steering column

Hello,
does anyone know where I could find a steering column that does not have the ignition attached?
I would like to mount my current ignition on the dash like it did for the original speedsters.
Thanks,
John (john.wodecki@afco-sc.com)

Mine is out of a '66 beetle. I chose that year because the column doesn't have the ignition switch and the dimmer is on the turning signal.

Jerome

My column is from a '65 and is non-locking. As I recall, John Steele told me any pre '66 is non-locking, but there must be an expert out there somewhere? Now then, push-button or key turn switch to start?

p.s. I believe I also have a marine type key switch to get around the locking problems. (excuse my ignorance, I just don't know anything about the original VW)

John I have a spare. Mine is an original 356, perfect length, no key on column, no lock on column.
E mail me at Gclarke@crcindustries.com


Gclarke

Gary I have a question you might be able to answer. Is the 356 column and turn switch, the same as the 65 bus? From what I have seen they sure look alike.

Hey Barry,
You can use a VW Type 2 (BUS) turn switch, but you'll have to figure out which 3 of the 6 wires to use. A better choice would be a semaphore switch used on VWs from 1953-55 (about $60) As a bonus, the switch will be equipped with screw terminals just like the Porsche version. Also a better choice than the Type 2 switch would be a 1956-59 Beetle turn switch ($40). Identical to the Bus version, but the housing is made of pot metal rather than plastic.
If you ever attend a VW swapmeet, you can also find 3 different accessory turn switches. Two versions have a lighted tip. The lighted tip is a reminder of the turn signals (Red) or the high beam indicator (Blue). Lastly, the 3rd switch available has a button on the end to activate the high beam feature. These acessory swtches can be had for about $75-$120 (used) or $175-$250 (NOS)

Thanks for the responses,
Now,the next question; From the columns I have seen so far, the columns that do not have the ignition just have the turn signals and nothing else.
I believe at one time mine had the option for wipers,& high beam.
I know you can mount a wiper knob on the dash but what about the high beam? My 65 mustang had the high beam button on the floor but how hard would it be to do this and is it really worth it if I can find a column that has it already?
Thanks

Barry, Sorry I don't know, John, no turn stuff either, just a usable , right length column..

Gclarke

Glenn I did use a 65 bus column in my car. I changed it a last fall and with a peace of stainless car antenia,I made dimmer switch for it.
The six wires were no problem I used my meter in beep mode. to feel it out and removed what was not needed.

I had one problem my stearing box had a solid shaft. I used a 1"copper sleave to go inside the column,and over the shaft as a contact race for the horn wire, I ground down a old starter brush for a contact brush,and made a boss on the outer column case for it to mount in . All the conections are under the dash. PERFECT. I even have a red tip on the turn switch that lights up. their is a picture in my web space http.//home.earthlink.net/~oldyelerbh2

John I do have a 70 bus turn switch with dimmer, but you will eather have to paint the stalk or get it chromed.I also have a semaphore switch, but they were not self canceling.I do have a ivory turn switch knob to spare as well.
The outer case is a schose bigger than the 65. but it will go and look closer to correct may work with the wheel you have.
If you come up with a 65 switch. you can cut a peace out of a antenia and soider on a soft copper peace of phone wire as a trigger lead just make sure you ground the turn switch well.

I've got a bus turn signal switch I got NOS from John Steele (still in the origninal packaging)- chrome shaft with a dimmer feature. There were some extra wires, so I figured out what I needed using a multi-meter, and cut out the rest. I'm not sure what year it was, but apparently the bus column was also slightly smaller than the Beetle column, so the opening in the housing need to be enlarged a bit (not a big deal, John told me I would need to). The only problem was that the switch is straight, rather than offset towards the wheel, so the switch ended up about 4" away from the (Nardi) wheel. I solved that by buying a shorter adapter hub for the Nardi from Henry at IM. I put a pin in the back of the adapter hub to cancel the turn signals. The setup now looks VERY original and positions the wheel closer to the dash- I really like the driving position. The stalk has the dimmer feature, cancels and looks original. Both John and Henry were great.

Henry is modifying the less expensive (66 Beetle?) switches by cutting off the stalk and welding on a polished stainless stalk, then installing a foot switch for the brights- smart and MUCH less expensive. Either option corrects what I think is the weak link in the interior (along with the e-brake).

ive got a dimmer in the floor. i think its a pain because there is no real natural place for your left foot to rest or be placed in this car. put it is there and is simply bolted through the floor and wired undernieth the car.

Pre '66 is a bare column...( VS of JPS has these) the wiper switch gets mounted on the dash best with a relay and the dimmer switch is a floor mounted "plunger type".It is an easy three wire/ one is for high/ one is for low and the middle is for the "hot" feed from the headlight relay.
The plunger switch can be mounted onto a inverted " open V " piece of sheet metal and placed offset on the floor where it will not interfere with the left foot resting position. If the carpet is cut carefully it will cover the "V".