need one.

Simon

[andrewh]

Hi Ian,

Some 3.8 cars had the moveable brackets per mine and some were brazed. I'm not sure what date it changed though. My car was an October 62 build date. What build date is your car ?

Regards,

My FHC is a September 62 and has the brazed bracket fitted. I think ( ???) SNG supply two different flasher switches. Perhaps you should check that you have the correct one for your car. I am going through a similar problem at present with a 66 4.2 in that the brazed bracket is causing my cancel tang to foul the switch. Do keep is posted with your outcome.

[265bhp]

I'm sure there was someone who sold just the stalk, can anyone remember who? I need one.

Simon

Richard Smith
I have seen them on his stall at Stoneleigh

[paulsco]

288gto wrote:
I'm sure there was someone who sold just the stalk, can anyone remember who? I need one.

Simon

I bought one; it was too long and didn't have the splined end.

Paul

[288gto]

288gto wrote:
I'm sure there was someone who sold just the stalk, can anyone remember who? I need one.

Simon

I bought one; it was too long and didn't have the splined end.

Paul

Well within current remanufactured tolerances then!

Simon

[wilkinsi]

Hi Simon

I have seen a guy who regularly sells Jaguar parts on EBay whose name is STEVE HUNT and is based in Birmingham who had the indicator stalks available. If you type his name into the EBay search engine his listings will come up although I see at present he has no stalks listed but may be in the process of manufacturing more.

Cheers
Ian Wilkins
62 FHC#886763
Melbourne, Australia