| column dimmer switch rod [message #355320] |
Mon, 01 June 2020 17:39  |
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pjburt
Messages: 436
Registered: February 2016
Location: Fresno, California
Karma: 1
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I finally got around to converting my upper steering column for electric wipers, cruise, and dimmer. Everything is going fine but... I got a column from an older full size van because the t/s lever closely matched the looks of our stock lever. Everything was going swimmingly until I got to the dimmer rod. The van column was considerably shorter than a passenger car column. Richard Sower's tutorial mentioned having to extend his rod and slot the mounting bracket. My problem is, I need to add about 6 inches to my rod and that would mean I would have to slot my bracket almost the entire length. (The photo looks like his is a shorter addition ?about 1 1/2 inches?)
Does everyone have to slot the bracket and extend the rod or are there different rod lengths? I wanted to check with the rest of you before I head back to the men's mall to find a longer rod.
Thanks, Jerry
Jerry Burt Fresno, CA.
73 Gmc 26' Canyon Lands
Members: FMCA - GMCMI - GMCWS
A truly happy person is one who can enjoy the scenery on a detour.
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| Re: column dimmer switch rod [message #355329 is a reply to message #355320] |
Mon, 01 June 2020 21:23  |
C Boyd
Messages: 2629
Registered: April 2006
Karma: 18
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Senior Member |
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Sir, yes there is one the correct length for the motor home but I don’t know what it came out of. I have found 2, one I believe was out of a Jeep or Mopar cause of the Dana type cruise control switch. What I do is make a sleeve out of brake line and drill both ends to hand press the dimmer rod in it. I make it at least an inch to long. I also make an insert the exact length I need. Mark the orientation of the dimmer rod before cutting it an inch or so from dimmer switch. After checking fit with extension rod inside the sleeve and dimmer rod in both ends I mix up a little JB 5 min epoxy and pack the ends in place in correct orientation. I’m not a good welder but if you are you could weld in an extension and grind down the knot. The switch does have an adjustment and should be considered when measuring and fitting. I have not had to slot the bracket.
pjburt wrote on Mon, 01 June 2020 18:39I finally got around to converting my upper steering column for electric wipers, cruise, and dimmer. Everything is going fine but... I got a column from an older full size van because the t/s lever closely matched the looks of our stock lever. Everything was going swimmingly until I got to the dimmer rod. The van column was considerably shorter than a passenger car column. Richard Sower's tutorial mentioned having to extend his rod and slot the mounting bracket. My problem is, I need to add about 6 inches to my rod and that would mean I would have to slot my bracket almost the entire length. (The photo looks like his is a shorter addition ?about 1 1/2 inches?)
Does everyone have to slot the bracket and extend the rod or are there different rod lengths? I wanted to check with the rest of you before I head back to the men's mall to find a longer rod.
Thanks, Jerry
C. Boyd
76 Crestmont
East Tennessee
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| Re: column dimmer switch rod [message #355347 is a reply to message #355329] |
Tue, 02 June 2020 10:40 |
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pjburt
Messages: 436
Registered: February 2016
Location: Fresno, California
Karma: 1
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Senior Member |
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Thanks for the info, it helps. I don't weld either so JB Weld, of course. Sometimes a person just gets to close to see the obvious. Thanks again.
Jerry Burt Fresno, CA.
73 Gmc 26' Canyon Lands
Members: FMCA - GMCMI - GMCWS
A truly happy person is one who can enjoy the scenery on a detour.
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