Steering Column Without Key Ignition Switch

Hi! Im wanna move my ignition switch to the dashboard just like most Speedsters have them; however, my steering column has the switch already attached on the right hand side. What parts do I need to purchase to make this change? Also, is it hard? Can I novice take on this project?

Thanks,
Oscar

Do you know what year directional housing is that used in your car? Does it have just the blinkers/high beam and key switch, or is there also a stalk for the wipers on the opposite side?

If it's just the blinkers/high beam, you have the option of replacing the directional switch and housing with one from an earlier car, extending the steering column, moving the high beam switch to a floor mount, mounting the key switch in the dash and doing a bit of re-wiring to bring the old wires into the new positions. You may need to change out the relays as well, but it all depends on the year of the electrics in your car.

Sounds difficult, but it's pretty straight forward, one-step-at-a-time kinda stuff.

If you also have the wiper switch in the column housing, you'll need to move that as well and will need a wiper switch from a '71 Beetle (or there abouts) and a nice dash knob to finish everything off.

An ALTERNATIVE, is to remove the key switch from the housing, rewire it to the dash, cut the metal key plinth away from the housing, and fill the hole. Sand and paint and it's done.

I've done this twice before and have just completed this change over for my 356SC since I'm using a VW wiring loom, steering box, shaft. column, switches and electrics. If you wanna see some pics, I can soot some and post the PhotoBucket links.

All in all, either way, the key in the dash is a sweet vintage touch and not beyond a dedicated do-it-yourself kinda person.

Luck,

TC

Want to "cheat" just a bit more and avoid a fill and sand? Pop the column ignition switch out and locate a small light that will fit in the opening, you'll have a courtesy light.

TC,

My lights and high beam switch is located in my dash that is controled by pulling out a knob, this also applies to my wipers switch. Though I do have a handle right below my steering wheel, I assume that controled the wipers at one time?

I've also heard that I can downgrade to a 52-57 VW Steering Wheel Column and this would eliminate that handle (the one on the right) and also the housing for the ingition swicth that is attached to the steering column. have you ever heard of this or know somebody that has performed this downgrade?

Oscar

I used the column from the donor car. It was a '70 bug, so it had the cast alumn. piece.
I just took it off, and threw it away! What was left was still long enough to use. I bought the earlier column bearing kit for the top of the column from CIP1.com. As I remember, It was pretty simple to install. I used the steering shaft also. I had to extend it a little but, no biggie.
I had some Harley Fork mount turnsignal brackets that happened to fit the column, so I used them to mount it. I also had some chrome exhaust tubing left over from an earlier Harley project. It fit over the stock column. It buts up to the turn signal switch. Again, no biggie. I removed the internal copper contact ring for the VW horn when fitting the earlier top bearing and anti rattle kit. I just ran wires down the column and used wire that wraps and unwraps around the steering wheel shaft to wire the horn. (Sort of like the setup Nascar or F1 guys uses on their removeable steering wheels). I used coiled wire for this that looks like smaller dia. phone reciever slinkey.
I used dash mounted switches for everything that used to be on the column. The turn signal switch is the 3 wire switch that came on '67 type 1 bugs. The dashmounted windshield wiper switch is out of a pre '70 12V type 1.
SO. Go for it! or just get tubing that's the right inside dia. to carry the steering shaft and bearings and make your own.

Greg

Oscar, I had a steering column made for me by a company call IDIDIT. They make columns for hot rods and customs. I picked out one of their numerous models, had it made to suit a dimensioned drawing that I provided to them, had them provide the steering wheel adapter and mounting supports. The model that I had made has a GM directional switch on the left side, an emergency push/pull knob on the right, and no ignition switch. The columns are available in plain steel, powder coated, or chrome plated.
If you are interested, I will e-mail the drawing with a complete parts list to you.

"I've also heard that I can downgrade to a 52-57 VW Steering Wheel Column and this would eliminate that handle (the one on the right) and also the housing for the ingition swicth that is attached to the steering column. have you ever heard of this or know somebody that has performed this downgrade? "

THAT'S the "correct," best, easiest, and most esthetic way of doing it, 'cept we all call it an "upgrade" around here 'cause it looks So Sweet when you're all done.

Of all the options, that's the most "stock" way of going about it. You can most likely find a complete column, shaft, and good used switch on TheSamba. (You can even search out a Porsche 356 switch if you want, maybe a Pre-A with the little red light on the end.) If you want new, check the various VW suppliers on the web. Someone will have what you need. Exhaust tubing or copper pipe makes a fine steering column and is a snap to cut to length. You can use a urethane collar at the top to act as the "bearing" and go from there.

You've have to work around the way that the early switches cup the bottom of the early steering wheels . . . If you decide to go with a genuine 356A wheel, remember that you'll need the early VW steering shaft as the splines are different. If you were planning on making changes, make them all at once now, and make it easier on yourself later on.

Honestly, what you propose has all been done before and is Easy Peasy once you plot it out.

Luck,

TC

Thank you all for you reply...

TC, thank you so much for confirming what I had heard through the grape vine..

You guys are great!